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Thinking about Power Washing Your Siding Before Winter?

11nov26e5a15We’ve had such a nice mild fall here in the Minneapolis area that some homeowners have put off exterior maintenance to enjoy the weather.  That could mean your siding needs some care before winter.

Have you stood outside your home lately and noticed that it is looking a bit dingy? It is very possible that all your siding need is a good bath. Power washing is a fantastic way to make your siding look almost new again.

A power washer,  also known as a pressure washer, is a tool that uses high pressure to spray water and is used in order to remove dirt as well as mold from siding as well as many other surfaces.

Buy or Rent a Power Washer

First you will have to decide if you are going to rent or buy a power washer. You may be able to rent one by the day from your local home improvement or hardware store. Most equipment rental places carry them, too.  On the other hand, it is always nice to have one on hand for things as washing off that deck or driveway.

If you decide on buying a power washer, you will find that there are many other uses for it. For example: you can always clean your gardening equipment, the patio pavers, your patio furniture, that patio umbrella, as well as many more.  Look for one that has adjustable power.

The Pros and Cons of Renting a Power Washer

Pros

  • It is cheaper than actually purchasing a power washer
  • You do not have to find a storage area for it
  • You do not have to worry about maintenance

Cons

  • It can be more expensive in the long run (renting several times)
  • You have an allotted time frame to use it and get the job done

The Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Power Washer

Pros

  • You will always have it when you need it
  • You will be able to use it for other cleaning projects
  • You do not have the stress of completing the job in an allotted time frame

Cons

  • It is more expensive up front than a rental
  • You will need to find a storage area for it
  • You will need to keep up on the maintenance

Buying a Cleaning Agent

You are able to use a power washer with only water, but a cleaning agent will make it easier to remove the dirt as well as mildew that has accumulated.

There are numerous types of cleaning agents on the market today. Ask if there may be a specific brand that goes with the type of pressure washer you are choosing.

Covering you Landscape

Depending on what type of cleaning agent you chose to use, you may want to consider covering your beautiful landscaping with plastic tarps in order to protect it. This will help keep any of those cleaning chemicals off your plants; you may also want to consider watering your plants before you cover them with the plastic tarp. That will will help dilute any chemicals that may happen to leak onto them.

Ready, Set, Start Cleaning Your Siding

Work with small sections, by first applying the cleaning agent from the bottom up, this will help prevent any possible streaking. Allow the cleaning agent to remain on the siding for just a few minutes, but be very careful not to let it dry.

After waiting the few minutes rinse the cleaning agent off using only water. Starting from the top of the section you are working on going to the bottom.

Continue to repeat this method until your home is fully washed.

One last word of caution:  If you have LP Smartside siding, DO NOT use a power washer – it can void the warranty. 

If your siding needs more than a good cleaning, perhaps it’s time to replace it.  There are still a few day to take advantage of our fall 10% discount on siding projects – click here to print a coupon, and then call us for an appointment.

Window Outfitters, Inc. is a licensed MN exterior home remodeling contractor.  In addition to providing replacement windows, we also install various siding products in the greater Minneapolis metro area. 

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Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.

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