Aluminum Siding Chalking

Check your siding first for signs of mildew chalking and needed repairs.

Aluminum siding chalking.

While aluminum siding is rigid and holds up well to the environment chalk will show up eventually. I ll show you how to clean aluminum siding and remove that chalky residue easily without power washing. To clean your aluminum siding choose a dry windless day. With all aluminum siding painting projects washing is the most important part.

Rub your hand along the siding when it is dry to check for chalking which is common. This can be done by using an aluminum siding cleaning product that can be purchased at many home improvement stores along with a scrub brush or abrasive sponge and some good old fashioned elbow grease. If a powdery substance comes off don t be alarmed because this is chalking which is normal in paint made for aluminum substances. Once you ve determined what cleaning method to use try to work in the shade as much as possible.

The uv rays from the sun breaks down the paint fades aluminum siding and creates chalking. The key to painting aluminum siding is to get it. Factory finished siding can develop an excessively thick chalk layer and may require power washing to ensure complete chalk removal. The oxidation that occurs with aluminum siding results in the build up of a chalk like substance on the siding itself which can easily be seen by wiping your hand across the aluminum.

Aluminum siding first began appearing on homes in the early 1960s. This oxidation that occurs on aluminum siding results in the build up of a chalk like substance on the siding itself which can easily be seen by wiping your hand across the aluminum. This powdery substance acts as a. It is advertised as low maintenance.

Not adequately sealing a porous surface. Read this before you power wash your aluminum siding. Although it seems like a big job getting rid of the chalk is surprisingly easy. Use of an interior paint for an outdoor application.

Oil based paints tend to chalk more than latex formulations. Use of a low grade highly pigmented paint. Chalk removal raises the value of the home and is much less expensive than siding replacement. I ll admit i hate our aluminum siding.

The problem however is that this product experiences corrosion especially in areas of high humidity or salty ocean winds. If your aluminum siding has developed a chalky residue or is faded stained or just plain the wrong color fear not. This is called chalking and essentially is the existing paint breaking down from the weather. It dents easily and the red color is difficult to coordinate with outdoor decor.

You can paint it. If your hand is chalky then you have to remove the chalk before you paint. Here s how to prepare the surface and choose your paint.