Why Pressure Washing Weeds From Walls May Not Be A Good Idea

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Weeds on walls are a nuisance. They are conspicuous and often override the beauty of a building. When you notice them, it’s easy to consider pressure washing as your quickest hack to get rid of the weeds. After all, it leaves your driveway and patio clean and shiny. 

Unfortunately, it may not be a good idea. 

While there is no doubt that the powerful jets of water can clear the visible weeds, there are a few problems that you may not have considered. 

Why It May Not Be A Good Idea

Pressure washing is a popular and fun way to remove unwanted dirt and weeds on walls. 

But is it a hack that may do more harm than good?

 Let’s find out.

1. Weeding Inefficiency

When it comes to weeding, the best reward is the satisfaction that the weeds will not return. Pressure washing may only remove the visible part of the weeds. 

Most weeds have deep and widespread root systems underneath the bricks or stones that are typically not visible and there is no guarantee that you’ve eliminated the weeds. 

Pressure Washing weeds from walls
Pressure Washing weeds from walls

2. Uneven Weed Removal 

If you’re inexperienced, you may leave unsightly patches of weeds, resulting in repeated weeding cycles that are time-consuming and exhausting.

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3. Mortar Erosion

One of the biggest concerns with pressure washing weeds on walls is the potential to damage the mortar or cement holding the bricks or stones together.

The gentle or high-pressure water jets can loosen or dislodge the mortar or cement, leading to costly repairs.

What We Recommend

Now that we know that pressure washing weeds is not what it’s cut out to be, how do you eliminate them? 

Here are our recommendations:

  • Hand-pulling — It’s easier to pull out the root systems, especially for simple plants.
  • Sprinkle baking soda — Repeated treatments will dehydrate the weeds. Once they dry out, clear them off using a small brush.
  • Burn the weeds—Weed torches burn the weeds down to the roots. Adjust the heat to avoid discolouring your walls.

These weed removal methods will give you better results than pressure washing. Your walls will be clean, and the weeds will no longer bother you.