One of the main things to consider when pressure washing is the surface that you will be cleaning. There are many different types of surfaces and each one requires a different level of care. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine what surfaces should not be pressure washed:
1. Painted Surfaces: Pressure washing can strip away paint, especially if the paint is old or peeling. It's best to avoid pressure washing painted surfaces altogether. If you must wash a painted surface, use a low-pressure setting and hold the wand at least 12 inches away from the surface.
2. Wood Surfaces: Wood is also susceptible to damage from pressure washing. The high water pressure can cause warping, cracking and splintering. If you must wash a wood surface, use a low-pressure setting and hold the wand at least 18 inches away from the surface. You should also avoid letting the water pool on the wood for too long as this can cause further damage.
3. Stone Surfaces: Stone surfaces such as brick or concrete can be damaged by high-pressure water jets. The water pressure can chip or crack the stone surface causing permanent damage. If you must wash a stone surface, use a low-pressure setting and hold the wand at least 24 inches away from the surface to avoid damaging it