A good pressure washing can make a home look years newer in an afternoon. But it is easy to do damage if you go in with the wrong pressure or technique. Here is what is worth knowing before you rent a machine — or decide to have it handled.
Different surfaces, different pressure
Concrete can take a lot of pressure. Vinyl and wood siding cannot — too much force can gouge wood, crack siding or force water up behind panels where it does not belong. The same machine that safely blasts a driveway can wreck softer surfaces. Matching pressure and nozzle to the surface is the whole game.
Work top to bottom
On siding, always work from the top down and keep the spray angled so water runs down and off, not up under the panels. Getting water behind siding is one of the most common mistakes and can lead to trapped moisture and bigger problems later.
Mind the surroundings
Cover or wet down plants before and after, keep the spray away from light fixtures and vents, and be careful around windows. A little prep protects your landscaping and your home while you clean.
When to hand it off
If you are not sure what pressure a surface can take, or you would rather not risk it, Blue Collar NRV handles pressure washing across the New River Valley — siding, decks, walkways and driveways — with the right pressure for each surface.