The "White Powder" Problem: Why Your Hermantown Siding Looks Faded
If you’ve walked past your home in Hermantown and noticed a white, chalky residue on your siding, you aren't alone. Whether you live near Hawk Ridge or closer to Hermantown High School, our local climate and sun exposure create a unique problem for vinyl and composite siding: Oxidation.
What is Oxidation?
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when UV rays from the sun break down the outer layer of your vinyl siding. This creates a chalky film that makes your home look dull, faded, and aged. If you’ve ever tried to spray this off with a garden hose and noticed it looks "splotchy" once it dries, you’ve seen oxidation in action.
The Danger of High Pressure
The biggest mistake homeowners make is trying to "blast" this chalk away. Using high pressure on oxidized siding can:
Leave Permanent Wand Marks: High pressure strips the remaining finish unevenly, leaving visible "tiger stripes" on your home.
Force Water Behind Siding: This leads to mold and mildew growth inside your walls.
Void Your Warranty: Most siding manufacturers will void your warranty if high pressure is used for cleaning.
How We Restore Your Siding
At Up North Pressure Washing, we don't just "wash"—we restore. Our Hermantown-specific process includes:
The Finger Test: We check the level of oxidation to determine the correct chemical balance.
Specialized Restoration Surfactants: We use eco-friendly cleaners designed to break the bond of the chalky film without damaging the material underneath.
Low-Pressure Soft Wash: A gentle rinse that leaves your home looking like the day it was installed.
The Up North Guarantee
We know your home is your biggest investment. That’s why every house wash we do in Hermantown is fully insured, 5-star rated, and backed by our signature 2-year guarantee. If organic growth returns within 24 months, we make it right.
