Throughout the year, the surfaces across your property are exposed to various inclement weather conditions. Whether you’ve experienced heavy rain, strong winds, large hail, or frequent snow, this weather can lead to debris buildup across your home. If you’ve tried addressing this to no avail, you may consider attempting DIY pressure washing.
However, as appealing as DIY pressure washing may be, attempting this cleaning task without the proper training and tools may create an even bigger headache than you anticipate. If you are considering pressure washing the surfaces of your home, read on to learn why this may not be the best choice for your property.
1. Costly Property Damage
One of the biggest risks associated with DIY pressure washing is the potential for property damage. The surfaces across your property aren’t created equal, and choosing to use the same setting across every surface can lead to major damage. It isn’t uncommon for untrained individuals to crack siding, dislodge stonework, and dent soft woods or metals. In some cases, this damage can be patched quickly and easily. However, some damage to siding, roof materials, gutters, and concrete can be costly and time-consuming to repair.
2. Harm to Your Landscaping
Many homeowners spend a great deal of time and money creating the most beautiful landscaping display in their yards. If you consider performing DIY pressure washing, your beautiful landscaping is at risk. Even if you don’t intend to spray your plants and surrounding landscaping, this minor exposure to your pressure washer can quickly rip the plant out of the ground and dislodge mulch, soil, and other ground cover. If you want to keep your property safe from this aesthetic damage, it’s always best to turn to the professionals for support.
3. Leaks and Water Damage
As mentioned above, your DIY pressure washing efforts may unintentionally crack your home’s siding. While you may have scheduled repairs to address this damage, you’re still facing major risks while you wait for the professionals to arrive. Even the smallest cracks allow for water infiltration. Once water is introduced behind your siding, your home is at risk of mold growth and additional water damage within your property. Whether you’re trying to avoid mold or want to protect yourself from repairs, it’s best to avoid pressure washing without training.
4. Voided Warranties
When you install new siding, invest in new roofing, or plan for a new fence, consider a company that offers a comprehensive warranty. These warranties help you avoid covering the cost of property damage. However, if you choose to perform DIY pressure washing, you risk voiding warranties. To ensure proper maintenance, many warranty providers require professional cleaning services. If you want to maintain your warranty and avoid unexpected repair costs, it’s best to schedule pressure washing instead of attempting it yourself.
5. Accidental Paint Peeling or Bubbling
Homeowners with older homes may consider pressure washing to refresh their curb appeal. This is a great way to clean off your vinyl siding. However, pressure washing painted homes may do more harm than they expect. Older paint is prone to peeling and bubbling when pressure-washed, especially if you’re attempting a DIY pressure washing project. If you want to avoid excessive damage to already fragile painted surfaces, it’s best to contact a team of experienced professionals to get this job done.
6. Ineffective Cleaning
If you’ve ever watched a video of someone pressure washing, you might think performing this task is quick and easy. However, pressure washing is often far more complex than you realize. Attempting a DIY pressure washing might not deliver the results you’re hoping for. After the surfaces on your property dry, you may be left with streaks and stains that weren’t lifted. This inadequate cleaning may be a result of an improper cleaning technique or a lack of adequate cleaning solutions. Regardless of the reason, dealing with this ineffective cleaning can be frustrating and headache-inducing.
7. Undermining Foundation Soil
Your foundation is the most important part of your home, but it often goes overlooked until problems arise. However, when you perform DIY pressure washing, you risk doing irreversible damage to your foundation. Improper pressure washing techniques and excessive, high-pressured water runoff can move soil and expose your foundation. In some cases, this may result in the cracking of your foundation. In other cases, this water may make its way into existing cracks, expanding the cracks when it freezes and thaws.
8. Risk of Personal Injuries
While this isn’t a direct risk to your property, attempting a DIY pressure washing project also poses a risk to your safety. When you’re attempting to clean your roof, gutters, and siding on upper levels, you risk falling off ladders. Additionally, if you accidentally hit yourself with highly pressurized water, you risk bruising, abrasions, cuts, and more severe injuries. If you want to avoid these injuries and ensure your home looks its best, you should turn to trained professionals for pressure washing instead of attempting to do it yourself.
Skip DIY Pressure Washing and Schedule with MultiMan Services
DIY pressure washing is a time- and money-saving effort. However, it is often more of a headache than it’s worth. Instead of attempting it on your own, it’s always best to rely on the professionals. If you’re looking for pressure washing professionals in Beloit, WI, turn to our MultiMan Services team. For years, our team has provided comprehensive cleaning services to homeowners across the area. From quick pressure washing and gutter cleaning to roof rejuvenation, ice dam removal, and more, we do it all.
If you would like to learn more about our comprehensive cleaning services and how our team can help you achieve your cleanest, most beautiful home, contact us today.
