When homeowners are in the market for new replacement siding, they often look for certain characteristics, such as looks, durability, and efficiency. Stone veneer checks all the boxes, making it a popular replacement siding choice.
Although stone veneer requires very minimal maintenance, knowing how to properly care for it can help ensure it continues to look beautiful year after year. Here, Garden State Brickface and Siding, which specializes in stone veneer installation, details how easy it is to clean the building material and what you should avoid with maintenance to preserve its integrity.
Soap and Water Is All You Need
Some homeowners might think that to successfully clean their stone veneer siding requires using powerful chemical and cleaning solutions. However, any chemical or acid-based cleaners can potentially end up damaging the stone veneer siding, leading the homeowner to a host of unwanted and costly problems. For example, harsh chemicals can leave noticeable stains on the finish, resulting in an unsightly finished product that needs replacing.
Instead, the best way to deep clean stone veneer siding is with dish soap and warm water. Homeowners or property owners wishing to clean their stone veneer siding can start by filling a bucket with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Mix the soap in with the warm water until it creates a soapy solution.
Dip a soft bristle brush or sponger into the cleaning solution to dampen it and then gently scrub the stone veneer siding in a circular motion. Be careful not to scrub the building material too hard, as this can cause damage. Continuously rinse the brush in the cleaning solution to prevent spreading dirt on the siding. After gently applying the cleaning solution and being satisfied with the results, rinse the stone veneer with water from a garden hose to ensure no soapy residue remains.
Avoid Pressure Washing
There are numerous cleaning accessories available to help make removing dirt and grime from your siding easier, but not all are safe. To maintain the integrity of your stone veneer siding and prevent damage, some precautions are important to remember.
For one, several homeowners elect to use a pressure washer to clean their veneer siding because it speeds up the cleaning process. However, the high-intensity water sprayed from a pressure washer can easily dig into the siding, causing water to reach places where it can cause damage.
Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid using any wire brush or comparable cleaning tool. This is because wire brushes and similar cleaning accessories can leave irreparable scratches and marks that ruin the look of your house.
Other Ways to Maintain Your Stone Veneer Siding
Cleaning is an important step for maintaining the look and structural integrity of your stone veneer siding, but it’s only required periodically. To ensure their veneer siding continues to look and function as intended, homeowners should conduct inspections much more regularly. Property owners should make it a habit to examine their stone siding for damaged or loose stones.
This routine check can be performed every couple of months and only takes a few minutes. Doing so prevents leaving damage unaddressed. If you already routinely check your home’s windows, gutters, and other exterior elements, add a siding inspection for superior protection.
The Stone Veneer Pros at Garden State Brickface and Siding
Garden State Brickface and Siding offers manufactured stone veneer that offers the same authentic look of a hand-carved stone face without the pitfalls and price. With over 70 years of experience serving clients throughout central and northern New Jersey, our team performs a wide range of professional stone veneer services, including:
- Siding installation
- Stone veneer steps
- Stone veneer foundation
- Stone veneer chimney
As part of a continuous effort to maintain our reputation as a leading provider of high-quality building materials, we use materials from Dutch Quality Stone. Developed by artisans from Amish Country in Ohio, Dutch Quality Stone combines traditional craftsmanship with modern processes to create a beautiful and long-lasting product.
In addition to top-quality professional services, Garden State Brickface and Siding is also pleased to offer clients financing to help make home exterior renovations more manageable. We offer no-interest, low-monthly payment financing options through GreenSky for clients who qualify. Interest accrues from the purchase date, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid in full before the expiration of the financing period.
Homeowners who want to learn more about how to properly maintain stone veneer siding, and the selection at Garden State Brickface and Siding, can contact us today at 908-241-5900.
