A home is an investment -- one that needs to be protected. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way towards keeping your property’s value and avoiding costly repairs. Also, washing a home's exterior can reduce the amount of allergens in and around the home. Overall, washing the exterior not only safeguards your investment, but can also safeguard your family’s health.
Your home’s exterior is exposed to harsh elements all the time. Natural conditions like sun, wind, dirt, ultraviolet rays, insects, birds (not to mention things like acid rain, smoke, pollutants and car exhaust) constantly take a beating on your home and contribute to its soiling, discoloration, and damage. Moisture during the winter can cause damage and stains to your home’s exterior surfaces. If you allow the grime to stay on your surfaces, or the stains to sit for long periods of time, permanent damage can result. Crevices are especially susceptible to the accumulation of dirt, algae, and grime, while mildew and mold thrive in shaded areas and can grow unchecked for years if not properly taken care of.
Want to power wash your home? I suggest a homeowner grade of no more that 1500 psi. Hold the pressure wand 3 feet from the surface to start and move closer to one foot as you watch how much force is required to remove dirt and mildew. An extension wand will make washing easier, especially if you have a two-story house. Use eye protection, be aware of power lines and uncovered external outlets, and be careful if you choose to use a ladder because the push back from the wand may cause you to lose balance and fall.
About 60 percent of my home's exterior has vinyl siding, which is a durable, versatile, and resilient building material. However, it does require some routine care and cleaning. Vinyl siding can accumulate a host of dirt, grime, and stains on account of things like pollen, bird and insect droppings, spider webs and rust. In shady, moist areas, mold and mildew can grow. When cleaning vinyl siding with a pressure washer, point the stream straight at the siding, not at an upward angle. That way, you won’t drive water behind the siding. Use caution when using a pressure washer around openings like windows, doors, and plumbing connections.
So, roll up your sleeves once per year and put some work into the exterior surface of your home. Remember, it's an investment and a little elbow grease will pay off in the long run.
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
