Stone Siding Care and Maintenance

Stone siding is the ultimate statement when it comes to exterior siding for your house. The beauty and permanence of stone siding will create an impression that will last the life of your home.

Beauty and permanence come at a price, however-stone siding is the most expensive among the many types of house siding. Not only are the transportation and installation requirements high, stone also creates a structural challenge. The sheer weight of the material requires stronger foundations and support construction that also drives up the cost.

If you've taken the plunge and committed to stone siding, you'll want to do everything possible to keep your investment looking its best. Luckily, stone creates a durable surface that is easy to maintain.

But Is It Real Stone Siding?
One way to keep the cost of stone siding reasonable is to use stone veneer. Whether real or manufactured, stone veneer reduces the mass, cost and construction hassle of working with full stones.

One issue that manufactured stone veneer faces is called efflorescence. Efflorescence is caused when moisture brings water-soluble salts to the surface of concrete and other masonry products. Efflorescence appears as a white, powdery substance on the surface of affected materials. Luckily, efflorescence can be removed by mixing one part white vinegar with five parts water. Using the vinegar mixture and scrubbing with a stiff, non-wire brush will quickly remove the material form the surface.

Basic Stone Siding Care
Taking care of stone siding is a straightforward job. These simple tips will get you started:

• What not to use. When cleaning stone siding, avoid the use of wire brushes. Metal will scratch the rock surface. Also, avoid the use of acid or acid-based cleaners. These chemicals can stain or etch the stone and mortar. Finally, resist the urge to use a pressure washer. The high pressure can damage mortar and abrade the surface of stone.
• Easy does it. Accumulated dirt can be removed with a combination of a stiff nylon brush, cheap granulated detergent and clear water. Be sure to rinse your stone siding well after cleaning to remove any soap residue.
• Be careful in winter. When using salt and de-icing chemicals, try to keep them as far away from stone siding as possible. These materials can cause staining and weakening of the mortar that holds the stones in place.