Is your fence looking a little worse for wear? Because it is exposed to the elements all day, every day, it will eventually start to look worn and dirty. If you live in an area with extreme heat or cold, cleaning the fence might be needed more often, maybe as often as twice a year. Cleaning off the grime is essential especially if you plan to paint or stain the fence to freshen it up.

The idea of scrubbing each plank by hand probably doesn’t sound very appealing. Maybe you have considered using a pressure washer to get the fence looking its best again. Before you pick up a machine and start spraying, there are several things to consider.

First, remember that the first word in the phrase is “pressure.” And your fence isn’t contained to just your space. You have a neighbor or a road or a forest or something on … Read Full Post »

Many types of siding can withstand the pressure of power washing and benefit from this kind of cleaning. For example, fiber cement, vinyl and modern wood clapboard siding are typically strong enough for pressure washing. However, it’s best to avoid using a pressure washer on any surface with lead paint or on homes with aluminum or shingle siding, as these materials could dent or break loose.

Even for siding that can withstand this kind of pressure, it’s wise to use caution with any power washing job. If you use a machine that’s too powerful, use a pressure setting that’s too high or stand too close to your house, then you might end up damaging your siding or even the structure of your home. Plus, you could injure yourself.

That’s why it’s easiest to hire a professional instead of trying to handle pressure washing on your own. These pros have the skills and … Read Full Post »