When preparing to repaint your home’s exterior, cleanliness is crucial for long-lasting results. First and foremost, the siding must be thoroughly cleaned, a task that can be quite daunting if attempted through manual scrubbing. That’s when a pressure wash comes in handy.
Moreover, enter pressure washer—a handy tool that offers a quick and efficient solution. However, using this on siding requires caution to avoid damaging the surface or causing water infiltration. Let’s delve into the process involved before you start painting your home.
Pressure Wash Before Painting
Don’t Skip the Cleaning
Cleaning your home’s exterior before painting offers numerous benefits, but one stands out: clean siding ensures the longevity of your exterior paint. While painting dirty siding may seem like a shortcut, it significantly shortens the lifespan of the paint. Wouldn’t you prefer to repaint your house every seven to ten years rather than every three to four years? Considering the effort and expense involved in exterior painting, getting it right the first time is essential.
Be Cautious
The objective of this type of cleaning before painting is to clean it, not strip the paint. While pressure washers are capable of removing paint, stripping should be a separate step using appropriate tools. However, type of cleaning siding carries two main risks: etching and injecting.
Etching: Pressure washers, under certain conditions, can etch into surfaces like concrete and brick. Imagine the potential impact on more delicate materials like cedar, vinyl, or fiber-cement siding. This can be easily avoided by maintaining a safe distance and using a fan-spray nozzle instead of a stream nozzle.
Injecting: Spraying at low angles under the siding can drive water upwards, potentially causing water infiltration into wall cavities. To prevent this, avoid spraying at an upward angle and be mindful of other openings around the house.
What are your options
Pressure washers are available in both gas- and electric-powered models. Since gentle treatment is crucial for siding, an electric pressure washer is often sufficient. Moreover, a pressure washer in Myrtle Beach with a PSI rating of 1,000 to 1,500 is typically suitable for washing siding, while vinyl siding can withstand 2,500 to 3,000 PSI.
Instructions
Before beginning, ensure you have the necessary safety gear, including safety glasses, gloves, and boots. Moreover, it protects landscape plantings and utilities from potential damage by covering them with plastic sheets. Once you’re ready, set it up, test it, and begin rinsing the siding from the top down.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to ensure a successful experience:
- Use a cleaning solution that won’t harm plants if nearby.
- Test the equipment on an inconspicuous area before proceeding.
- Work in small sections to prevent the cleaning solution from drying on the siding.
- Consider investing in type of cleaning, as it may have multiple applications beyond house washing.
This type of cleaning before painting is a crucial step in achieving a successful exterior paint job. By following the proper techniques and precautions, you can effectively clean your siding without causing damage. Remember, proper preparation is key to ensuring your exterior paint lasts for years to come.
If you’re ready to pressure wash your house but unsure where to start, consider consulting a professional for guidance. They can provide expert advice and assistance to ensure your pressure washing project is a success. Call K&M Pressure Washing LLC now.
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