One of the lowest maintenance siding materials on the market today is EDCO steel siding. Its minimal upkeep requirements are one of the most significant benefits of covering your home with it. If you’ve ever had masonite or wood siding, then you know how draining their maintenance needs can be on your time and money.
EDCO steel siding only requires low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean “no maintenance.”
Here are some simple ways to help your steel siding look its best over its lifetime.
3 Simple EDCO Steel Siding Maintenance Tips
1. Inspect your siding
Every spring and fall (and after severe storms), it’s wise to inspect your steel siding visually. Walk around your home and make sure your siding is intact and performing as it was designed to do. Look for damage to siding panels and address any issues promptly to avoid any further problems. After high winds and severe storms move through the area, ensure your siding is problem free. This simple practice will save you time and money in the future.
2. Wash your siding
To wash your siding, make a cleaning solution by dissolving one cup of a non-abrasive detergent (with less than 0.5% phosphate) into five gallons of water. Use a hand sprayer to apply the cleaning mixture. A soft bristle brush removes dirt and dust from your home exterior.
If there are stains on your siding panels, apply your cleaning solution to them for just a few minutes and then rinse off.
Immediately after cleaning, rinse your siding thoroughly to avoid damaging its finish.
Other tips to successfully wash your steel siding include:
- Work in sections while washing your siding. One step at a time is an excellent approach to cleaning your home. Wash and thoroughly rinse your siding in one area before moving to the next section.
- Work from the bottom up as you clean.
- Turn your outdoor electricity off while washing your home. Flip the breakers off to your outdoor lights and outdoor wall outlets. Make sure all electrical cords are safely stowed away before you use your garden hose.
- Clean your siding on a cool, cloudy day when your siding is not hot.
- Test your cleaning solution on a small, obscure area of your siding to ensure it works well and will not cause damage.
- Never use de-icing salts near your EDCO siding. Salt can permanently damage it and void your EDCO steel siding’s warranty. Instead, use gravel or sand to manage slippery surfaces during the winter.
3. Protect Your Steel Siding
- Don’t scratch it up – Keep the protective coating on your EDCO steel siding panels intact, and avoid scratching them when you lean your ladder against your home. When using a ladder while cleaning your siding, add padded stabilizers to protect your metal siding’s finish.
- Avoid denting it – Don’t power wash your steel siding, as it could dent or damage your panels and void your warranty!
- Keep its finish intact – When using any cleaning solutions on your siding, make sure they are safe for your EDCO siding’s finish. Avoid removing your siding’s paint or finish by ensuring your choice of cleaning solution is compatible with your siding.
Talk with the manufacturer if you aren’t sure what to use, and verify that your warranty will stay intact when using that cleaning solution. Read the label on any product you use, and ensure it won’t harm your siding, you, or the landscaping surrounding your home.
Why We Love Minnesota-made EDCO Steel Siding
Engineered in Minnesota, beautiful EDCO steel siding is fire-resistant and backed by a lifetime warranty and stands up to severe weather. When installed by a reputable team of professionals (like us!) and properly maintained, it can last up to 40 years. Choose from classic lap siding, historic colonial style dutchlap, and trendy vertical panels, or mimic the look of cedar shakes.
The Beauty and Benefits of EDCO Steel Siding for Your Twin Cities Home
At Beissel Window & Siding, we’re a family-owned company. We have a great relationship with the local Minnesota company—EDCO Products—which manufactures steel siding and roofing.
We rely on industry-leading products like gorgeous, customizable EDCO steel siding to deliver durable protection for your Twin Cities home. Learn more about our EDCO Steel Siding services.
