Numerous homes and businesses in Maryland have aluminum siding. It offers a number of advantages; the material won’t rust or rot. Still, substances like mold, mildew, and dirt may build up on surfaces. Aluminum usually has a light color, making this grime more visible. Fortunately, building owners can clean the siding by power washing it.
Benefits
The most noticeable benefit of pressure washing is that it enhances the appearance of metal surfaces. A better-looking house, office or shop will have a higher resale value. It also becomes more inviting to potential tenants. An attractive restaurant or store often draws more customers. Owners can feel better about the appearance of their homes without spending large sums on new siding and paint.
Risks
Although power washing delivers many benefits, it could also seriously harm your aluminum siding if you use the wrong methods. High-pressure streams of water have the potential to remove the outer coating and reveal bare metal. They can even dent the surface. Some do-it-yourselfers inadvertently force water under their siding panels, causing it to enter the wall and create mold or pest problems.
Exterior cleaning products also have the ability to inflict harm. For instance, trisodium phosphate may burn or irritate your skin. This chemical promotes algae growth when it enters bodies of water, potentially killing plants and wildlife. To avoid these negative outcomes, it’s vital to select a safe cleaning product and take the right precautions during application.
Another danger of DIY pressure washing is that it could damage other parts of your home or the surrounding property. A poorly aimed stream of water might shatter a window, kill plants or remove paint from a vehicle. This may necessitate costly repairs. Powerwashing mistakes could also allow water to reach a home’s interior through gaps around doors and utility connections.
Solutions
The good news is that the right techniques can prevent damage while keeping everyone safe. Professional pressure washing services avoid excessively high-pressure settings when they wash aluminum surfaces. Experts keep the nozzle at least 1.5 feet away from siding, forgo zero-degree tips, and point the nozzle at an optimal angle. These methods result in clean surfaces without any denting or water intrusion.
When they use cleaning products to maximize the benefits of power washing, most professionals forgo trisodium phosphate. Safer, more eco-friendly options have become available. Many experts favor solutions with oxalic acid listed among their ingredients. It’s crucial to leave the fluid in place for a time; this helps banish stubborn stains. The final step involves thoroughly washing it off so that no residue clings to the siding.
If you’re looking for a dependable pressure washing company in Maryland, turn to Griffs Services. We have more than a decade of residential and commercial power washing experience. Our staff knows how to safely clean your aluminum siding so that it looks new. We also wash a wide range of other surfaces, such as driveways, patios, decks, roofs, dumpster pads, and more. For further details, please dial 443-420-8058.
