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Power washing vinyl siding

homeownersue Homeownersue

16 years ago

I had the vinyl siding power washed on my home 2 1/2 years ago, and for some reason, on two sides of the house, the GC who did the work left what can best be described as light-colored streaks (running vertically and evenly spaced). You can't see them close up, and I didn't notice them at first right after the work was done. The siding is very light gray and old. Frankly, I haven't followed up since other life and home issues have intervened. Someone told me the marks indicate poor power washing though I begged the guy to go easy since I had heard too much pressure would hurt the siding (and I do also have some issues with the deck power wash and refinish that I have posted in the appropriate forum). Like I said, if you go up close to the siding, you can't see it (so the siding appears to be intact, no holds or visible wearing of the finish). The two sides of the house affected do get more sun, one side in particular--I am thinking perhaps that has something to do with it? I am not able to re-side the house at this time, so am hoping for some advice about how to correct. Thanks!

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Comments (2)

kudzu9
16 years ago
Is it possible that the cleaning revealed some slight staining that was already there that might have occurred over the years from downward migration of a little bit of corrosion from the siding fasteners, even though they're concealed? It would be highly unlikely, given the nature of power washing, that a GC would inflict regularly spaced steaks. It could also be something showing up from the original manufacturing process that is being revealed as the siding ages. Generally damage from power washing is readily visible as erosion of the surface that was cleaned, and it wouldn't follow the pattern you describe.
homeownersue Homeownersue
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks, kudzu9. It sounds like it isn't serious but something that I will just have to live with (doesn't sound fixable).
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There was a story in the Washington post that realtors in Maryland were calling the greyness a "patina" and using it as a selling point. Here is a link to power washing VINYL siding. How to Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding This post was edited by albert_135 on Fri, May 3, 13 at 14:27
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A power washer can cause damage when being used by an inexperienced person. This is why you don't do it yourself or hire some kid or a guy that power washes on the weekends for extra beer money. This is your home (your largest) investment. The proper way to wash siding is to use a high flow machine (usually 5-8 gallons per minute)with low pressure. No more than 500 psi hitting the siding. A reputable cleaning contractor will rely on his cleaners to do most of the work. The right cleaners and equipment allow you to wash the siding without the use of high pressure. Washing vinyl with high pressure and at the wrong angles can force water behind the vinyl. Hire a professional that uses low pressure or soft washing methods. If he knows what he is doing, he will know what you're talking about. I can assure you, a house can be cleaned to restore it's appearance by using low pressure and the right cleaners. Here is a link that might be useful: Exterior Cleaning Tips
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