Cleaning Aluminum siding

[Clean County]

I know this question has been asked before and I might have been the one that asked it, but once again how does one clean aluminum? I have an old house that has aluminum siding on it that the people want cleaned. I have a hot water landa pw that I will use (especially considering its so cold here in N.Y.) but what chemicals if any should I use to clean this siding. I plan on using bleach with a mix of soap but I'm wondering if this would be to strong on the aluminum. The aluminum is off white in color if that means anything. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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[Mike Hughes]

John,

I dont think your bleach mix will be a problem. However, I do not use hot water on aluminum.....I've been told not to in the past, but I'm not sure it would cause any harm. I always use a larger tip size (less pressure) on aluminum.

Also, if the house is too oxidized (chalky) I just walk away from the job. It is too much work to provide a end result that I am happy with if the siding is too oxidized from the start. That's my opinion on it, I know others feel differently.......but, it is just too aggrevating for my liking. Now, if they want it washed as a paint prep, I'd be happy to do that....

Good luck with the job, and STAY WARM (dry).


Mike

 

[ALL-BRITE]

Like Mike said you have to be careful if it is too oxidized. Rub it with your hand to see how easily itcomes off. In form the customer of the potential of possiblly seeing bare metal. I know I let my chem set a little too long on one house this yr and had to repaint a 2ft by 4ft area. Customer did not even know it till I showed him after I painted it ( they were out of town when I washed it. )
Put it in writing about the potential problems and have the customer sign the estimate so you can cover your butt alittle bit. Give them a copy and you keep one. How I had doing alumiminum houses.
Hope that helped some. Tim

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Tim Highfield
ALL-BRITE POWERWASHING

 

[rvagnoni]

John,

I have to agree with Mike and Tim on this one. You may want to pass on it....Unless the customer is considering painting afterwards.

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Rick - Deck Care Plus

 

[Shane Clardy]

Hey John I agree with the others but you may want to clean a spot then spray some surface wax (HOT) and just see what it looks and feels like . It may Make a Difference .

But If it turns into a paint prep job like Mike if refering ,don't use the wax it won't allow the paint to adhere properly

Good Luck

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Shane C