Boasting function and form, cedar siding and fence are an attractive exterior siding material for your home. Cedar offers a timeless, welcoming appeal and is less likely to rot, warp, and crack. While the list of benefits associated with cedar siding and cedar fences is extensive, mold, dirt, and other pollutants can accumulate to create dingy dark streaks. 

Fortunately, you can restore the beauty of your cedar siding or cedar fence by properly cleaning it.  Let’s take a closer look at how you can restore the original beauty and natural charm of your cedar and other types of siding without damaging the material. 

Why Is My Cedar Turning Black? 

In addition to dirt and pollutants, your cedar siding can be turned black or brown because of tannin staining. Tannins are a class of biomolecules that occur abundantly in nature — primarily in the bark of trees, leaves, fruits, and grapes. However, a common problem homeowners have with cedar siding and cedar fencing is extractive bleeding and tannin staining. Cedar bleed occurs as the natural tannins in wood are pulled to the surface and then deposited on the exterior face of the cedar.

When this happens, the tannins will have a reddish-brown discoloration. Even worse, when tannins mix with iron and metal (such as nails), a chemical reaction occurs that will cause an unsightly black stain to occur. Simultaneously, mold and mildew can cause your cedar to be discolored. 

Can I Pressure Wash My Cedar Siding and Fence?

Pressure washing is the use of a high force of water pressure to clean exterior surfaces. Using this method on your cedar siding often causes much more harm than good. For example, you can force water under the exterior surface and soak the wall cavities if the pressure is too high. Once this happens, it can serve as a Petri dish for mold while causing damage to wiring and insulation.

How Can I Make My Cedar Siding Look Like New Again?

The best way to restore your cedar siding or cedar fence to its original glory is with soft washing. Instead of the robust streams of high-pressure water used in pressure washing, soft washing uses a low-pressure technique with a special mixture of highly effective and biodegradable cleaning solutions. The gentle, but effective stream of water is mixed with a proprietary blend of safe detergent that works to clean tannin staining while killing and removing algae, mildew, bacteria, mold, dirt, and other pollutants that cause the unsightly black streaks. 

With soft washing, you don’t have to worry about harming the soft cedar material. By using the soft washing technique on your cedar siding, you can confidently restore your home and property to its original glory without worrying about causing damage. 

Contact Gulf2Bay SoftWash for Cedar Siding Restoration

Don’t let unsightly tannin staining and dark streaks on your cedar destroy the appeal of your home. At Gulf2Bay, we offer a proven soft wash technique that can safely and efficiently restore your cedar and restore the timeless appeal of your home. 

Ready to learn more? Contact Gulf2Bay SoftWash today.