Water damage that a DIY pressure washing project can cause to a home

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: The SERVPRO blog gives insight into the possible water damage disaster that a DIY pressure washing can cause to a home. 

The cons of a DIY pressure washing project

Dirt, grime, and oil stains can make a home look unappealing. Curb appeal can be enhanced by pressure washing the house, walkways, patios, roofs, and the driveway. However, a pressure washing DIY project by a homeowner can cause some serious water damage to a house. SERVPRO shares some of the ways such a project could prove to be expensive for a homeowner. 

Pressure washing requires special equipment that launches a fine stream of water at 1500 psi to 3300 psi. Without appropriate knowledge of the surfaces being cleaned and the appropriate cleaning chemicals, this high-pressure water stream with its approximate speed of 250 mph can severely damage a home. 

1. Cracked or shattered windows

High water pressure can crack or shatter a windowpane upon contact while the suds and spray from the pressure washing wand may conceal the damage, resulting in large amounts of water being sprayed inside a house. Not only does this cause extensive water damage but the broken glass pieces can lead to serious injuries during cleanup. A DIY pressure wash gone wrong can raise the overall losses to a property owner. Not only will damaged window panes need to be repaired by a professional glazier but a pressure wash on a replacement window can render the warranty null and void. 

2. Leaking and rotting of window seals

The force of the pressure wash can instantly damage or completely dislodge window caulking. This will allow rainwater and further washing to seep into the window seals and cause extensive damage such as rotting wood, blistering paint, and mold between walls. This damage may get noticed by homeowners much later when things are already out of hand. Homeowners would need to get the damage inspected by a water damage expert. It is possible that the extent of the damage warrants not just drying and caulking but demolition and rebuilding services as well. 

3. Dislodged shingle and roof leaks

Pressure washing the roof can strip the shingles off the roof and give way to water leaks from the pressure washing and any other forms of precipitation into the attic. Even with a minor water intrusion, the attic with its lack of air circulation and tendency to retain moisture becomes a perfect environment for mold growth. Unaddressed, the water leak can cause wooden structural beams to disintegrate, diminish the insulating capacity of attic insulation, and damage the ceilings. This entails a huge amount of restoration costs for the property owners.

4. Damaged fascia and dislodged gutters

Fascia damaged by pressure washing may not support gutters properly, further exposing the fascia to more moisture and rot. Damaged gutters that do not direct the water away from the foundation may allow moisture to seep into the crawl spaces, leading to wood rot of mold infestation. Moreover, the fascia may leak water into the eaves of the home.

5. Permeable wood siding 

High-pressure washing can penetrate the wood siding of a home and seep into the interior walls. The moisture in the dark, warm interiors of the house will inevitably lead to wood rot, mold infestation, wall stains, bubbling paint and wallpaper, warped sheetrock, and an unmistakable musty odor. By the time the signs of the damage become evident, the damage may be too extensive and would require the services of a professional water damage restoration and mold remediation service.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Hurst, Euless, Bedford, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For water damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of Hurst-Euless-Bedford today at (817) 595-0004 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com