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The recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for cleaning vinyl siding can vary, so it's best to consult the manufacturer's guidelines. Generally, vinyl siding can handle high pressure, from 2,500 to 3,500 PSI. For comparison, more delicate materials like wood and aluminum siding should not face more than 1,500 PSI. To safely disperse the pressure on vinyl, use a tip with a wider spray span, such as a green (25-degree) or yellow (15-degree) nozzle. For routine cleaning of light dirt, a garden hose with a spray nozzle may be sufficient. Always exercise caution to avoid using excessive pressure that could damage the siding.

You cannot install clapboard siding on a bare, unprepared surface. Clapboard siding requires a clean, sturdy base made from plywood or similar materials, sometimes called backerboard. Then, it needs an underlayment or sheathing, a moisture membrane to help protect the exterior wall.

Note that sometimes clapboard siding is caulked as it’s installed for additional protection. We don’t suggest this: Caulking the siding can trap moisture inside the clapboards and lead to moisture damage over time. The siding needs some space to “breathe,” especially in rainy weather.

No matter what types of metal siding you are cleaning, you should be able to clean them using the same processes you use for aluminum siding. Steel siding and aluminum siding both need cleaning about once per year. You can clean metal siding or aluminum siding without a pressure washer or with one.

Siding underlayment varies based on the type of material, but most siding is installed on top of a vapor barrier, a moisture-resistant house wrap, sheathing made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), and a layer of insulation sheeting. Having the correct underlayment is a critical part of properly installing siding and will protect your home from water intrusion, structural damage, and energy loss.