IS PRESSURE WASHING SAFE FOR VINYL SIDING?

One of the most common questions asked in the Pressure Washing industry, is whether or not Pressure Washing Is Safe For Vinyl Siding.  As it turns out the answer is not so cut and dry, as there are mixed opinions on the subject.  If you’re asking a business that sells pressure washing units, then their (biased) opinion is that pressure washers are safe for vinyl surfaces. Whereas if you ask actual Pressure Washing Service providers their opinion is going to lead towards staying away from high pressured water on vinyl siding.

In this article My Gutter Doctor explains the potential damages caused to vinyl siding by pressure washing, and how we avoid these damages by using a much safer method called Soft Washing.

WHAT IS PRESSURE WASHING?

Over time organic growths such as algae, mold, and mildew collect and grow on the outsides of our homes. Depending on the geographic location of the home, and the proximity to trees and water will determine how frequently the home’s exterior will need to be cleaned.  Houses closer to trees and/or water may require exterior cleaning ever couple years. Whereas homes that live in more arid climates with less humidity may experience relatively low amounts of growths and staining.

Pressure Washing is the use of high pressured water, either by itself or with cleaning solutions, to restore homes to a “like new” state.  Home exteriors, roofs, decks, and hardscapes such as sidewalks, patios, and driveways are able to be cleaned with some form of Pressure Washing.

BENEFITS OF PRESSURE WASHING SERVICES:

• RESTORES HOME BACK TO ORIGINAL BEAUTY

• PROMOTES A HEALTHIER HOME

• PROTECTS HOME FROM DAMAGES

• MAINTAINS PROPERTY VALUE

• INCREASES CURB APPEAL

• REMOVES MOLD, ALGAE, MILDEW, ETC..

• DETERS PESTS INFESTATIONS

PRESSURE WASHING REMOVES:

• ALGAE

• MOLD

• MOSS

• DIRT

• MUD

• POLLEN & SAP

• ORGANIC GROWTHS

• DISCOLORATIONS

DAMAGES TO VINYL SIDING CAUSED BY PRESSURE WASHING

• LOOSE, CRACKED, OR DENTED PANELS- High pressure water can crack, dent, or even blast a whole through vinyl siding panels. In addition pressure washing can also knock siding panels loose.

• PAINT STRIPPING- High pressure water is able to strip paint from siding (and shutters, doors, window frames, trim boards, etc..) that have been painted.

• VINYL SIDING OXIDATION- Vinyl siding ages over time and starts to form a chalky or powdery layer as it breaks down. Blasting the vinyl with high pressure can speed up this process. In addition, cleaning oxidation with high pressure water can leave blotchy marks on the home.

• WATER BEHIND SIDING- Blasting high pressure water at the home can lead to water going behind the siding. Water behind the siding can lead to wood rot.

• ORGANIC GROWTHS BEHIND SIDING- In addition to potential wood rot situations, spraying high pressure water at organic growths can make push them behind the siding where they are able to thrive unseen.

• DAMAGE TO WINDOW SCREENS AND WINDOW SEALS- High pressure water easily shreds window screens, and also causes damages to window seals. In addition gutters, fascia, and soffit are also at risk if the pressure is high enough.

IS PRESSURE WASHING SAFE FOR OTHER HOME EXTERIORS?

Pressure washing is not safe for most types of home exteriors. The mortar used for brick, stone, or other masonry can be damaged if not careful.  Wood or aluminum siding are easily damaged pressure washing.  High pressure water is also not recommended for Stucco and EIFS surfaces.

Pressure washing is more used for home horizontal surfaces, such as patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks, etc…

WHAT IS SOFT WASHING?

Soft Washing was created as a safe alternative to Pressure Washing, to avoid the damages caused by high pressure water. Through the use of Low Pressure water and cleaning solutions, houses are able to be safely and effectively cleaned.

 

 

IS SOFT WASHING SAFE FOR VINYL SIDING?

Yes, soft washing is a 100% safe and gentle method for cleaning vinyl siding. In fact, pretty much every home exterior surface is safe to clean using Soft Washing techniques. Most professional pressure washing companies use soft washing to clean all home exterior materials.

CONCLUSION:

 One of the most common misconceptions in the Pressure Washing industry is that Pressure Washing companies use High Pressure Water to clean home exteriors.  As it turns out, most professional pressure washing service providers use Soft Washing techniques to gently clean and restore home exteriors.

Stop letting “that guy who can do it cheaper” use a pressure washer to clean your home. Find a local source that specializes in Soft Washing techniques.

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MY GUTTER DOCTOR LINKS:

Why Black Streaks On Roof Shingles Are Dangerous

Soft House Washing Services

Roof Cleaning Treatment

Gutter Brightening Treatment

Gutter Cleaning Services

SEE WHAT OTHER EXPERTS ARE ALSO SAYING:

Does Pressure Washing Damage Vinyl Siding by Shine Window Cleaning?

Is It A Bad Idea To Pressure Wash Your Exterior by Universal Windows?

Is It Safe To Pressure Wash House Siding? by Enhance Pressure Washing

Never Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding by All Things Wood

Vinyl Siding Pressure Washing by Judge Mobile Wash

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