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You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.

If you’re painting your home or monitoring a job as it’s being completed, squash the issue ASAP if you notice paint is getting onto the roof. Keeping it clean is one of the keys to extending your roof’s life.

Removing latex paint before it dries is much easier and lowers the risk of damaging your shingles (more on that below). Simply spray the spot with a hose for one to two minutes to clear away the drying paint. In general, this is a good way to remove ugly stains from your roof without using chemicals.

Iron, or ferrous sulfate, is one of the fastest methods for killing moss. As such, you’ll find this ingredient in many lawn fertilizers and lawn killers. Vinegar is another solution for quickly killing moss. It takes just 15 to 20 minutes for vinegar to take effect. A harsher method is bleach, which also has a similar time frame for taking effect.

No, you should not pressure wash or power wash roof shingles, including asphalt shingles. The high water pressure from these machines is too strong and can damage the shingles by forcing water underneath, loosening their adhesive, and causing them to fall off. A safer and better alternative is soft washing with a pump sprayer. To ensure the job is done safely without causing damage, it is best to hire a local roof cleaner.