Pressure washing has revolutionized how we keep areas clean and makes it easier to keep surfaces looking incredible. Using a pressure washer regularly can help keep dirt, grime, and debris off the sides of your building, your driveway, and countless other outdoor areas. There are certain materials that you should avoid using a pressure washer on, such as stained wood and asphalt roofing. Doing so risks damaging the material so it is a good idea to avoid pressure washing those areas. Vinyl siding seems like it might be at risk of damage if it is pressure washed, but is that the case? This article is going to find out whether or not you can pressure wash vinyl siding safely.
Can You Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding?
To answer this question: yes, you can. However, it needs to be performed correctly otherwise it can easily get damaged by the powerful jets of a pressure washer. Without proper technique, a pressure washer can cause significant damage to areas that have vinyl siding. Pressure washing works by pushing water through a very small hose at high pressure. This pressure is what makes it such an effective cleaning tool as it blasts dirt, debris, and grime away.
Due to the powerful nature of pressure washing, it is not a suitable cleaning method for every surface or material. Vinyl siding is reasonably sturdy, but it isn’t as durable as metal or brickwork. So if you intend to pressure wash your vinyl siding, you will need to be incredibly careful and know exactly what you are doing. Otherwise, you could ruin your vinyl siding and end up with some costly repair bills.
The Risks of Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding
The most apparent issue with pressure washing vinyl siding is that it will cost a lot to replace or repair the damaged area. However, pressure washing incorrectly can cause a lot more damage than just financial concerns. Pressure washers are incredibly powerful and can actually blast through your property’s building material beneath the vinyl siding.
Pressure washing can also damage windows if you are not properly trained to use a pressure washer. It greatly benefits homeowners to bring in a professional power washer when looking to clean windows or vinyl siding. If you aren’t careful, pressure washing can blast away paint from your walls. What’s more, if you have an older building then you might be exposing layers of lead paint which is toxic to humans and dangerous for the environment.
Always Use a Professional
If you are unsure about what surfaces are safe to clean with a pressure washer, it is wise to call in a reputable power washing service. A professional power washing company can help keep your property clean without causing any damage to your home.