The Finger Test: Why Your Siding Looks Chalky and How to Fix It
hat is that White Powder?
If you’ve ever walked past your house, brushed against the siding, and ended up with a white, chalky powder on your clothes, you've found oxidation. In Duluth, our intense summer sun (UV rays) actually breaks down the outer layer of your vinyl siding, turning the plastic into a powdery residue.
How to Do the "Finger Test"
You don’t need fancy tools to check for this.
Find a side of your house that gets the most sun.
Run your finger firmly across the siding.
If your finger looks like you just touched a chalkboard, your siding is oxidized.
Why a Regular House Wash Won’t Fix It
This is a common misconception. A standard soft wash is designed to kill organic growth like mold and algae. However, oxidation is damage to the material itself, not just dirt.
The Danger of High Pressure: Never try to "blast" this chalk away with a high-pressure washer. Doing so can leave permanent "wand marks" and streaks that look worse than the original oxidation.
Our Restoration Secret: To truly remove oxidation, we use specialized restoration chemicals (like Cleansol BC or Ox-Knox). We apply these professional-grade degreasers, often agitating them with a soft-bristle brush, to safely lift the chalky layer and reveal the original vibrant color beneath.
Save Thousands on Siding Replacement
Many homeowners think they need to spend $15,000+ to replace their faded siding. In many cases, our professional oxidation removal service can restore the look of your home for a small fraction of that cost.
