Your siding is just like your clothing. It is the first thing people notice, especially those looking to move into the neighborhood or make a purchase. New Jersey homes come in all shapes and sizes with siding like vinyl, wood, or composite, and each one can collect dirt or mold over time.
Pressure washing offers a fast and effective method for keeping your home siding in fantastic condition. The issue is that you want to work with an expert team that offers home pressure washing so you don’t run into additional problems or time limits. Here are some of the most common mistakes those seeking soft washing come across with home siding.
#1 – Wrong Equipment
Pressure washers are designed for different uses. A nozzle from an auto shop is probably not the right angle for your home siding. There are also differences in electric units or commercial-grade systems that are more common with professional teams like ours at Rinse Prince. You want the equipment that will get the job done, but not damage paint or dent your siding.
#2 – Incorrect Pressure Settings
Most commercial-grade siding washers will have multiple settings. Use anything too strong and you’re likely to scrape off protective finishes or force water so deep behind siding panels that you will get mold and mildew. Every surface has its own setting, so be sure to read any manufacturer or maintenance notes before getting started. It’s a good rule of thumb to start at the lowest setting first.
#3 – Forgetting Safety First
Power washing is dangerous. House pressure washing should include the use of safety equipment like closed-toe shoes or eye protection. You don’t want to accidentally spray your best friend’s arm and lacerate skin or knock your helpful neighbor off balance when they’re on a ladder. Working with a pro team that prioritizes safety is a big plus for your siding needs.
#4 – Not Prepping the Area
Turning on a house pressure washing system with no preparation is likely to end with broken light fixtures, damaged siding, tossed plants, and soaked furniture. You want to prepare the area and pre-wet your siding so nothing is damaged beyond repair. Pay close attention to furniture and plant covers, as well as turning off any electrical components or covering outlets hidden in your home siding.
#5 – Ignoring Environmental Issues
Different areas of New Jersey have different environmental rules. If you use the wrong detergents or let dirty water drain into areas that are not allowed, you can end up with extensive fines. A pro team will check on your behalf, but it doesn’t hurt to place a call to your local town hall or code office just in case.
#6 – Not Paying Attention to Materials
House washing wood is much different than vinyl siding or stucco. You have to be aware of how your siding materials will respond to power washing. Hiring someone who understands these unique techniques is the best way to avoid further damage.
#7 – Not Closing Windows & Doors
Finally, give your home a complete walk-around before you get started. Make sure all your windows and doors are fully closed, including those smaller windows for your basement or crawl spaces you never use during the year. Even a tiny gap can result in damage.
Good Starting Points for Safe House Pressure Washing
While hiring a professional team like ours at Rinse Prince is the surest way to avoid these common house washing mistakes, we do want to offer insights for all the DIY enthusiasts in the crowd. Some good starting points to remember include:
- Maintain a controlled, side-to-side pattern. Random spraying or inconsistency leads to damage.
- Test a small area of your home siding first before doing the entire home pressure washing.
- Keep the recommended distance from your siding as you wash (usually at least two feet).
- Rinse any eco-friendly detergent thoroughly so it won’t soak into your siding and cause discoloration.
- Always wear safety gear around your eyes, hands, and feet.
If you live in an HOA, be sure to double-check with them before any house washing. There may be specific days or times you cannot use a high-powered machine because it is too loud or uses too much water.
Wrapping Up
Pressure washing your home siding is a fantastic way to boost your home’s curb appeal and keep it safe and in good shape for the rest of the year. While hiring a professional team is the best way to power wash your house, follow our tips to get the safest, longest-lasting results.
You can also lower your risk of errors by calling our team at Rinse Prince at (973) 814-2033 to schedule an appointment. We bring precision equipment to your property and ensure a safe and beautiful cleaning process that will make your house’s siding shine once again.
