Power washing, otherwise known as pressure washing, is a highly efficient method of cleaning various surfaces about your house. The technique uses high-pressure water to wash out dirt, grime, and other types of debris that have accumulated on exterior surfaces. Whether rejuvenating the curb appeal of your home or maintaining your property, the answer is residential power washing.
Benefits of Power Washing Your Home
Power washing brings about many advantages to a homeowner. It enhances the look of your house. Over some time, dirt, mold, algae, among other pollutants, can adhere to various portions of your house, which may look blurry and dirty. Power washing helps restore the original appearance of your property and also provides curb appeal. It also avoids long-term damage due to accumulation of grime, therefore saving the original integrity of materials.
When to Power Wash Your Home
Knowing the right time to power-wash your house is crucial. Ideally, it needs to be done annually especially before repainting or during the end of winter months. Houses that are found in highly humid regions or have trees nearby require more frequent washing due to the prevalence of molds and mildew. Frequent washing will maintain the freshness of the surface and extend the lifespan of external material from your house.
Which Surfaces Can Be Power Washed?
Power washing is well-suited for almost any surface, such as vinyl siding, brick, concrete, wood decks, and driveways. It is perfect for making dirty fences and gutters sparkle and helping to bring back life into patio furniture. However, there are very fragile surfaces that require lower pressure and specific cleaning techniques to avoid breaking, like windows or certain kinds of roofing.
The Power Washing Process
Power washing involves loosening dirt and debris with a powerful stream of water. First, big debris on the prepared surface will be cleaned. Then, a detergent solution may be applied to loosen stubborn stains or mildew. Then, the pressure washer is really used to clean the surface, and it is followed by rinsing to make sure that all residue is removed.
Do-it-yourself vs. hire a professional
Even though it may sound like an easy thing to do, there are some pros and cons associated with the decision of power washing by oneself or hiring a professional for the task. One way of saving money is to power wash by oneself, but one will have to spend time and energy, besides knowing the right techniques for doing it. A professional will have the right equipment, experience, and know-how to execute the work safely and efficiently while bringing out the best results without causing any damage.
Choosing a Power Washer
If you plan to do it yourself, you are going to want to get a suitable unit. There are many different models you can get - some electric and others gas. The electric machines are lighter, quieter, and tend to be better suited for smaller jobs. Gas units are stronger and the big jobs, such as cleaning driveways or large areas of siding. Think about what you are cleaning and what is dirty or stained.
Tips for Effective Power Washing
For the best results, follow these very simple guidelines. Start with a low pressure to not damage the surfaces. Maintain the nozzle as level at all times from the surface being cleaned. Spray it in a smooth motion if there are stubborn stains. Wear safety goggles and gloves. Thus, prevent yourself from flying debris or high pressure water splashing.
Risks and Precautions
Power washing can be unsafe if it is not done accurately. The pressure water can cause injury or damage property when not handled correctly. It will always be best to avoid too much force in dealing with sensitive materials such as wood or windows since high power usage can lead to a high cost in repairs. Furthermore, power washing from ladders can be hazardous so it is usually best to get professionals to handle the high or out-of-reach areas.
Conclusion
A residential power washing technique gives you the most effective and efficient means of maintaining and beautifying your home's exterior. Removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew can make your home safe and prevent damage to surfaces overtime from long-term wear and tear. The frequency at which you carry out power washing on your home, whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or hire a professional, will ensure that your home looks its best for years to come.