Grime and build-up on your house, deck, and driveway are a normal part of homeownership. Over time, the dingy surfaces can benefit from the high-powered cleaning effects of a pressure washer.
Pressure washing can be incredibly effective on different surfaces around the home, but it can also cause damage when done incorrectly or when used on surfaces that aren’t designed to handle high pressure. Not sure what areas of your home can be cleaned with a pressure washer? Here is how to use your pressure washer to get the cleanest results, avoid damage, and revitalize these 5 everyday surfaces.
Deck
From moss to mold and chipping paint, your deck is a prime candidate for pressure washing. There are a few tips, however, when it comes to working with different decking materials. Hardwood decks can handle fairly high amounts of pressure and are therefore great for pressure washing. Pressure-treated woods are softer and can be more easily damaged. It is better to use a lower setting when washing pressure-treated or softwoods. Regardless, before starting your project, test a small area of the deck to make sure the water doesn’t cause etching or chipping. For those with composite decks, composite is designed to be cleaned with cleaner and a garden hose and should not need to be pressure washed.
Siding
Most house siding can be treated with a pressure washer, however, it is important to approach this task carefully. Shingle siding, for instance, can be more easily damaged by pressure washing. Loose siding can allow water to seep behind and get trapped, potentially causing mold growth. Approach your siding with care, and always start on the lowest setting to monitor the water’s effect on your house.
Driveway
Cement driveways are especially perfect for pressure washing. High powered washers can remove years of grit and stains, leaving your driveway looking fresh and clean. If you are worried about chipping or etching, test a small, obscure patch of your driveway first. Cement can withstand a fair amount of pressure and will especially benefit from focused spot cleaning.
Walkways
Much like the driveway, if you have a path or walkway made of cement, pressure washing will make it look brand new. Brick walkways also benefit from pressure washing but are more delicate than cement. Check to make sure that any chips or gaps are repaired and completely dry before washing any brick surfaces. Try using lower pressure and a broader nozzle to keep from etching the stones.
Gutters
Mossy gutters do not provide much curb appeal, especially now that your siding is looking pristine. Aluminum and other metal surfaces can be dented by pressure washing, so it is important to approach your gutters with care. Like your other surfaces, try using a lower setting first, before increasing the pressure. Once you have found the right setting for your gutters, they will come out looking just as pristine as the rest of your newly power washed property.
Using a pressure washer can produce great results on many of the surfaces around our homes. To avoid the risk of damage to any of those surfaces, however, consider enlisting professional services. Professional pressure washers have the right equipment, knowledge, and skills to get your property looking beautiful once more.
