Can pressure washing damage window seals?

This is a question we often hear from our customers, despite most admitting to using pressure washers to clean their walls and windows. The quick and easy answer is; Yes if the wrong thing is done. We see several houses and buildings that have been damaged due to an unskilled person trying to wash the building.

Pressure washing or electric washing involves the use of high-pressure water spray to remove dirt, dust, mud, paint, mold, gum, and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings and concrete surfaces.

The pressure can be changed by adjusting the drain valve. Most pressurized washers fire at pressures starting at 1,500 psi, which is not very destructive, but can rise to 3,300 psi, which, if too close, can explode through vinyl, solid wood, asphalt, and even concrete.

Pressure washing is a great way to clean and brighten windows. After all, what better way to clean your glass than with a blast of environmentally friendly water? However, the question remains whether you can damage the windows with the pressure that these machines can create.

Although the principles of pressure washing are easy, cleaning items such as windows requires a bit of refinement. Yes, you can damage the windows and window sill if you are not careful. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Evaluate the status of the window

One of the most important steps to ensure that windows are not damaged is to inspect your windows before cleaning. Look for cracks in the glass and broken window seals. Breaking the seals is evident by observing the density between the glass panes in the double glazed windows. Defective seals also appear through loose glass. If you notice any of these problems, fix them before cleaning. Before starting, make sure that all seals and other repairs are in good condition. Broken seals, in particular, can be harmful because water can invade your home and damage its contents.

Learn how to use your pressure washer properly

Another way to make sure your windows are not damaged is to learn how to use the washing machine properly. Watch one or more YouTube videos that demonstrate proper technique. You can also search for tutorials issued by the pressure washer brand, which further explain how to use the device. Another great source of information is the store staff where you rent your washing machine. These people often have practical advice that you can not find in written instructions or YouTube videos.

Prepare the area

Remove all plates as pressure washers can easily tear them. Make sure all windows are tightly closed. Irrigate the soil under the windows to clean them. This step helps to dilute any chemicals in the cleaning solution used. You should also make sure that all electrical outlets near those windows are turned off and/or covered.

Before applying current to windows, test it outdoors to make sure the pressure washer is working properly. You should also wear safety goggles as well as protective gloves for your hands.

Put the soap in the tank

Several multipurpose soaps are available that are specifically formulated for pressure washers. One of the formulas to consider is Sun Joe, which is intended for cars, but can also be used to clean glass. Simply Green, which you can also use to clean your siding and deck, is another option. If you want to go the natural route, vinegar has long been known as a window lighter. Just make sure the tank is free of any other chemicals before adding new ingredients.

Use the right wand and the recommended pressure

Pressure washers have a set of nozzle tips or rod connections that allow you to select the amount of width you want the water to spray. A zero-degree nozzle offers a strong first-class spray that is sure to break the glass. Choose the lightest setting and select the tip, which varies from 40 degrees to 60 degrees.

Not only sound education but his alertness and dedication too are most required. You should choose less pressure when cleaning the delicate surface of windows. The pressure washer you are using should have the flexibility of the various PSI settings to ensure that it does not damage any surface.

The third consideration is how far you go when you spray the spray on your windows. Even if you have chosen a wide water fan, the device will still increase the pressure a lot. Start by standing about 10 feet from the window and work your way up to the glass. The recommended distance is about three to five feet away, but by walking slowly toward the windows, you should be able to feel if the flow is working well.

Use soap and wash windows

After turning on the pressure washer, correct the soap spray at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the window. Using this angle helps to lift and remove dirt from decorations and windows, relative to when you hit the area with your head.

After cleaning the windows, you still have to wash them. Turn off the machine and make sure all the soap is out of the tank. Switch to a general-purpose tip with a 15-degree to 20-degree angle, which creates a stronger current that removes soap and dirt residue that has loosened from window surfaces and decorations. Start at the top of the windows and work your way down to make sure all debris and dirt is removed. Allow a few days for the area to dry completely before applying the primer and paint.

After cleaning, check that the sealant and glaze are still in good condition. The general rule is that you can clean windows with a pressure washer, but you have to be very careful when doing so. Some pressure washer manufacturers recommend double glazed windows alone.

Dangers of pressure washers on vinyl siding

Vinyl siding, though hard, is not completely waterproof. Siding has connection gaps and high pressure water always finds its way through the wood material under the siding. When water is placed in a wall, it is often difficult for it to evaporate. This can lead to decay of wood construction materials, moldy insulation, crumbling plaster and parquet flooring, all of which are caused by pressure washer work. Nothing on your walls likes to get wet, so it's important to keep it dry.

Another challenge with using pressure washers on siding is that higher psi can cause tape on the vinyl or discolor the siding.

Pressure washing can tear your window screens

It is not recommended to use pressure washing on surfaces and soft materials such as window screens as it can tear your screen.

High pressure water can break windows and sealants

If you have double glazed windows, high pressure water can break the seals. Moisture then allows it to pass through, creating fog between layers of glass or smoky windows. If you have old, single-pane windows, the same high-pressure water can break the window glass. The only solution to this problem is to replace Windows.

High-pressure water can also break the seal between windows and doors, allowing water to enter your home and then causing mold on the interior walls. It can also wet and damage your furniture, appliances, carpets and wooden floors.

Pressure washers can even remove paint and wood parts

Special care should be taken when using pressure washers in exposed areas of the house, such as window frames, door frames, or garages. Excessive water pressure crushes the wood and destroys the paint. If the building is much older and painted with lead paint, removing it or loosening it subconsciously during a pressure wash can contaminate the environment.

Result

Pressurized washing as a method of cleaning windows and vinyl siding, although popular, has many disadvantages. When cleaning, you must be careful about the pressure levels and adjust the angles accordingly. If done incorrectly, this DIY activity becomes a waste of real time because you spend your day doing hard work doing a poor cleaning job or paying large sums of money for repairs and replacements. Be sure to use reputable centers for washing your windows, and you can see a list of the best in San Francisco.