[MassHistPres] Power washing

[Joe Booth]

It is my understanding that high pressure power washing should be
avoided.  The high pressure (1200 psi or more) breaks down the cellulose
cells in the wood.  We have allowed low pressure washing in the past
(600 to 800) but that too had problems with raised wood fiber. Stiff
natural bristle brushing with water from a garden hose and a solution of
TSP, bleach and water will be effective in cleaning the mold, mildew and
dirt from a painted surface. Scraping sanding and feathering the paint
will allow for a painted surface to be restored. The TSP solution will
allow for proper adhesion.

Joseph M. Booth, AIA 
Principal
 
d  +1 774 206 8002 
m +1 508 243 6049 
jbooth at dyerbrown.com 
 
Dyer Brown SouthCoast, Architects 
One Johnny Cake Hill New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
t +1 508 999-6220 
f +1 508 990 1265
 
www.dyerbrown.com 
London-Boston-New Bedford 
 
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-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Lipsey, Ellen
Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 3:56 PM
To: DiFranzaDesigns at aol.com; masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: Re: [MassHistPres] Power washing

The painter who just did my house avoided power washing as it can drive
in the moisture, but my house is shingled.  He used water from a garden
hose.  Hopefully, you're gathering info for next spring since it's too
cold/late in the season to begin an exterior paint job.


Ellen J. Lipsey
Executive Director
Boston Landmarks Commission
City Hall, Room 805
Boston, MA 02201
617-635-3850 ph
617-635-3435 fax
ellen.lipsey at cityofboston.gov

-----Original Message-----
From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu
[mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of
DiFranzaDesigns at aol.com
Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2007 3:12 PM
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Power washing

Good afternoon:

Does anyone have any thoughts on power washing an 1829 building on the
Common in our Center Village Historic District before it is painted? It
has a combination of clapboards and plank cladding.  My instinct is to
say "no," but I'd appreciate hearing the pros and cons.

Thanks.

Happy DiFranza, Chairman
North Reading HDC


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