Can You Powerwash Cedar Siding

Do not attempt to power wash your cedar siding.

Can you powerwash cedar siding.

Others say it s safe if you do it. Do not power wash cedar siding or any made out of wood. Cedar shake siding will grow algae and mold if it s not cleaned once in a while. The exact procedures you will use depend on the condition of the old stain and the type of new stain that will be applied.

Cedar shingles can also grow moss and algae or develop iron staining which requires periodic cleaning. Deck brightener doesn t need to be washed away after but you should rinse your siding again. Power washing can damage the wood and bleach can damage a power washer. The quickest way to wash is with a pressure washer but good results can come from light brushing with a scrub brush and a hose powered rinse this is all that is needed to clean up your cedar shakes or shingles and save them from rotting away.

The latest company is convinced that you should not must not powerwash rough cedar siding before the prep but hand sand it down which adds alot to the cost. Though it may be more time consuming always clean your cedar siding by hand. Power washing can be used to clean cedar as long as the sprayer is set at a low pressure to prevent damaging the wood s soft surface. A pressure washer can be used on any type of exterior wood siding including cedar shake or rough sawn cedar siding and t1 11 wood siding.

Algae and mold will cause deterioration and discoloration to your cedar siding. Department of agriculture s forest services laboratory recommends cleaning cedar shingles with an oxidizing bleach as opposed to a household bleach to avoid damaging the wood while you can use household bleach to kill mold and algae it tends to make the cedar shingle s surface. The brightener only takes a matter of minutes to work and you should see some dramatic changes in your cedar or redwood now. Once cleaned and allowed to dry the wood can then be painted.

The force exerted by the power washer will cause moisture to be forced through the pores of the wood and may cause damage. Do not wash cedar siding with a power washer.