The safest way of removing snow from vinyl siding is to brush it off gently with a soft, long-bristled brush, working from the top of the wall down. Skip the shovel, the ice scraper and anything else with a hard edge. Here is how to do it without damaging your home, and what else to watch for during a Connecticut winter.
Why Snow on Vinyl Siding Is Worth Dealing With
After a storm, wind-driven snow often clings to the walls of a house, and drifts pile up against the lower courses. Vinyl becomes more brittle in cold weather, so the weight of packed snow and ice, or a careless knock from a tool, can crack a panel.
Snow that sits against the house also keeps the wall wet as it melts. Clearing it away lets the siding dry and gives you a chance to look at the wall itself.
Removing Snow from Vinyl Siding the Right Way
Use a soft brush, not a shovel
A long-bristled brush or a soft broom will loosen snow so it falls to the ground. A shovel can scratch or dent the panels, and in freezing temperatures it can crack them.
Work from the top down
Start at the highest point you can reach safely from the ground and work toward the bottom. That way you are not pushing fresh snow onto a section you have already cleared.
Leave stuck ice alone
If ice has frozen onto the siding, do not chip at it. Let it melt on its own. Forcing it off is one of the easiest ways to break a cold panel.
Clear drifts around doors and windows too
Snow piled against thresholds and sills holds moisture where you least want it. Brush it away from door frames and window sills while you are out there. If you notice drafts or frost on the inside of the glass afterward, it may be time to look at vinyl replacement windows or a tighter-sealing door.
Check and Clean the Siding Once the Snow Is Gone
With the wall clear, walk around the house and look for cracked, loose or warped panels. Small problems are easier to deal with before the next storm.
When the weather is mild enough, wash off dirt and any mold or mildew. A solution of vinegar and water works for general cleaning. Getting rid of grime early, before it spreads, helps the siding last longer.
How Temperature Swings Affect Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding expands when it warms up and contracts when it gets cold. Good-quality siding that was installed correctly has enough room to move, so it handles those changes without damage.
Low-quality siding, or siding that was nailed too tightly, has nowhere to go. It can buckle, crack and wear out years before it should. If you see the same panels failing winter after winter, installation is a likely cause.
Protecting the Rest of Your Exterior in Winter
Siding is only one part of the picture. Entrances take a beating from snow, ice and road salt. A well-fitted storm door adds a layer of protection in front of your entry door, and door canopies and window awnings keep snow and dripping meltwater off the steps and the doorway.
Icy steps are another winter hazard. Sturdy aluminum or wrought iron railings give family and visitors something solid to hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a shovel to remove snow from vinyl siding?
No. A shovel can scratch, dent or crack the panels, especially in the cold. Use a soft brush or broom.
Should I knock ice off my siding?
No. Let ice melt naturally. Chipping or prying at it is likely to break the vinyl underneath.
Does cold weather damage vinyl siding?
Cold alone should not harm quality siding that was installed with room to expand and contract. Problems usually come from impacts, heavy packed snow and ice, or panels that were fastened too tightly.
Need Help Getting Your Home Ready for Winter?
Aladdin has worked on Connecticut homes since 1949. If winter has shown you a drafty window, a worn door or steps that need a railing, contact Aladdin or call (203) 776-9996 to request an estimate.