Pressure washing your siding regularly is key to keeping it clean and preventing damage over time. However, there are tricks to doing it properly, especially if you want to clean it during the winter without harming it. Let’s look at some of the top strategies to employ if you plan on pressure washing your siding this winter.
Always Use Hot Water
The amount of pressure employed during pressure washing isn’t the only factor that matters when rinsing down your siding. Water temperature plays a crucial role in pressure washing during cold winter months. You will need to use water with a temperature of 180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This higher water temperature helps to improve evaporation and prevent water from freezing on the siding.
Work During the Right Time of the Day
If you’re using hot water when pressure washing your siding, does it matter when you decide to start washing? Absolutely! Washing when there’s no sunlight, or it’s raining or snowing, means the water will very likely freeze. Aim to start pressure washing during a clear day when the weather is a bit warmer, so the sun can shine directly on your siding to facilitate faster drying.
Keep Your Distance, and Use Light Pressure
Siding is designed to keep the elements out of your home. However, pressure washing can damage even good siding. If the pressure is too high, or you stand too close, you can end up ruining the siding or getting water under it, leaving your home vulnerable to moisture and other issues. Use low pressure and a wide nozzle, and stand at least 12 inches away to prevent damage.
Test Products Before Working With Them
Some products used during the cleaning process, like detergents, don’t work well in the cold. Because of this, it’s important to test all the products you plan on using before you use them on your siding. This will prevent unnecessary delays and save you money. You can also look around online for products that are highly rated for winter use.
Cover Up Fixtures Near Your Siding
The only area you’re aiming to pressure wash is your home’s siding. Still, other things could get splashed with water. If you end up splashing lights, you could damage them. If you end up spraying down vents, they could freeze and become blocked. The same thing goes for door locks. Before you start pressure washing, cover any fixtures that could get sprayed once you start spraying your siding.
You can safely pressure wash your siding in the winter. As long as you use the right products and the right techniques, you can pressure wash your siding on any relatively warm, sunny day. However, it still might be best to hire the experts for house and siding services. Get the help you deserve with Under Pressure in Corvallis, OR. Contact us today!
