MN Siding Care: How to Clean Your Siding But Not Damage the Home

A warm spring weekend usually means outdoor chores.  The exterior of your home probably needs some cleaning, especially after this past winter.  But before you hook up that power washer, read this post first.

A lot of times you might go for the pressure washer when you’re thinking about cleaning the siding on your home.  This might seem like a good idea since it is highly effective at removing any debris, grime and dirt that is stuck onto the side of the house, but it can actually be harmful to the materials on the home and landscaping around it. You need to make sure to choose the right cleaning methods in order to ensure that you have a clean home, but also that no damage has been done to the siding either. Don’t forget to clean those windows while you’re at it!

If you’re thinking your home can stand up to the power of the pressure washer, then keep these things in mind:

• Prepare the area thoroughly. This means closing any open windows, doors, vents and any other cracks in the home. You want to cover any plants, shrubs, and trees in the area with plastic so they are not ruined.
• Spray from above, not below, to be careful with what you’re spraying. You want to ensure that the water doesn’t seep into the cracks under the siding since this can cause a lot of problems that you do not want to deal with just because you decided to clean your home. Continually sweeping from side to side can prevent damage from occurring at any one single spot.
• Know when enough is enough with the pressure washer. If you have stucco, brick or wood siding, then it shouldn’t be cleaned with a pressure washer. You can use an ordinary garden hose to clean these. Make sure you’re aware how easily  damage could be done if you’re using the pressure washer.  Technique and power can make a large difference in whether or not you ruin the siding on the home and anything underneath it.
• Check the warranty that came with the siding that you had installed before pressure washing; some siding options such as LP Smartside should not be cleaned with a pressure washer; the warranty is able to be voided if you do. If in doubt, make sure to check with the siding contractor who installed your siding.
• Check for any siding repairs or replacements that need to be fixed during the time that you’re cleaning. It can be a crucial time to spot these before you decide to wash your house.  It’s important to have them fixed right away before they become much larger problems.  Power washing loose siding will only make it worse, so get the repairs done before you turn on the machine.

Window Outfitters is a Minneapolis MN siding contractor that offers a variety of siding solutions, including  James Hardie fiber cement siding and Marvin Apex fiberglass siding. Speak with us today regarding new siding or having your existing siding repaired.  Call for a free estimate or to discuss repairs – (952) 746-6661.

 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.