Removing Black Spots From Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding may appear maintenance free but if you are the proud owner of a home with siding you have already learned that it simply isn t so.

Removing black spots from vinyl siding.

The black tar like spots that are all over your vinyl siding are more than likely a fungus called sphaerobolus stellatus better known as artillery or shotgun fungus although it s most often found on the east coast it can grow anywhere and especially thrives in areas that have cool damp springs or rainy fall weather conditions. Standard household cleaners won t necessarily remove. Vinyl siding is very popular due to its durability and simple maintenance. Dirt and insect secretion stains however can adhere to vinyl siding attracting molds mildews and algae.

Over time and through repeated changes in weather vinyl siding will attract and develop mold or mildew spots especially in north facing and other shaded areas. Insect stains and other debris can be removed by simply cleaning vinyl siding with household cleaners. For tough spots like paint drips tar and pencil and pen marks use a nonabrasive bathtub cleaner or nylon scrub pad. When mildew gains a foothold homeowners often turn to diluted chlorine bleach sodium hypochlorite a k a.

Also known as artillery or cannonball fungus sphaerobolus it uses internal water pressure to forcefully fire its spores similar to seeds up to 20 feet away the fungus sets its sights on bright areas so that means it will aim for any pale surface that reflects light such as the siding on your house. Vinyl siding requires care to keep it looking its best. Read on and we ll show you how to clean vinyl siding the right way. Luckily cleaning vinyl siding is a fairly easy job and there are a wide variety of products to help remove typical stains.

Your standard household whitener it appears to make mildew vanish but on porous surfaces such as wood or vinyl siding chlorine evaporates too quickly to get to the fungi s roots guaranteeing regrowth. The vinyl siding institute yes there really is such an organization offers some helpful and specific tips for dealing with stubborn moldy spots on your siding. As rainwater and condensation accumulate on vinyl siding it can develop black spots of mold and mildew. It needs to be properly cleaned and stains removed to keep it from looking dirty and dingy.