Pressure Washing - What not to do

By  • January 20, 2023

The Dangers of Pressure Washing

Homeowners should be aware of the difficulties and dangers associated with pressure washing before purchasing a machine. Many people are disappointed with the results because they did not understand how difficult the task would be. Homeowners should also be careful when hiring a company to pressure wash their home, as some companies may damage the siding. It is important to do research to find a reputable company that will Pressure wash your home correctly the first time.
It's important to keep in mind that high pressure washing can cause some serious damage to your siding. We've seen it countless times before - usually because homeowners are inexperienced or the company they hired is unfamiliar with the proper procedure. In some cases, we've even been called to repair siding that's been damaged by companies that have been around for years. So be careful who you trust with your siding.
When it comes to pressure washing your home or property, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, avoid using high pressure on delicate surfaces. This includes surfaces around electrical outlets, oxidized siding, windows and screens, AC units and vegetation. Secondly, make sure you use the appropriate cleaning solutions. This will help to reduce the use of harmful pressures on your home or property.



Avoid Using High Pressure Washing on These surfaces 

Oxidized Aluminum and Vinyl Siding

If you have Aluminum or Vinyl siding on your home, it's important to avoid using a high-pressure washer on these surfaces. The high pressure of the water can cause damage to the siding, making it more susceptible to wear and tear and leaving unsightly marks and etches on the surfaces. If you must wash these surfaces, Always use the appropriate cleaning solutions with low pressure soft washing methods. Aluminum and vinyl siding are two of the most popular materials used for homes. They are both durable and low maintenance, which is why many homeowners choose them. However, one thing that you need to be careful of when you have these materials is the Oxidation the sun can cause and using a high-pressure washer. 

Stucco and Dryvit

If you have stucco or Dryvit on your home, avoid using high pressure washing to clean it. The high pressure of the water can cause the material to crack and break away from the surface of your home. If you must clean these surfaces, use the appropriate cleaning solutions with low pressure and be very careful not to damage the material. Stucco and Dryvit are two popular materials used in home construction. They are both durable and low maintenance. However, they can be damaged by high pressure washing. The high pressure of the water can cause the material to crack and break away from the surface of your home. If you must clean these surfaces, use soft washing methods and be very careful not to damage the material. 

Old Mortar or Crumbling Brick

At certain pressures, pressure washing can effectively clean brick homes and other structures that are covered in brick and mortar. However, a professional power washing company will know when doing so could cause more damage and result in costly repairs. If the mortar between bricks is old and fragile or the bricks themselves are crumbling, then these surfaces should be repaired before power washing . While high - pressure washing can be effective in some situations, there are certain materials that can be damaged by the process. If you're not careful, you could end up doing more harm than good. 

Windows and screens

If you're pressure washing your windows and screens, be sure to use low pressure and the right spray nozzle. Otherwise, you could cause major damage. Pressure washing can remove built-up dirt, mildew, algae, and salts, but only when it's done correctly. Using the wrong spraying head, incorrect water pressure, or using too much pressure can all lead to broken windows, torn screens, and even water penetrating your walls and causing rotted wood, crumbling plaster, and mold.
When it comes to windows and screens, it's best to avoid using high pressure washing . The high pressure from the washer can damage the windows or screens, making them more susceptible to breakage. If you must use a pressure washer on these surfaces, be sure to use soft washing methods by using the appropriate cleaning solutions and using less pressure. 

Gutters

Homeowners need to be aware of the potential fragility of their gutters and downspouts. Rusted fasteners or deteriorating wood may not be visible, but can cause damage when pressurized water is used. Gutter debris should be removed by hand and sprayed clean with low pressure. The underside of gutters can be pressure washed at a low force with a wide spray pattern.
While high-pressure washing can be effective at cleaning gutters, it can also cause damage if not used correctly. The high pressure of the water can loosen or break seals on gutters, leading to leaks. Additionally, water can force debris and dirt into gutters, potentially causing clogs and other problems. Therefore, it is generally best to avoid using high-pressure washing to clean gutters. 

AC Units, Light Fixtures and Electrical Outlets

You should never use pressure washing equipment to clean your air conditioning unit. AC units are designed to withstand rain and hose down cleaning, but they are not constructed to withstand the pressure of power washing equipment. If you use a high-pressure washer around AC units or electrical outlets, you could be putting your home at risk of fire or damage. The high water pressure from the washer can force water into the AC unit or electrical outlet, causing a short circuit. This extra moisture can also damage the AC unit or electrical outlet, causing it to malfunction. To avoid this, always be sure to use low-pressure setting when washing around AC units or electrical outlets. If you must use a high-pressure setting, be sure to keep the wand at least a foot away from the AC unit or electrical outlet. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your home safe from fire and damage. 

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of what not to do when pressure washing in order to avoid damaging your property. Some of the key things to avoid are using too much pressure, holding the wand too close to the surface, and letting the water run off into storm drains. If you need help pressure washing your property, contact Simple Clean LLC Power Washing Services for an estimate.

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