Can Stucco Be Pressure Washed?
Stucco provides years of paint-free maintenance and beauty to a home. With proper care and preparation, pressure washing can be a safe and efficient method to remove debris and grime from stucco, restoring its original charm.
Misconceptions
Two common misconceptions about stucco are that it will crumble after getting wet and that it is too porous to be effectively cleaned. Stucco is actually quite water-resistant and can be cleaned with the proper methods.
Preparation
Repair any cracked or broken sections of the stucco before washing, allowing a week for the surface to dry. Wet and cover vegetation and disconnect any electrical wiring before washing. Use soap formulated for pressure washers. Review the areas to be cleaned for accessibility and proper drainage.
Method
Clean the stucco using a pressure washer and soap and water, keeping plenty of distance between the wand tip and the stucco. Follow the owner's manual instructions for adjusting pressure, applying detergent and changing tips.
Application
For practice and to gauge results, test-clean an inconspicuous section first, then move to larger sections.
Apply the soap solution to the stucco using the black soap tip, working from bottom to top. Carefully adjust the wand distance as needed, using even side-to-side passes. Allow soap to sit longer on the dirtiest areas, but never let the soap dry. Rust-stained areas may need to be scrubbed gently with a brush and rust remover. Purge soap from the system before rinsing. Rinse thoroughly from top to bottom, using the white wide-angle tip.
Prevention/Solution
High-pressure water can be forced into cracks and seals. Be careful when spraying around windows, doors, corners and trim--stucco is especially delicate in these areas. Never spray directly into seals or joints, or into soffits and eaves. High-pressure water can remove or damage nearly anything if misapplied, including stucco. Adjust the pressure and wand distance with care.
Expert Insight
For mildew and heavy stains, allow the soap to sit for several minutes, then reapply. Several applications may be necessary. Do not try to remove stains from stucco with high pressure--keep the tip at a safe distance. Check for soap buildup on walkways and near flower beds, and rinse thoroughly until free of suds. Wet plants before and after covering.
Warning
Never use a turbo tip on stucco. Stucco can be damaged using a turbo style or zero-degree tip. The wand tip should never come into contact with stucco.
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