When gutters are dirty on the outside or clogged on the inside, it’s tempting to use a power washer to clean them quickly and thoroughly. The same goes for your siding, particularly if you have a large house. However added speed or power is not always a good thing. Pressure washing aluminum gutters, for example, can dent them, while power washing wood siding can force water behind the shingles, creating a perfect environment for mold.
When pressure washing gutters and/or siding, keep the following in mind:
- before pressure washing gutters, check for loose spikes or nails and refasten any gutters that are visibly sagging
- check siding for, especially wood siding, for sections that are coming away from the exterior wall or cedar shingles that have become loose
- it is recommended that you avoid using a power washer from a ladder – extensions like a telescoping wand allows a person to remain on the ground while cleaning gutters or siding
- if you do need to take the pressure washer up a ladder, it is advisable to keep three-point contact (your body is in contact with the ladder in three places at the same time) as much as possible
- start off your gutter or siding cleaning session with a low pressure setting – if you’re not getting the desired results, use a slightly higher setting with caution
High pressure water aimed at the gutters and siding of your home can readily remove stubborn streaks, dirt particles, stains, grease spots and mold. It can also easily get rid of any grit build-up from the inside of the gutter system. Remember that pressure washing can dent gutters and damage siding if not done carefully, but a power washer can often remove more grime and debris from gutters and siding than a garden hose with cleaning attachments.
