When it comes to cleaning your home’s windows, you know that wiping down the inside is only one step of the process. You also need to clean the exterior if you want to maximize the amount of natural light you receive each day. For most homeowners, cleaning the exterior isn’t just hard—it’s time-consuming. And that leaves many to resort to renting a pressure washer to clean both the siding and their windows in one go. But pressure washing isn’t without its risks. Here’s how it can hurt your windows in the long run.
May Damage the Frames
Pressure washers send out a concentrated spray of water that you can direct with the wand, but if you’re not sure how much pressure to use, you can end up using way too much. High-pressure jets of water can damage the frames around your windows, even if they were in good condition prior to being cleaned.
The spray can cause paint to peel up, damage wood and other materials holding the frames in place, and even dent or crack the window frames themselves. Though you can repair the damage, doing so can be expensive.
Could Worsen Existing Cracks in the Glass
Pressure washing is only safe on glass that doesn’t have existing damage. If there are cracks or pits in the pane, the high pressure might cause the glass to shatter. Even if the glass doesn’t shatter, it can still cause cracks to spread, further damaging your windowpane. Most homeowners don’t have the experience and training needed to spot tiny problems in the glass before they become major issues and can better determine whether your windows are safe to clean or need to be replaced as soon as possible.
Can Blast Through Seals and Weather Stripping
Pressure washing doesn’t just put your siding and glass at risk. It can also damage the otherwise pristine seals and weather stripping you have in place. This is because the jet of water is so concentrated that the materials may not hold up under the strain. Once they break down, your home will be more at risk for drafts, insects, pests, and other hazards.
Puts Your Home Interior at Risk of Water Damage
Broken seals and weather stripping can easily lead to leaks and water damage inside your home. But that’s not the only way that DIY pressure washing puts your home at risk for water damage. If the glass breaks under the pressure of the water jet, you will get the interior of your home wet. Worse, that water can soak into the walls, carpet, and upholstery. If those surfaces don’t dry out completely, you may end up dealing with a mold or mildew problem in the near future.
Leave the Cleaning to the Pros
Instead of trying to clean your windows on your own with a pressure washer, leave it to the pros at Reflection Windows and Doors. Our experienced residential window cleaning team will clean your windows inside and out for you, so you can rest assured that your windows are in good shape. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
