Pressure washing is an excellent way to thoroughly clean surfaces such as walkways, pavements, and house sidings. This is because it uses water delivered at very high pressure. A pressure washer you can buy in a store can have pressures as high as 2800 pounds per square inch. This handily blasts away dirt and grime. But can this pressure damage your siding, which may be made of aluminum, wood, or vinyl? Wrongly used, a pressure washer can even damage brick and concrete. Here are ways the experts pressure wash siding without damaging it.
Prepare the Area First
The area needs to be protected even before the pressure washing session. Cover or remove outdoor lights, your air conditioner compressor, and plants. Close the windows, and make sure that the spray stays away from the glass.
Start at a Low Pressure
During a pressure washing job, professionals usually start at low pressure and adjust it upward if it’s necessary. They use enough pressure to get the siding clean.
Use the Right Cleansers
When pressure washing, make sure you use a detergent that’s made to be used with a pressure washer and that’s made for the material you’re cleaning. Avoid using harsh cleansers such as bleach or even oven cleaner. These cleansers are already able to eat into a surface, and pairing them with a pressure washer can cause even more damage. Even before you start the pressure washing job, read, understand, and follow the instructions that come with the cleanser.
Use a Brush First
If there are areas on the siding that are truly grungy, try using a rotating brush on them before applying the pressure washer. These brushes can actually be attached to the end of the washer and can even apply cleanser. Allow the applied soap some time to loosen the dirt, but rinse it away before it dries.
Keep Your Distance
Because the pressure washer is so powerful, it’s best to stand a good distance away from the siding while you use it. This is true even when you’re starting at a low pressure.
Don’t Concentrate the Spray
Another way to avoid damaging your siding is to never hold the spray on one area for too long. Keep the wand moving, and don’t spray directly upward. This can force water between the slats or boards of the siding, which can hurt the insulation of your walls. Hold the wand at a 90-degree angle, and sweep it from top to bottom.
Need More Tips for Pressure Washing? Give Us a Call
Pressure washing is an easy and quick way to clean the siding of your home, but it needs to be done in the right way to avoid damage. If you need pressure washing for your siding, don’t hesitate to call our professionals at Under Pressure of Corvallis, OR.
