valle

Vinyl Siding: Has been in vogue as a siding material since 1957. In the last ten years alone, 314 billion square feet of vinyl siding has been installed. Oxidation and fading have been creating warranty problems for manufacturers. In some cases, within two years after installation the chalky appearance that many believe is color oxidation is titanium oxide that is blended into the capstock of the vinyl siding during manufacturing. The purpose of the titanium oxide is to protect thesiding from becoming brittle from the sun’s rays. Once exposed, the siding is now subject to brittleness. Pressure cleaning will not remove the TiO2, as there is an electrostatic bond between the TiO2 particles and the vinyl. A high PH cleaner will remove these particles at the expense of damaging the siding, and pressure washing will create streaking. Applying the proper cleaner and using light agitation will remove the TiO2 without damaging the siding. The homeowner thought that the siding was trouble and maintenance free, not so. Vincent