Benefits of Pressure Washing Siding
Pressure washing siding is one of the best ways to remove mildew, algae, moss, and other contaminants. It can also make your home look fresh and new, increasing its curb appeal.
However, it’s important to use the right pressure and nozzle settings when cleaning your house siding. Using the wrong settings can cause damage to your home’s exterior, or even penetrate into your walls, causing mold and mildew growth.
Cost
It is a quick and inexpensive way to clean dirt, mildew, and other surface buildup from vinyl, aluminum, steel, wood, and stucco siding. It can also prep a home’s exterior for a fresh coat of paint and keep it looking its best. It should be noted, however, that both methods can damage some surfaces if used incorrectly or applied too forcefully. That includes electrical wiring, insulation and mold growth, all of which can be costly to repair or replace.
To prevent this, use a low gallons-per-minute setting and a wide nozzle. Be sure to test your machine on a small, out-of-the-way spot before you start spraying your entire house. A professional pressure washing contractor will charge between hundred dollars per hour to power wash your home’s siding. The cost will be slightly higher if the siding is stone or has special materials like Hardie siding (a specialized type of fiber cement).
Materials
Pressure washing helps to remove dirt, mildew, and mold growth that can deteriorate your home’s curb appeal. This is particularly important to homeowners who plan on selling their property.
Vinyl Siding
Most types of vinyl siding are pliable and able to withstand pressure washing without any issues. Fiber cement and aluminum siding are not as pliable, but they still can be cleaned using a low-pressure setting and a broad option on the sprayer wand.
Brick Siding
Many property owners prefer brick as a siding because it offers an elegant and classic appearance. Brick is also very durable and can last up to 25 years.
The best way to clean brick is to use a pressure washer with a lower pressure setting and a nozzle that is angled away from the house. Alternatively, you can also clean brick using a brush and water.
Safety
Pressure washing siding is an excellent way to remove dirt and debris from your home’s exterior. But it’s not without risk, so be sure to follow proper safety procedures to avoid damage or injuries.
First, make sure you know the type of surface you’re cleaning, and adjust your pressure settings accordingly. This will keep water from penetrating deep into the siding and causing damage.
Next, ensure you’re wearing eye protection. This will help prevent damage to your eyes from flying shards of dirt or rocks, which could cause permanent harm.
Also, don’t forget to protect your surroundings from any spray that might accidentally hit them, such as screens, windows, and planters. You never want to risk a rogue blast that’s going to ruin your favorite lawn ornament!
Finally, you should not use the power washer to clean electrical fixtures or meters. This will cause serious damage and even start mold growth. It’s best to use a garden hose instead!
Preparation
Pressure washing is a great way to remove mildew, mold, and dirt from your home’s siding. But it’s important to prepare the surface before you start.
Before you begin, walk around the area to identify any cracks or areas that might be damaged by the high-pressure stream of water. This will allow you to fix them or avoid them entirely.
Once you’ve found the trouble spots, mix a cleaning solution that’s appropriate for your pressure washer. Most washers have a compartment for adding detergent, and the injector inside the machine will combine the soap and water to create a clean, soapy solution that can cut through grime on your siding.
Apply the detergent to your siding using long, even strokes from the bottom up. Let it soak for 10 minutes before rinsing. This will help get rid of most of the visible dirt.
Red Door Pro Wash – Fredericksburg
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=4992354694514874495
19 Baron Park Rd Suite 105, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
(540) 732-7737
https://reddoorprowash.com/
