Pressure washing also known as power washing
is a great way to clean the exterior of a home
and could also be used to prepare the siding for
an exterior painting project.
Spraying water and, in some cases detergent,
at high rate, a pressure washer cleans dirt, grime,
and chalk-like residue from deteriorating paint
from the surfaces of siding and trim. This is
an excellent first step to ensure that a new coat
of paint will last.
A pressure washer is not meant to be used for
removing paint from wood siding or brick--holding
a strong spray in one place long enough to remove
paint can erode soft wood grain or dislodge mortar
from between bricks. Though it can be used on
most siding materials, including wood, vinyl,
metal, and some types of masonry, a pressure washer
should not be used on hardboard siding because
moisture is hardboard's worst enemy and it shouldn't
be used on stucco because it can ruin the material.
Also, do not pressure wash your house if you suspect
that it may be been painted with lead paint prior
to 1978 (contact your public health department
or the EPA at 800-424-LEAD). If your home is two-stories
or very large, it's safer to let a professional
do this job for you.
You can rent a pressure washer from most rental
equipment dealers for about $50 to $75 a day.
They come in various sizes for different types
of jobs, from about 1200 to 3000 psi (pounds per
square inch, the power of the spray). A 1200 to
1500 psi model is safer to use with vulnerable
materials such as wood, aluminum or steel; you
can use a stronger 2500-3000 psi model for a material
that doesn't have a painted surface, such as vinyl.
The stronger types work faster. Choose one that
will allow mixing detergent into the spray. Plan
to mix about 1 pound of TSP (or a non-phosphate
substitute) into every 4 gallons of water for
the washing (but rinse with water only).
Scrub any mildew from the surface before power
washing.
Use both hands when operating the equipment and
never use it while standing on a ladder. For high
areas, also rent a 6- to 12-foot adjustable extension
shaft, but be aware that this can be a bit tricky
to handle. Start with the nozzle about 3 feet
from the wall and work your way closer until you
feel the spray is strong enough--but not too strong.
Never get closer than 12 inches from the siding
or you may damage it; do not point it at windows
and avoid aiming it upward, where it might drive
water under siding. Remember: this is extremely
high pressure, so never point the nozzle at anyone
and be sure to wear safety glasses. Also keep
the wand, the water, and your self away from any
electrical wires or devices.
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Things you’ll need for power washing
• Power washer
• Ladders
• Buckets
• Scrub brushes
• Poles
• Window cleaner
• Bleach
• TSP
• Rain gear
• Garden hose
Quick Guide How to Power Wash
1. Protect any plants, light fixtures, and any
breakable materials around the house with plastic
bags, duct tape, and drop cloths. Move obstacles
and outdoor furniture away from the house.
2. Connect the pressure washer to a garden hose.
If the machine has a detergent dispenser, fill
it with a cleaning solution (a mixture of water
and TSP (or a non-phosphate detergent substitute).
3. Working from the top down, hold the wand at
about a 45 degree angle, and spray soffits, overhangs,
gutters, and downspouts. Then move it across the
siding from side to side at a steady pace. Hold
the nozzle a couple of feet from the wall and
adjust its distance back and forth for the best
cleaning action. As well as you can, direct the
water slightly downward so it isn't blasted up
under horizontal lap joints of the siding. When
working near windows, direct the nozzle away from
the window, holding the wand at an angle so you
don't drive water into the window or frame.
Whatever your homes exterior is finished with,
paint, vinyl, brick, stucco or anything else,
chances are that it will need a little lift sometime
in it's life. Short of completely re-doing it,
there are a few options for cleaning and brightening
up your home's exterior.
Pressure washing is an option for many homes.
As well as your home, it can clean your driveway
and walkways as well. However, it does take skill.
The high water pressure can make pressure washing
equipment hard to handle and also destructive
if the handler isn't careful. Spending too much
time in a delicate area can result in erosion
or even more serious damage to your home. But
take heart, a bit of research and practice can
help you become a skilled pressure washer. On
the other hand, for the time it takes to perfect
your skill, it might be worth paying a professional
to wash your home.
Pressure washing works for almost any finish as
long as the surface is not damaged. Chipped paint
may flake off and loose bricks may get worse.
However, going over your home for a thorough cleaning
is a great way to assess any damage that needs
repairing. Often, water is enough to clean a home.
If you have stubborn areas, most pressure washers
come with a detergent attachment. Some people
find a need for bleach to clean their home. For
a more environmentally sound approach, use vinegar
instead of bleach. It doesn't have the same whitening
power, but it does deter mold and algae growth.
Chances are you don't have a real stain that needs
bleaching, but some organic growth that just needs
to be removed, (for which the pressure washer
should suffice) and further growth prevented (that's
where the vinegar's handy).
If you have wood or vinyl panels, be careful when
pressure washing not to spray water at an angle
that gets moisture under and between your siding.
Trapped moisture that doesn't have an easy way
to evaporate can really cause problems inside
your walls.
If your home's paint is fading or peeling, or
is a bit cheaper, pressure washing can damage
it. In this case, a fresh paint-job just might
be a necessity.
Keep in mind some of the other details that make
your home look fresh. I already mentioned driveways
and walkways, but don't forget washing the windows.
Also, keep gutters clean, as leaking gutters can
contribute to stained exteriors. Landscaping is
the final frontier of your home's exterior. Planting
some bulbs and doing pruning will assure your
home is bright and beautiful come spring-time.
ThinkLouise.com, the website for experienced Atlanta
Georgia real estate agent, Louise Scoggins. Visit
her for information on the North Fulton County
real estate area, or any other Atlanta area real
estate needs.
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