What Surfaces Are Safe to Pressure Wash?

pressure washing

First of all, giving a call to the professionals here at Wash-N-It will help you to quickly put any of your questions to rest. A professional pressure wash is much safer — no matter the surface.

In this article, we will discuss common surfaces that you might be tempted to pressure wash and whether or not you should do it.

Should I Pressure Wash My Deck?

Hardwood decks and pressure-treated wood can generally always stand up to a good power wash — assuming you know what you’re doing. If you hold the nozzle too close, pressure washing some pressure-treated wood might be damaging as the wood is typically soft.

If you’re doing it yourself, start on an inconspicuous spot and start with a low-pressure nozzle — better safe than sorry. 

That being said, not all decks need to be pressure-washed. New composite decks typically resist deep stains and can be easily cleaned with a simple scrub and a hose. If that doesn’t work, you might still want to be careful because pressure washing a composite deck might void the warranty.

Should I Pressure Wash My Roof?

We know it might be tempting to blast away the built-up moss and algae between your shingles, but you should not pressure wash your roof if you’re not a professional. It is very easy to damage shingles and get yourself hurt. If you’re on a ladder, it’s easy to lose your balance while pressure washing. 

If pressure-washing your roof doesn’t blast away your shingles, it can strip asphalt shingles of their embedded granules and reduce the lifespan of your roof.

If you are determined to clean your roof without the help of a professional, you should use a mold and moss-killing cleaner or a bleach-water solution attached to a sprayer.

Should I Pressure Wash My Driveway and Pavement?

It’s perfectly fine if you want to clean your concrete driveway or walkway by yourself. You don’t run a risk of damaging the concrete with pressurized water. If you are trying to blast away a specific greasy spot, we recommend a finer nozzle. For mold, algea, or mildew-covered concrete, use a low-pressure nozzle and soap up the concrete first. 

One warning to DIY pressure washing: we have all seen a poorly done sidewalk pressure wash. The majority of the slab is still covered in moss or algae, but there are obvious clean lines sprayed around. If this happens to you, you should call a professional to clean it up.

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