Should You Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding?

Pressure washing can be a great way to shine up your residence or business. However, if you don’t know what you are doing then you can damage the siding. You can either blow a hole in it or water gets in there and can rot the wood between the home and siding. Hiring a professional pressure washer, such as Squeegee Squad, that cleans with low pressure and detergents to do it safely is your best option. It’s not worth damaging the siding in order to save a buck.

Vinyl siding is pliable and can usually withstand pressure washing. This is also true for fiber cement siding. However, aluminum siding can dent so you would need to use the lowest pressure setting and use a broad option. Wood clapboard siding can also be effectively washed but only if you have had the exterior paint tested. For any shingle siding, pressure washing shouldn’t be used because it can knock shingles loose. It’s best to check with the manufacturer if you are unsure about your siding. If you go against a manufacturer’s recommendations, it can void your warranty.

Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding Safely

Pressure washing is not good for any soft surface, such as window screens. Vinyl siding is a hard surface but it’s not as hard as other surfaces, such as brick. This means that you need to be careful about pressure washing so you don’t damage the siding. Before pressure washing vinyl siding, it’s necessary to inspect it to see if it’s damaged in any way. Some areas get more direct sunlight, while other areas remain moist for longer periods of time. Any loose siding should be repaired before pressure washing. There should be special care taken to prevent any water from getting trapped since the moisture will lead to mold growth. There should also be special care taken to not spray water directly into the gaps around windows or doors.

There are many products that are available for cleaning your vinyl siding. Professionals will ensure that it’s safe for vinyl and not just aluminum or wood. If the siding has a lot of algae or mold then one with oxidized bleach may be the best bet.

Pressure washing vinyl siding doesn’t need to use the maximum amount of pressure on the washer. The pressure should be started low and then increased as needed to remove dirt and algae. There should be a proper technique used. Professionals can make sure that the job is done correctly.

Dangers of Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding

The reason you need to be very careful with pressure washing vinyl siding is that there are plenty of dangers if it gets damaged. Not only would you need to replace the siding but it can also cause water to build up in the attic or walls. This means that water can get through the material of the building, even concrete. Pressure washing can damage windows so if your vinyl siding is near windows, there needs to be extra cautious. Pressure washing can also remove paint and if you were just expecting a thorough cleaning then paint removal isn’t what you probably expected to see. If the building is older and is painted with lead paint then loosening it or removing it with pressure washing can create an unhealthy environment.

Benefits of Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is exposed to a number of natural elements so even though you need to be careful when pressure washing vinyl siding, there are a number of benefits.

Fastest Way to Remove Dirt: Pressure washing is one of the fastest ways to clean the vinyl siding.

Cleans without Damage: If you do it correctly, pressure washing vinyl siding is safe and won’t damage the siding.

Get the Best Result: Since pressure washing is a top-down process, you will get the best results. The unique process gives the detergent solution a chance to spend some time on the vinyl siding, which results in tackling the dirt and grime before it’s rinsed off.

How Often Should You Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding?

You only need to pressure wash your vinyl siding about once a year or once every two years. You can use other methods for seasonal cleanings, such as wiping down the siding with a non-abrasive cleaner.