Name: Urban Siding
Address: Calgary, Alberta, Canada, AB
Telephone: (403) 354-4600

As we are quickly approaching winter here in Calgary, siding repair is coming to a close. However, if you choose the day right, September is the perfect month to get the last of your outdoor chores squared away. One chore that you may have neglected through our wonderful summer (no shame) is cleaning your aluminum siding.

Aluminum siding is a popular choice for homeowners and builders alike, but it can get dirty over time, like all siding. Luckily, cleaning this area of your home is relatively easy when you follow the right steps. Continue on to learn a simple, 3-step method to cleaning your aluminum siding.

3 Steps to Clean Siding

Step 1: The Rinse

The first step is rinsing. You can use your garden hose with a spray head attachment, or simply put your thumb over the end to create extra pressure. For proper rinsing, start at the top of your siding and work your way down. This way will help you ensure all the debris and detritus has the opportunity to reach the ground.

Step 2: The Scrub

The second step is scrubbing your siding. First, prepare a cleaning solution with your favourite all-purpose cleaner and hot water. A ratio of 5:1 for water should be acceptable, but any further dilution will only moderately increase the required elbow grease. Again, you want to move from top to bottom during the scrubbing phase. The first step of rinsing should make the caked-on dirt and grime easily removable at this point.

Step 3: The Wash

Finally, all that is left to do is wash off the loosened dirt. As you wash the areas, make sure to look out for stubborn dirt spots or mildew areas. Occasionally, these deposits can build up if they are not regularly cleaned. Luckily, it is easy to remove even the most stuck-on messes.

If you have an issue with these remaining areas of unsightliness, first try using a pressure washer. They are easy to find for rent and can lend a big hand for exterior cleaning activities. Otherwise, if you know that a good scrubbing is required, try using a bleach and water solution.

For All Things Siding: Repair, Replacement, Installation

In closing, you may find even greater problems as you clean your siding. Cracked or chipped areas, at least for vinyl siding, are quite common. For aluminum materials, you may find upturned corners or stubborn messes. Therefore, the best place to call for all things siding repair is Urban Siding. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Urban Siding is the top siding contractor in Calgary. As your trusted siding company in Calgary, we stand out from others through our professionalism, quality of work and valuable siding materials. We provide siding installation, siding replacement and siding repairs in Calgary, specializing in vinyl siding. You can count on Urban Siding to be the Calgary siding contractor that offers quality services at the best price. Contact us at (403) 354-4600 for a free, detailed quote.

Installed correctly, siding can last between 10 and 50 years. Unfortunately, a lack of maintenance can lead to deterioration and, therefore, replacement. If the time calls for siding installation in Calgary, it is advisable to replace your current siding with vinyl siding. Here’s why.

Why Choose Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding was developed as an alternative to aluminum. By being cheaper than its metal cousin, vinyl siding has remained one of the most affordable siding options on the market. For its price, you can experience a wide range of advantages that can add value to your home, such as:

Extreme durability
Resistance to water, weather and fire damage
Strong against hail and wind storms
A wide selection of colors and styles
Low-level of maintenance (and therefore maintenance costs)
Minimal costs for siding repairs in Calgary
Eco-friendly compared to other options
Cost-effective in installation, product and longevity
Can last up to 60 years if maintained properly

As you can read, it’s a valuable material that is well worth the investment and remains a popular choice among new home builders and homeowners looking to replace wood or aluminum siding. However, before investing in it, you should consider what can impact your installation project’s cost.

What Can Impact the Cost of Siding Replacement in Calgary?

Estimating your vinyl siding project is a tedious job, especially considering several factors that can affect the overall cost. When considering replacing your siding with vinyl, make a note of the following factors:

The Manufacturer and Their Product Quality
Certain manufacturers make better quality vinyl siding than others. Who you choose will impact the price of the project, as the better the products, the more it costs you.

The Replacement Job Itself
The removal of your old siding will set you back as it requires labour and time. The more damaged the siding, the more it might cost you in terms of removal.

The Siding Installation in Calgary
The installation will set you back as it requires labour and time. You should speak to different siding companies in Calgary to see how much the installations project will cost you.

The Quality of the Company
Each company charges its own rates for labour and the project. You might pay more for a better contractor, but the service will be better.

These factors will impact the overall cost of your project. You have to consider all of them before deciding on how you want to proceed.

How Much Does Siding Vinyl Cost in Calgary?

On average, installing vinyl siding will cost you anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on the manufacturer’s quality. Therefore, on average, for a 1,500 sq. Ft home, it can cost anywhere between $4,500 to $15,000 to replace your siding with vinyl.

However, considering the long-term value that comes with vinyl siding, it is a smart decision.

Something that a fair amount of people overlook when examining the exterior of their home is the accessibility of changing the aesthetic. Of course, many people choose to simply start a garden, or make ground-level adjustments to their property, but they tend to miss one of the largest, changeable areas.

That’s right; we are referring to the siding of your home. Calgary siding is very common, easy to work with, and also remarkably changeable. One of the easiest ways for a person to change the aesthetic of the home is to put on a fresh coat of paint over top of the siding, and the process isn’t exceptionally difficult. Below, you will learn about the necessary steps to paint your siding.

5 Steps to Painting Siding in Calgary

1. Surface Preparation

The first step in any painting process, and especially with Calgary siding painting, is the surface preparation. This stage involves cleaning all of the paintable surfaces. However, it isn’t as simple as spraying everything down with a pressure washer and moving onto the paint application. No, instead, you would be better off to wash the surfaces by hand.

You may, at this point, feel that the demand is much too high for the project if you are handwashing every surface, but wait. Consider washing one area at a time, and already it will feel like less work. Similarly, divide the work with a friend and swap tasks at regular intervals to keep the activities fresh and pleasant. In these ways, the cleaning will occur properly and without too much doom and gloom, hopefully.

2. Paint Selection

The paint selection part of the process is relatively simple. If you have access to a quality paint manufacturer or distributor, that is. Typically, you will need to find acrylic latex paint (in a shade you like, of course), and that should be sufficient. Although, you can ask your manufacturer/ distributor for other “vinyl-safe” options or other recommendations that they might have at an individual level.

3. Material Procurement

Material procurement should be straightforward.

Cleaning supplies, including lots of rags
2” paint rollers and their handles
2” or 3” sash brush
Masking or painters tape
Roller tray

Consider your project specifically, and add any items you think may benefit your painting.

4. The Painting

As we mentioned above, make sure you have a buddy for the painting process. Not only does this cut down on the cleaning you have to do, but when you are working off the roof, having a friend to watch your back is essential. Remember, safety is tantamount in any project, and painting is no exception.

5. Quality Control

After you finish the cleaning and painting, consult your paint pail for the drying time. Or, speak with your manufacturer/ distributor at the purchasing phase and inquire about the time. Once the paint cures, make sure you go through and do any touch-ups on spots that look light or missed. This step will easily, and quickly, transform your project from good to great!