Is Pressure Washing Wood Siding Okay?

Pressure washing wood siding is a fast and effective method of cleaning. However, homeowners should not attempt DIY pressure washing, especially on material as delicate as wood. Hiring professionals is always the best option, but that doesn’t mean owners have no alternatives. There is a way to clean wood siding by yourself.

The Pros and Cons of Wood Siding

Wood is a popular choice of material for sidings — and for good reason. Wood sidings add a natural beauty to any property, increasing curb appeal and property values simultaneously. They are easy to install, which means they are also easy to replace if you ever damage or lose a piece. Replacement is fairly simple, and it won’t impact the overall appearance of the siding.

With benefits come pitfalls. Wood siding requires regular maintenance, especially if you want it to last a long time and maintain its appearance. Because of its positioning, exposure to the elements is inevitable. Over time, wood siding can gather dirt, grime, mildew, and other pollutants. Without proper cleaning, these pollutants can cause irreversible damage.

Is Pressure Washing Wood Siding a Good Idea?

When your wood siding becomes too dirty, your first reaction might be to grab a pressure washer. Pressure washing is an effective and efficient way to clean surfaces, but it isn’t compatible with all materials.

Pressure washing wood siding offers the benefit of a deeper clean compared to traditional methods. However, when water is blasted using high pressure, it can carve the wood. Worse yet, the water can find its way under the surface, potentially damaging the underlying layer and encouraging mold growth.

If you want to pressure wash wood siding, it’s best to maintain a distance of at least 18 inches between the nozzle tip and the wood surface. Putting a good amount of distance, plus using the right nozzle, can significantly reduce the chances of damage while spraying.

Hiring a professional pressure washing company is also the best way. While you can take all sorts of precautions when you DIY it, nothing compares to the expertise, experience, and equipment professionals bring. Moreover, professionals usually have insurance policies that can potentially cover any damages.

Is Power Washing Wood Siding a Good Idea?

Power washing is similar to pressure washing, but it uses heated water instead. The same idea applies to power washing wood siding. It’s best to have a professional do it for you because of the potential damage it can cause incorrectly.

Additionally, power washing uses heated water. Not all types of wood can take the hot temperature. However, a professional is better at discerning what types of wood are compatible with power washing.

How to Clean Wood Siding

Cleaning your wood siding regularly can prolong its lifespan and maintain its natural beauty. Here are some methods for cleaning wood siding.

Soft Wash Wood Siding With a Garden Hose

Soft washing wood siding uses low-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, and mildew. This method doesn’t require special equipment. A simple garden hose offers enough pressure to remove pollutants without damaging the wood.

Here are the steps for cleaning your wood siding with a garden hose.

1. Cover nearby plants and electrical outlets to protect them from the cleaning process.
2. Using a soft-bristled brush, remove any loose debris from the wood siding. Take advantage of an extendable brush to reach higher areas.
3. Pick a cleaning solution safe for wood. Spray the solution on your siding, working your way from the bottom up to avoid streaking. Alternatively, you can apply the solution manually with a soft-bristled brush.
4. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will give it time to work its magic.
5. Using clean water, thoroughly rinse the solution with your garden hose, rinsing from the top to the bottom.
6. Let the wood siding dry completely. This is especially important if you plan to apply any sealant or paint.

Pressure Washing Wood Siding

Here are the steps for cleaning your wood siding with a pressure washer.

1. Cover nearby plants and electrical outlets to protect them from the cleaning process. Move any furniture and debris away from the cleaning area.
2. Using a soft-bristled brush, remove any loose debris from the wood siding. Take advantage of an extendable brush to reach higher areas.
3. Set the pressure to a lower level, around 1500 to 2000 PSI.
4. Before starting, test the pressure setting on a sample board. This will allow you to adjust the force.
5. To avoid damaging the wood siding, maintain a distance of at least 18 inches between the spray and the surface.
6. Pick a cleaning solution safe for wood. Pour the cleaning solution into the pressure washer’s detergent tank. If your pressure washer doesn’t have a detergent tank, apply the solution using a pump sprayer, using a bottom-to-top method.
7. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for 10 to 15 minutes or per the manufacturer’s instructions. This will give it time to work its magic.
8. Using a wide spray nozzle, thoroughly rinse the solution with clean water. To prevent water from entering your home, don’t aim your spray at any windows, doors, or openings. Rinse from the top to the bottom.
9. Let the wood siding dry completely. This is especially important if you plan to apply any sealant or paint.

Professional Wood Siding Pressure Washing

Pressure washing wood siding is best left in the hands of professionals. Professionals have the right tools, knowledge, and safety gear to complete the job without damage.

You might want to take a DIY approach to save money. However, professional pressure washing doesn’t cost much, and the money you save in potential damages will be worth the price. They can also save you time and effort.

The Bottom Line

Pressure washing wood siding can be an excellent way to perform regular maintenance and preserve its appearance. However, it requires a certain level of skill and training to prevent damage. If you want to clean your wood siding yourself, it’s best to stick to the garden hose method. If you want efficiency and a deeper clean, hiring a professional pressure washer is the wisest choice.

Superb Softwash offers residential pressure washing services in Texas. Call us today at 210.649.5655 or contact us online to get a free estimate!

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