Will Pressure Washing Damage My Vinyl Over Time
Pressure washing your vinyl siding is an excellent way to remove stains, debris, and make your home look fresh and new. Many homeowners use pressure washers themselves to clean their vinyl siding, but if you aren’t careful, you can have numerous issues like getting water behind the siding, which can cause huge mold and mildew issues. There’s a different process called soft washing, which can be a gentler and safer option.
Pressure washers push water through a small hose and wand, creating a very powerful stream of water that can be used to scrub away debris and dirt from hard surfaces. Soft surfaces like window screens should not be cleaned using a pressure washer, as they can be damaged from the force. What issues can occur from traditional pressure washing?
Water Leaks into Attic or Basement
Traditional pressure washers dispense water at really high forces and can cause water to get through small areas of siding or even vents in the house. You don’t want to end up with water in the attic, under the vinyl siding, or even in your basement. Large amounts of water can cause mold issues, which is not only damaging to your house, but your health as well!
Cracked or Damaged Vinyl Siding or Windows
Pressure washing can damage windows, remove paint from painted surfaces, and even crack and damage the vinyl siding itself if not done properly. A trained professional knows how to wash the windows so the seals aren’t damaged. They also can tell if your building is best washed using traditional pressure washing or the soft washing system.
Some Vinyl Siding Manufacturers Don’t Allow Pressure Washing
Some manufacturers of vinyl siding actually state that their product should not be cleaned using pressure washers. They may recommend that the vinyl siding be cleaned by hand, using a soft brush and a solution that is approved by them. Following the manufacturer’s directions is important to not only avoid damaging the vinyl siding but also making sure that the warranty isn’t voided.
Loose Vinyl Siding Panels
The sheer force of the water can cause the vinyl siding panels to separate from each other, becoming loose. If your vinyl siding is already showing signs of wear or has any damage, it’s best to consult a professional before doing any washing of the vinyl siding. In the case of loose vinyl siding, it may be a better idea to have the damaged sections replaced instead of power washing them.
Cleaning Solutions Can Cause Damage to Vinyl
There are many pressure washer cleaning solutions that can be used to help remove dirt, grime, and mildew from the vinyl siding. Some of them recommend being sprayed on before using the pressure washer, and some of them can be added to a reservoir in the pressure washer itself for an added cleaning boost. However, using solutions improperly or too often can damage the vinyl siding.
Call Us for Your Pressure Washing Needs
If your house’s vinyl siding needs to be cleaned, Beyond Maids has got you covered. We not only offer pressure washing but soft washing as well. We enjoy serving our neighbors in the communities of Commack, Dix Hills, Suffolk, and Nassau, New York. Not only do we help clean exteriors, but we can clean interiors as well! We can clean your vinyl siding properly so there isn’t any risk of damage. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment!