The power of pressure washing can result in holes in your siding, breaking off vinyl panels, and more. When you're using a pressure washer, you're likely shooting water up toward the top of your house.
Dangers of Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding
Not only would you need to replace the siding but it can also cause water to build up in the attic or walls. This means that water can get through the material of the building, even concrete.
Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi). Determine whether you will rent or buy your machine.
Dangers of Pressure Washing Your House
Your house is built to withstand rain and other moisture, and it can even withstand a low PSI with a pressure washer, but when pressure washers are used at full capacity, you may end up with soggy carpet, wet attics, and mold.
Negatives – Using a pressure washer to clean your home may not be all that it is cracked up to be. The pressure can blast through wood, asphalt and even concrete if close enough. So, you're forcing water behind the siding which could cause problems within your walls and you wouldn't even know until it's too late.
The downside to using pressure washers is that they tend to cause damage to surfaces that are too delicate. In addition, the high pressure of the water spray can cause damage to surfaces you don't intend for it to reach, such as brick or stone surfaces.
However, as said, DIY power washing is bad for siding and especially wood materials! Too much pressure can chip old and brittle wood or peel away paint, while the wrong detergents might leave behind streaks. Letting detergent dry on wood siding also creates a sticky residue.
The answer is: YES, pressure washing absolutely can damage vinyl siding if done incorrectly. We have seen countless homes and buildings that have damaged areas because someone without the proper training has tried to pressure wash their building.
You can scratch, bend or warp aluminum or vinyl siding if you apply too much pressure. Power washing over holes and cracks in siding can cause water to seep into your interiors, leading to structural damage and mold growth. A professional will cover those openings before beginning the job.
You can also use a germicidal bleach concentrate, which is perhaps the best house wash for vinyl siding. Alternatively, if you'd rather stick with more natural cleaners, a solution of 30% white vinegar and 70% water can be used instead of bleach.
While it can usually withstand normal seasonal changes in temperature, extreme temperature swings can present a problem for vinyl siding. Major heat waves can cause it to melt, while frigid cold snaps can cause it to crack – this process can also occur gradually over the years as your siding ages.
It is a super effective way to get rid of stains and mold. Pressure washing allows you to get to those hard to reach places. Cons: If pressure washing is done incorrectly, it can cause damage to your home.
How often should I clean vinyl siding? Even if your siding looks as clean as it did the day it was installed, it's best to give it a good wash every couple of years to prevent build-up and keep insects and spiders from building nests or webs in the nooks and crannies.
To clean your siding without a pressure washer, you're going to need a brush, some TSP (trisodium phosphate--it can be found in most hardware stores), a bucket, a hose, water, a ladder, and plenty of elbow grease.
In general, houses should be power washed at least once a year any time between March and November. As it gets later in a calendar year, you'll want to make sure your home is taken care of before the freezing temperatures and winter weather arrive.
Using Soap Means Less Pressure and Less Damage To Your Home.
If the stream of water is too strong, it can damage stucco, masonry, wood and vinyl siding and can also penetrate into your home's structure. Pressure washing with high pressure also routinely damages window screens, decks and exterior lighting.
The main difference between soft washing, power washing, and pressure washing methods is the temperature of the water and PSI. With soft washing, professionals use a less powerful PSI. Power washing blasts water at a high pressure using hot water, but the water used for pressure washing is not heated.
Saves Water
As mentioned above, pressure washers only average around 2-4 GPM of water consumption. That's about the same as the sink in your home which averages around 2.2 GPM. Compared to a hose which puts out 24 GPM. The low GPM and powerful quick cleaning means less overall water usage.