The Benefits of Pressure Washing

Pressure washing uses a powerful water blast to clean surfaces that are typically too dirty to clean by hand. The process removes mildew, dirt, and other debris from your home’s exterior walls, driveway, deck, and other areas.

Power washers run on either electricity or gas and use a narrow nozzle to emit a high-pressure stream of water. The proper machine, detergent, and nozzle setting ensure safe and effective cleaning without damaging your surfaces. Read this first!

Safety

The force of the water from a pressure washer can cause severe injuries. A quick search of the internet will yield pictures and videos of people lacerated by a power washer spray. The most common injury is to the hands – many people don’t wear gloves while using one, and even those that do often don’t cover their skin well enough. A serious cut can lead to infection and if it gets into a blood vessel can cause loss of digits or even amputation.

When you use a pressure washer, always follow the instructions for your particular model. Start on the lowest setting and move slowly towards your target surface. It is especially important to avoid electrical objects like outdoor light fixtures, receptacle covers, and backup generator cabinets. In the worst case, water could penetrate behind the wall and contaminate insulation or if it hits the electrical system, cause a fire. It is also a good idea to keep pets and children away from the area you are working in.

Durability

Pressure washing removes dirt, stains, oil spills, mildew, mold, and other unsightly buildup from building exteriors, sidewalks, driveways, parking garages, and roofs. It improves the appearance of these surfaces, making the building look fresh and well-maintained, which creates a positive impression on visitors and customers. It also protects the building materials and prolongs their lifespan.

Effective pressure washing requires specialized equipment, knowledge, and experience. Professional technicians know how to adjust the machine’s PSI, nozzles, and cleaning chemicals for different types of surfaces and materials. They also understand how to avoid damaging the building or causing injury to people. For example, they will use a green or white nozzle for most washing jobs because they offer a wider spray angle and are less likely to damage surfaces. They will reserve the red or yellow nozzles for the most difficult cleaning tasks. They also know which areas to avoid, such as electrical fixtures or backup generator cabinets, that can be damaged by high-pressure water.

Environmentally Friendly

Dirt, mildew, moss and other residue left unattended will eventually wear away at the building materials of your home or commercial property. If left long enough, this can cause significant damage that is expensive to repair.

Routine pressure washing will keep the grime from settling and prevent future buildup. This helps protect the integrity of the building materials and can save you thousands of dollars in costly repairs down the road.

Many cleaning solutions entail harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. The pressurized water blasts from a professional pressure washer eliminate the need for these toxic cleaners. Most commercial and residential pressure washing services use environmentally friendly detergents that are EPA-certified and biodegradable to safely clean your building. These solutions can also lift loose or peeling paint, making it possible to repaint your structure with a fresh coat of the right color. This will give your building a more polished and professional look.

Curb Appeal

Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of a home’s exterior as viewed from the street. This includes everything from the landscaping to the paint on the house and everything in between. It is often a major factor in selling a home.

Pressure washing is a great way to improve curb appeal. It is easy, and affordable, and will make your home look newer and cleaner. It can also make your home stand out among the competition and draw in more buyers when it comes time to sell.

Curb appeal is a big deal because first impressions are hard to change. A buyer’s initial perception of a home will color their opinions for weeks, months, and even years to come. If a home’s exterior looks clean, beautiful, and well-cared for, a buyer will assume the inside is the same. This is known as the halo effect. A home with bad curb appeal can turn a potential buyer off from the moment they drive up. Next blog post.