Pressure washing is the source of many satisfying videos—it’s great to see years of dirt and grime be blasted away in a few minutes. Unfortunately, improper use of a pressure washer can remove more than just dirt and grime. Certain materials can be damaged and need replacing if pressure washed. Here are a few things that should never be pressure washed at your house:

Never Pressure Wash Siding

Whether it is aluminum, wood, or vinyl you should never pressure wash the siding of your house. It might look fine on the surface after pressure washing, but the high pressure can send water through small cracks and lead to moisture getting inside your home. This will eventually lead to mold and mildew growth. Pressure washing can also dent siding, requiring repair and replacement.

Never Pressure Wash Electrical Equipment

Let’s say you have a durable exterior surface such as brick. That doesn’t mean everything else attached to your home is safe to pressure wash, especially if it is electrical equipment. Electrical meters and electric boxes are made to withstand light water from rain showers, but not high-pressure washes. Pressure washing can get water inside the box and lead to very serious issues.

Never Pressure Wash Roofing or Gutters

This is especially true if you have tin or shingle roofing. Tin can easily dent under the power of a pressure washer and the small granules on shingles can be blasted away. These granules are designed to protect the shingles from UV radiation and buildup. Once that protective coating is gone, your shingles will get brittle and start to break.

Gutters should not be cleaned with a pressure washer either. Depending on the material they are made of, gutters can be dented or even knocked off the roof with a pressure washer.

Never Pressure Wash Windows or Paint

If you have windows, avoid pressure washing them entirely. Windowpanes will easily break under high pressure, and joint compounds and sealant can be knocked off as well. The same should be said for paint—if you have a painted surface or stained wood that you want to stay that way, don’t pressure wash it. Paint and stain will easily be removed by a pressure washer.

Hire A Professional

Making sure the right techniques are used on your house is important to prevent damage. Instead of renting a pressure washer and trying to clean your property yourself, give Power Wash Plus a call. We use low-pressure techniques to clean surfaces without damaging it, so your property looks great without any risk. Call 732-671-6767 for a free estimate.