Does Pressure Washing Damage Wood?

Wood is a very beautiful and durable material for many different parts of your home, from your fencing to your siding to your deck and more. However, wood requires quite a bit of maintenance in order to stay in good condition. It can warp, mold can grow on it, it can splinter, and more. When looking for ways to maintain the wood surfaces of your home, you may find yourself wondering: can pressure washing damage wood? Pressure washing is a very effective cleaning solution for many areas of your home – but is it good for your wood? Will pressure washing damage wood?

Here, we will get into the details involving pressure washing and wood so that you can select the right cleaning solution for your home’s wood surfaces. Can pressure washing damage wood? Yes – but also no.

Will Pressure Washing Damage Wood?

In short: it depends. Pressure washing can indeed damage your wood if done incorrectly. This is because many people don’t realize just how much damage pressure washing can do to any surface of your home if you are not trained in how to do it properly. It’s not just wood that can be damaged by incorrect pressure washing; even your stone and concrete can end up needing repairs. So, can pressure washing damage wood? If you don’t know what you’re doing, then absolutely, it can.

However, when performed properly by an experienced professional, pressure washing can clean your wood and help it last longer. This is because professionals are trained to be able to clean more delicate surfaces by using more gentle techniques. They know how improper pressure washing can damage your wood and what adjustments need to be made in order to avoid damage. 

How Can Improper Pressure Washing Damage Wood?

When done incorrectly, pressure washing can cause your wood surfaces to splinter. It can force water under their surfaces, damaging not just the wood itself, but also whatever is under it. This can lead to mold. If your wood deck or siding or fence has any sort of holes from insects, incorrect pressure washing can make them worse.

However, when pressure washing is done properly, you need not worry about if pressure washing damages wood. This is because professionals know how to adjust the pressure settings and use the tip in such a way that the pressure washer cleans your wood while still being gentle enough to avoid damage. 

Benefits Of Professional Pressure Washing For Your Wood

When done by a professional or someone who knows how to handle a pressure washer, pressure washing can be an excellent way to keep your wood surfaces spic and span. Over time, wood can get dingy from its constant exposure to the elements. This greatly impacts your curb appeal. It also causes your wood surfaces to have a shortened lifespan. However, when you hire a professional to come out and pressure wash your home’s wood surfaces, you can enjoy many different benefits.

Some of the benefits of professional pressure washing for your home’s wood surfaces include:

• Increased curb appeal. Your wood siding, fencing, and deck can end up deteriorating over time, detracting from your otherwise beautiful property. Having them pressure washed regularly keeps them looking their best so that your home maintains its curb appeal.
• Improved longevity. With their constant exposure to the elements, you can end up needing to spend quite a bit of money repairing and replacing the wood around your home. If mold grows on it, this can weaken it, causing it to have a shorter lifespan. Pressure washing helps your wood last longer so that you can spend less money on repairs in the long run.
• Maintaining your home’s exterior. When you pressure wash your wood, you’re able to keep your home’s exterior maintained so that it both looks better and lasts longer. 
• All-around maintenance. It’s common for mold and mildew to grow on wood that isn’t properly maintained. By having your wood pressure washed, you can stave off the potential damage these can cause.

How Often Should You Pressure Wash Wood?

Another way in which pressure washing could potentially damage your wood is if you have it done too frequently. The frequency of which you will need your wood surfaces pressure washed depends a great deal on your climate and the types of things that your wood is exposed to, as well as its prior condition.

If you need advice for how often you need to have your wood pressure washed, it’s best to consult with your local pressure washing professional. Generally, you only need pressure washing once or twice a year.

Do You Need Professional Pressure Washing?

Does pressure washing damage wood? Not when you entrust it to the experts here at True Clean Power Wash & Seal! We know how to properly pressure wash your wood surfaces so that they are revived, not damaged. We provide pressure washing surfaces for all your home’s exterior surfaces, including fences, decks, siding, and more. Contact us today to learn more about our pressure washing services or to schedule one for your home!