Pressure washing is great for cleaning tough stains, grime, grease, and layers of dirt. Surepaint offering house washing service makes the perfect solution for your exterior. They’ll give your home a new look and get rid of months of dirt.

Unfortunately, handling a pressure washer requires experience. The high pressure from the machine can damage your home if not operated with caution. Below are some of the ways you can safely use a pressure washer to clean your home exterior.

What Is Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is a type of siding made from plastic used on the exterior aspect of houses. It’s made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Before the 1950s, when vinyl siding became popular, homeowners would use aluminum.

The chlorine in vinyl siding makes it flame resistant since it takes longer to ignite. It also comes in a variety of colors and doesn’t require any painting. Since the color is made in such a way that it forms part of the vinyl, it cannot be stripped or damaged. This quality makes vinyl siding the best alternative for homeowners who aren’t keen on painting their home’s exterior.

Benefits of Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is popular with homeowners because of its excellent benefits. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to source and affordable. It‘s usually within the $2,000 to $8,000 range for complete installation. What’s more, installation is quick and easy. Another quality that sets vinyl siding apart from other protective materials is its low maintenance requirement.

Since it doesn’t require an additional paint layer, it saves you the bother of replacing or scraping off peeling paint. Its smooth surface makes cleaning more manageable – a quick spray with a garden hose is more than enough. Besides, it’s much more durable than other types of siding. In addition to durability, it’s versatile, coming in a variety of different colors and textures.

Can You Use a Pressure Washer to Clean Vinyl?

Yes, you can, but you’ll have to be very careful when going about the cleaning process. A pressure washer is a relatively helpful tool. It can clean anything, from concrete to bricks. It’s excellent at getting rid of layers of grime, dust, and grease from all types of surfaces. Unfortunately, due to the intense nature of the pressure, a pressure washer can loosen or damage your vinyl siding, especially if the setting is too high. 

Cons of Using a Pressure Washer on Vinyl Siding

If your vinyl siding has cracks in it, pressure washing can make water seep into the interior and cause mold growth and other types of structural damage. In addition, if the pressure is too high, it may damage the vinyl siding. Holding the wand too close to the vinyl surface can cause more damage. By decreasing the distance between the vinyl and the pressure washer wand, you increase the pressure, increasing the risk of damage.

Other than the pressure, harsh cleaning agents may leave behind unsightly streaks and stains if you let them dry before washing them away. Using the wrong technique can also damage your vinyl siding. Washing from the top going down makes a mess instead of loosening the mud and dirt and rinsing it away. Lastly, hot water with your pressure washer increases the risk of streaks and ugly marks on your surface.

Precautions for Using a Pressure Washer on Vinyl Siding

To avoid damage to your vinyl siding, it’s crucial that you get a professional to do the job. If you can’t afford one or feel you can do it yourself, below are some suggestions for going about it.

  1. Avoid using hot water when rinsing vinyl siding using a power washer. Boiling water may melt the material or cause cracks. Besides, hot water leaves ugly streaks along with the vinyl.
  2. Regulate the pressure before beginning cleaning. When the pressure is too high, it may break or bend the vinyl siding. In the same vein, if you set the pressure washer on a low setting, it may not get rid of the dirt.
  3. Do not point the wand directly over the vinyl surface. Always leave a bit of distance between the nozzle and the surface being cleaned to prevent damage.
  4. Ensure you don’t leave any streaks or stains by working fast. Don’t let the soap or detergent dry off.
  5. To prevent splashback or to make a mess, begin washing from the top going down. That way, gravity helps with draining dirt and water.
  6. Always wear protective gear when using a pressure washer. Safety goggles will prevent any flying debris or dirt from landing in your eyes.
  7. Avoid aiming the nozzle at any cracks or crevices to prevent water from leaking into the internal surfaces and encouraging mold.

There are various benefits to using a pressure washer to clean your house. You can clean vinyl siding with a pressure washer but be very careful when doing so. It is best to get a professional to help you to ensure that you do not damage your home. 

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