Wind, snow and rain will eventually take their toll on your vinyl siding, leaving it dirty and dusty. Do you really want to get up on a ladder with a brush and bucket? Probably not. On the other hand, you may have heard that pressure washing is bad for your vinyl siding in Calgary, and should be avoided. What should you do?

Should you pressure wash?

There are two main drawbacks to power washing vinyl siding: if you’re overzealous, you can damage it, and water can get into your attic. Since pressure washing is basically sending high-powered streams of water directly toward your siding, it’s easy to use an inappropriate power setting and punch a hole through the vinyl. It can also crack and dent, depending on how you aim the water.

You can also send water into your attic if you’re not careful. There are vents in that area of the exterior. If you’re aiming the water upward without taking proper precautions first, water can intrude. This causes mold and rot.

These problems can cause major damage (and headaches) if they happen to you, so it’s understandable if you don’t want to risk it. However, vinyl siding can be power washed safely, if you follow the tips below. Here’s how to safely clean your siding in Calgary:

• Remember to start small: Before you even get started, remember to start with the lowest pressure setting. You can always increase the pressure later if necessary. If you can, cover your attic vents from the inside.
• Get a pressure washer detergent: These detergents are specially designed for power washers, and will mix the detergent directly into the water. You can also use soap and water if you can’t find an appropriate detergent.
• Work methodically and slowly: Next, turn on your pressure washer to the lowest setting. Stand back at least five feet. Sweep the wand back and forth in slow, methodical strokes to ensure proper coverage. Start at the bottom and move up.
• You might still need a brush: If your home is really dirty, you may need to use a utility brush to remove some of the most stubborn dirt.
• Let it soak in: Once the house has been saturated, take a five- to 10-minute break to let the detergent soak in. This will help break down the dirt, mold and grime that’s collected over the years.
• Time to rinse: Refill your power washer with fresh water. Standing back at least five feet, slowly and methodically rinse the siding. Start at the top, and be sure to aim the wand downward so as not to get water in the attic and eaves. Move down slowly until the siding is clean and soap free.

Power washing might not be entirely risk free, but it sure is an easy (and fun) way to get the job done. As long as you follow these tips for how to safely power wash your vinyl siding in Calgary, you should be good to go.

For all your exterior needs, call Rhino Exteriors today.