Get Ready for Summer: How to Effectively Power Wash Your Home’s Siding

In the Springtime, many homeowners choose to clean out the inside of their homes and tend to their gardens, but the exterior of the home sometimes gets neglected. Over the past few months, your home’s exterior has been hit with snow, pollen, dirt, and other debris, causing it to look dingy and dull. Now that Summer is here, it is the perfect time to clean up the outside of your home with a power wash. In this blog, we will go over the steps for power washing your home’s siding to ensure you get the best results without damaging or chipping any of the paint.

Why Summer Is the Best Time to Power Wash Your Home

Living in New England, your home is hit with a lot of different elements throughout the year. Winter is full of snow, sleet, and ice that can cause buildup on your home’s siding, especially as plows spray slush and salt onto your home. Spring can also bring wind and rain, causing dirt, pollen, and other debris to accumulate on your siding. Additionally, many homeowners begin to get their gardens ready in the Spring, which can result in additional dirt and grime on your home’s exterior. Once the Summer arrives, your home is begging for a power wash to get rid of the dirt and grime that has been accumulating for months.

Where to Buy or Rent a Power Washer

If you do not own a power washer, you can purchase one or rent one from your local hardware store. They are also available to rent from online rental companies. It is important to note that power washers vary in size and power, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before renting or purchasing one.

How to Power Wash Your Home’s Siding

Once you have your power washer, the process of washing your siding is fairly easy if you follow the proper steps:

Clear the Area In Front of Your Home

Before you begin power washing, removing all objects that may be in the path of the stream of water is important. This includes furniture, lawn decorations, and any other items that could be damaged by the water.

Clean Out Your Gutters

If your gutters are clogged with leaves and dirt, taking care of this before you start power washing is a good idea. Otherwise, the water cannot escape and drain properly, resulting in flooding and potential damage.

Set Up Your Power Washer

Depending on the model of your power washer, you may need to assemble it before using it. Refer to the manual for instructions on properly setting up and using the power washer.

Start Power Washing from Top to Bottom

Once your power washer is set up, start from the highest point of your home and work your way down. Be sure to overlap your strokes slightly so that no dirt is missed. Also, keep the nozzle at least a foot away from the siding to prevent any paint chips.

Pro Tip: As you move the washer around your home, spray from side to side in a criss-cross pattern for even cleaning.

Tips for the Best Power Washing Results

Work In Sections

Don’t try to power wash your entire home at once. Start with one section and work your way around. This will help you be more accurate with where you spray and prevent water from pooling onto the siding.

Avoid Pointing the Nozzle Directly at Windows, Doors, & Other Porous Surfaces

Power washers are incredibly powerful and can cause damage to windows, doors, and other porous surfaces. Keep the nozzle at least two feet away from these areas to avoid any damage.

Use Detergent

Use a power washer detergent specifically designed for exterior surfaces to get the best results. This will help break down any dirt or grime that has been stuck to your home’s siding.

Rinse Thoroughly After Power Washing

Once you are finished power washing, be sure to rinse the entire area with clean water. This will help remove any leftover detergent and ensure your home’s siding is left looking clean and fresh.

How to Know It’s Time to Replace Your Home’s Siding

As you work your way around your home’s exterior, you may notice that some of the siding is deteriorating or chipping away. This could be a sign that it is time to replace your old siding with new, energy-efficient siding. Other signs that it is time to replace your home’s siding include faded paint, discoloration, water damage, and excessive insect or animal infestation.

Contact Three Sons Window & Door in Waltham, MA for Professional Siding Installations & Replacements

If you determine that it may be time to start considering replacing your home siding, contact Three Sons Window & Door in Waltham, MA. Our experts can evaluate the condition of your home’s siding and recommend the best solution for you. After we create a custom siding installation plan, our team of professionals will take care of the entire process for you. With top brands like James Hardie, GAF, and CertainTeed, we guarantee that your home will look better than ever. Contact us today to learn more about our siding services, and visit our website to receive a free estimate!