Power Washing Siding: Everything You Need to Know

Power washing siding is a great way to clean and restore the look of your home’s exterior. It is important to understand the proper techniques and products to use to avoid damaging your siding. Power washing can be done by a professional or as a do-it-yourself project. By using a power washer, you can remove built-up dirt, grime, and mildew from your siding quickly and easily. In this article, we will discuss the basics of power washing siding-including the types of equipment you will need and the proper techniques for getting the best results.

What is Power Washing Siding?

Power washing siding is the process of using a high-powered stream of water to remove dirt, grime, and other build-up from the surface of your siding. Power washing is an effective way to clean siding and restore its original appearance. It can also help to extend the life of your siding by removing harmful build-up that can cause damage over time.

Power washing is typically done with a pressure washer, which is a machine that uses high-pressure water to remove dirt and grime. Pressure washers can be rented or purchased for use at home. If you decide to rent or purchase a pressure washer, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using it. Improper use of a pressure washer can damage your siding.

If you are power washing siding on a two-story home, it is important to use a ladder or other stable platform to reach the upper levels. Never attempt to power wash siding from the ground.

How to Power Wash Siding

Before beginning, it is important to understand the proper techniques for power washing siding. Follow these tips to ensure that your siding is cleaned safely and effectively:

1. Choose the right pressure washer. The type of pressure washer you use will depend on the type of siding you have. For example, if you have vinyl siding, you will need to use a pressure washer with lower pressure (1200-2500 psi) to avoid damaging the material. If you have brick or stone siding, you can use a pressure washer with higher pressure (3000-4000 psi) to remove dirt and grime more effectively.
2. Test the pressure washer on an inconspicuous area of your siding before beginning. This will help you gauge the appropriate distance and pressure to use on your siding.
3. Hold the pressure washer nozzle about 12-18 inches away from your siding while you are power washing. Be sure to keep the nozzle moving to avoid damaging your siding with the high-pressure stream of water.
4. Start at the bottom of your siding and work your way up. This will help to prevent streaks from forming on your siding.
5. Rinse your siding with clean water after power washing to remove any residual soap or cleaning solution.
6. Allow your siding to dry completely before applying any paint or sealant.

Cleaning Solutions for Power Washing Siding

In most cases, plain water will be enough to clean your siding. However, you may want to use a mild soap or cleaning solution for tougher dirt and grime build-up. When using a cleaning solution, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some cleaners can be damaging to siding if used improperly.

These are the things you need to know about power washing siding. By following the tips in this article, you can clean your siding safely and effectively.