Problems That Can Cause Stains & Discolorations In Vinyl Siding
If you have noticed stains and discolorations on your vinyl siding, you may be wondering what could be causing them and why it is happening. After all, vinyl siding is supposed to be virtually maintenance free. Even so, being maintenance free doesn't mean there's no chance of the siding getting stained or discolored.
While a good power-washing can get rid of most stains and discolorations from vinyl siding, it's a good idea to figure out why there's a problem so you can take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few things that can cause stains and discolorations on vinyl siding.
Brown Streaks from Roof Line
Problem: Brown streaks can that run down the siding can be a sign of water damage along your roof line or in your roof. The brown stains come from water that has picked up tannins from wood in the structure of your roof. Typical causes of this type of water damage are from roof ice dam formations and clogged gutters.
Prevention: The only way to prevent continuing problems with brown streaks is to repair the cause of the water damage. If you aren't aware of any water damage in your roof or along the roof line, hire a home inspection service to use an infrared camera to detect water damage inside the walls and other hidden structures.
Algae Along Studs
Problem: Temperature variances across the exterior surface of your home can result in the growth of algae in the warmer areas, such as where exterior wall studs are located. Wall studs can produce a phenomenon called thermal bridging. Algae prefer warmth over cold.
Prevention: Install a thermal barrier underneath the vinyl siding. Of course, to do this you'll need to remove the vinyl siding and then replace it after the barrier is installed, which means it's a good time to consider installing new vinyl siding.
White Spots All Over
Problem: If you use a lawn sprinkler system and drops fall on your home's siding, white spots can form as the water dries, especially if the water is hard. The white spots are actually dried mineral deposits.
Prevention: If possible, relocate or adjust the lawn sprinkler system so the spray no longer hits the siding. Alternatively, install a whole-house water softening system to eliminate the hard water stains on your siding as well as throughout your home.
Ask a remodeling contractor or a vinyl siding specialist, such as those found at Four Seasons Home Products, if you are unable to find the cause of your stain and discoloration problems.