Question 1

Should you use a pressure washer to remove moss growing on a roof?

Accepted Answer

•

You could void your roof warranty using a power washer if you have a newer roof. With an older roof, you could knock loose older shingles. On the other hand, some people safely use a pressure washer to remove moss from a metal roof. Although you may want to use a pressure washer, the truth is that you probably don’t need it to knock moss loose. A garden hose and brush will do the job just fine and in a safer manner than a pressure washer.

Question 2

What surfaces and items should not be pressure washed?

Accepted Answer

•

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.

Question 3

Can I use a pressure washer to clean my gutter guards?

Accepted Answer

•

Whether or not you can use a pressure washer to clean your gutter guards depends on the type of gutter guard you have and the strength of the pressure washer. Most gutter guards can handle a low-pressure setting but check first. If you’re unsure if your gutter guard is designed for pressure washing, check your manufacturer’s instructions, ask a pro, or use a garden hose to clean the gutter guard instead. As gutter guards age, they become less resistant to the strong forces of a power washer, so treat older gutter guards with more care.

Question 4

Can I use baking soda as a blasting medium for soda blasting?

Accepted Answer

•

No. In spite of its identical chemical makeup, sodium bicarbonate manufactured for blasting purposes has a particular type and size of particles that differs from grocery store baking soda. In addition, this method would not be cost effective because you would need several boxes of baking soda to equal one blast-sized bag of medium.

Question 5

What should I consider or ask when hiring a professional pressure washing service?

Accepted Answer

•

When hiring a professional to pressure wash your home, it's crucial to choose a company that is bonded, licensed, and insured. This protects you from liability if any accidents or property damage occur during the service; otherwise, the cost could fall on you. Before making a decision, vet at least three different contractors. Conduct thorough research by reading customer reviews, looking at examples of their previous work, and verifying the company's license. Before signing a contract, ensure you receive a written estimate that details all project costs. It's also wise to ask potential contractors a series of questions to gauge their professionalism and experience, such as: