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I am installing rough sawn board and batton siding, planed on one side, over horizontal nominal 1×4 furring strips attached over tyvek over standard sheathed walls. Between the furring strips I put 1/2-inch styrofoam. This theoretically leaves a 1/4-inch of airspace between the back of the siding and the foam.
The siding was air-dried under tarps for a year. It is dirty and stained in places, a little weathered where it stuck out of the tarp, and occaisionally a little mold. The installation is very tight throughout, including battons and window trim, and caulked around windows well.
I need to clean it up prior to applying a finish to it. Does anyone have suggestions how to properly do this, i.e., power washing vs. hose washing?, type of cleanser?, drying time before applying finish?
thanks.
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I am installing rough sawn board and batton siding, planed on one side, over horizontal nominal 1x4 furring strips attached over tyvek over standard sheathed walls. Between the furring strips I put 1/2-inch styrofoam. This theoretically leaves a 1/4-inch of airspace between the back of the siding and the foam.
The siding was air-dried under tarps for a year. It is dirty and stained in places, a little weathered where it stuck out of the tarp, and occaisionally a little mold. The installation is very tight throughout, including battons and window trim, and caulked around windows well.
I need to clean it up prior to applying a finish to it. Does anyone have suggestions how to properly do this, i.e., power washing vs. hose washing?, type of cleanser?, drying time before applying finish?
thanks.
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If you use a pressure washer, be careful that you do not damage the wood. A solution of TSP (trisodium phosphate), household bleach, and water, applied with a long handled brush and some elbow grease will work just fine. Rinse well with a garden hose. A little more effort, but far less likely to damage the wood than a pressure washer. There are also some commercial deck and siding cleaners that work well. Cabot's is one that I've had good luck with.