If you want to quickly clean off a surface, pressure washing is the way to go! This highly effective method has multiple applications. From sidewalks to driveways and exterior surfaces, it’s a staple of any property maintenance routine. With common residential, commercial, and industrial applications, pressure washing offers several advantages.
Pressure washing is using a high-pressure water spray to remove grime, mold, mildew and contaminants, but there’s so much more to it than that. In our comprehensive guide, we are going to break down the benefits of pressure washing and the best techniques to get the job done right. Let’s get to it!
Benefits of Pressure Washing
Although pressure washing seems like a fairly simple process, it shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, it’s essential to keep your property looking its best. Check out some of the advantages of pressure washing below:
Boosts Curb Appeal
Pressure washing is an excellent way to transform any property. By saying goodbye to dirt, stains, and grime, you make your property look brand new again. Whether you own a home or a commercial property, first impressions matter.
Prevents Damage
If you let dirt, stains, and grime sit on any surface, it’s sure to get damaged. This is because they will quickly become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you don’t get rid of them, your siding and roof are sure to suffer.
Increases Property Value
You should strive to make your property look great from the inside out. In other words, the exterior of your building should be pristine. Pressure washing your property will not only increase its visual appeal, but also justify a higher asking price.
Saves Time and Money
When substances begin to build up on your exterior surfaces, they can get stuck there. In turn it can cause paint to chip and the surface to deteriorate. Pressure washing prevents the costs that come with neglecting basic property maintenance.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solutions
Traditional cleaning methods can up a lot of water! They can also leave behind harmful chemicals that can harm the environment around you. Make an environmentally-friendly choice and choose pressure washing.
Pressure Washing Techniques
Before you pressure wash or request a service, you should understand PSI (pounds per square inch). Different surfaces require their own unique pressure levels to avoid damaging them permanently. For example, high pressure can damage delicate surfaces like wood, but is required for concrete. Now it’s time to discuss the types of pressure washers and best techniques to use.
Types of Pressure Washers
There’s more than one type of pressure washer to use. Some are powered by gas while others are completely electric. Let’s go over the positive and negative aspects of each one.
- Gas-Powered: These pressure washers work best for commercial and heavy duty cleaning jobs. This is because they tend to be more robust and operate at higher power levels.
- Electric-Powered: This option is more than ideal for small jobs and residential use. It’s mainly because of their portable nature and ability to clean smaller areas that their counterparts struggle with.
It’s up to you to choose the option that suits your needs. However, electric is the way to go unless you’re working on large-scale cleaning projects.
Effective Ways to Use a Pressure Washer
When it comes to pressure washing, it’s not just used for one purpose. There are several techniques to try out to get the job done right. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Surface Specific Techniques: As we already mentioned, different surfaces require a certain PSI. That’s why it is important to adjust the pressure washer accordingly based on the density of the surface being cleaned.
- Distance and Angle Considerations: When you’re using a pressure washer, you have to be a certain distance from the surface being cleaned, which is usually around 2 feet. You should also spray at a 45 degree angle to prevent damage.
- Tips for Hard-to-Reach Areas: When pressure washing an exterior, you might notice some dirt or debris higher-up. Your options are using a ladder when you have to or an attachment to increase the spraying distance of your hose.
With our advice, pressure washing will be a breeze. Just take your time to understand the process before you get started.
Pressure Washing Safety Tips
If you’re pressure washing your own property, it’s important to be safe. After all, you’re dealing with a powerful piece of cleaning equipment. If you don’t follow precautions, you risk getting hurt, damaging your property or harming the environment. Let’s review.
Personal Safety
The most important person to protect is yourself. Cleaning your property isn’t worth getting hurt. When you’re pressure washing, you should be wearing the following:
- Goggles to protect your eyes
- Waterproof Clothing
- Non-slip footwear
Remember to read the safety manual and manufacturer instructions before you start pressure washing!
Protecting Your Property
Your goal is to clean your property, not destroy it! That’s why you need to take preventative measures to keep the rest of your property safe when washing down your property. Be sure to cover the following:
- Windows
- Doors
- Plants
- Any outdoor furniture
The last thing you want to do is break something. If you’re pressure washing near anything you value, be sure to use lower pressure settings.
Environmental Concerns
If your property is near natural ecosystems, you have to be careful. Damaging surrounding properties can lead to hefty fines and harm our beautiful planet. Take the following measures to protect the environment:
- Avoid spraying directly toward dirt
- Use eco-friendly detergents to avoid polluting soil or waterways
By taking these precautions, you clean the exterior of your property without damaging the environment.
Start Pressure Washing Today!
Pressure washing is an easy way to take care of your property. It prevents mold and mildew from making a home on your exterior and prevents other forms of deterioration. Even when you take the proper safety precautions, the whole process can feel intimidating. That’s a sign you may need the help of a professional. Let Perry Wellington Painting & Decorating help you out.
Ready to pressure wash your troubles away? Contact us today!