Cleaning the exterior of your home is a great way to boost your curb appeal. A pressure wash also helps to prevent the growth of destructive mold, mildew, and moss.
Summerville Pressure Washing can clean all kinds of things, from decks and patios to driveways and concrete. Various attachments on the end of the hose control the amount of pressure.
Aside from boosting curb appeal, a routine pressure wash helps prevent damage to surfaces like siding, concrete, and asphalt. Dirt, mildew, moss, and other debris eat away at surfaces over time, causing them to erode and crack.
When this happens, it exposes the underlying material to the elements and can lead to corrosion, rot, and even structural damage. A quick pressure wash eliminates these growths before they wreak havoc and extends the life of your exterior surfaces.
When used incorrectly, a pressure washer can also damage surfaces. The key is to choose the right nozzle for your project and surface.
The right nozzle will ensure your surfaces are thoroughly cleaned without being damaged. For example, if you were to blast a brick facade with a high-powered nozzle, you could actually blast away the small stones that make up the brick and ruin its appearance. Similarly, ceramic surfaces such as tile can be damaged by excessively high pressure or harsh chemicals. Always use the lowest setting possible and test your nozzle on an inconspicuous area before spraying your surfaces.
Pressure washing removes harmful substances that can affect your health. These include pollen, dust, mildew, bird droppings and fungi that build up on surfaces. When these substances are inhaled, they can cause a number of problems, from having trouble breathing to allergies and diseases. Pressure washing gets rid of these substances and protects your family’s health.
Commercial properties also benefit from regular pressure washings. Surfaces like parking garages, loading docks and dumpster areas can become dirty and unappealing to employees and customers. Cleaning these spaces with regular cleanings helps prevent the build-up of materials that can eat away at the building or lead to structural damage.
It is important to note that if you plan on using a gas-powered pressure washer, you should take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled. Only authorized personnel should operate a gas-powered pressure washer. You should also avoid standing in direct contact with the surface being washed. This can be dangerous as the force of the water can damage your skin and clothing.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, the high pollen counts of spring can lead to sneezing, watery eyes, nose and throat, and itchy skin. Pressure washing can help reduce these symptoms and make it easier to enjoy your outdoor spaces again. A low-pressure wash will clean mold, mildew and pollen effectively from the siding, driveways, decks and other outdoor surfaces of your home or business, restoring your curb appeal.
Pollen doesn’t just look unattractive, it also stains surfaces and penetrates porous ones like concrete and wood. It can then enter your home through open windows and settle on surfaces inside, where it can cause respiratory irritation. To avoid this, it’s important to power wash your exterior regularly to remove the buildup of allergens, including pollen. Power washing can also help to prevent the growth of other harmful substances like mold and mildew, which pose much greater health challenges than pollen. They can also be more difficult to remove than pollen, and they can propagate if not removed quickly enough. This is why weeding and other maintenance tasks that help to prevent allergy-triggering weeds are so important.
Moisture, dirt, and debris create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to take hold. If left unchecked, mold and mildew can cause serious damage to property. Once it takes hold, it can also be harmful to the health of a home’s or business’s occupants. It can result in itchy, water-soaked skin and respiratory problems. Mold and mildew stains can also detract from the overall look of a home or business. Regular pressure washing can eliminate these unsightly stains and help prevent mold and mildew from returning.
Mold and mildew are very common contaminates that can grow on many types of surfaces, especially in humid climates. They feed on organic material such as dirt, grime, leaves, twigs and seeds that accumulate over time. When left unchecked, they can not only cause structural damage to a building but may also pose a health risk if inhaled by humans or pets. To effectively remove them, a high-pressure washer with the proper chemical solution is required. This is where a professional power wash service can really come in handy.
Pressure washing, or power washing, is a cleaning technique that involves blasting hot water at high pressure. This combination of heat and water is perfect for removing grime from concrete patios, walkways and driveways. It is not so effective, however, on more delicate surfaces, such as wood and shingles. It is important to consult with a professional who knows the right pressure settings and techniques for each surface.
Before starting the pressure washing process, it is necessary to clear away any debris that could be sprayed by the power washer. It is also essential to close any windows or doors that might be exposed to the spray. Finally, it is a good idea to cover any electrical outlets or light fixtures with tarps or plastic.
Regular cleaning with a pressure washer prevents mildew and organisms from eating away at surfaces and damaging them. It also makes it easier to spot areas where damage is accumulating and take action before the issue becomes worse. In addition, regularly washing your home’s exterior helps to maintain its value and curb appeal.
A quick and easy way to clean surfaces is to spray them with a high-powered pressure washer. But this method isn’t without its risks. Directing a concentrated flow of water at paint can strip it and leave the surface vulnerable to weathering. This is especially true of older paint, which contains lead. The best way to prevent this is by cleaning the surface before painting it.
When using a pressure washer, it is important to use the proper technique and carefully select the right setting. For example, the tip of the nozzle should be kept at least 6 inches away from painted surfaces and 12 inches away from plastic trim. It is also essential to wear protective clothing and closed-toe shoes to avoid injuries.
Although it might seem like a waste of time, washing the exterior of your home or business can save you a lot of money in the long run. Paint chips, rust spots and other damages can be prevented by having the surface washed before you attempt to repaint or refinish it.
Pressure washing may seem like a chore, but it prevents many potential problems. Over time, grime, moss and other natural elements can damage surfaces and lead to expensive repairs if not removed promptly.
A professional knows the correct pressure settings and techniques to ensure your home or business is cleaned without damaging it. Different surfaces require different pressure, and a professional will know how to approach each surface to remove the buildup while protecting it from harm.
For example, when cleaning something like siding or decking, a pro will aim the nozzle farther away to not apply too much pressure right away and work his or her way closer as needed. Also, a pro will know to rotate the nozzle to attack the surface from different angles for more effective cleaning and to avoid unnecessary damage.
Additionally, a professional will understand that the chemicals in detergents used for pressure washing can hurt or kill plants. To protect your landscaping, a pro will suggest watering plants before the wash and rinsing them thoroughly afterward. They may also recommend covering them with a plastic sheet to protect them during the washing, but only for a short period of time, as covering plants for too long can cut off their air supply.
Many pressure washing tasks, especially those that rely on detergents or cleaning agents to enhance the cleaning process, generate pollutants that can harm the environment if they are washed away into storm drains and natural waterways. Chemical runoff can alter the temperature of nearby water, deprive water sources of oxygen, and even kill aquatic plants and animals.
By using proper technique, avoiding damage to surfaces and limiting the amount of chemicals used, it is possible to take an eco-friendly approach to pressure washing. Taking this approach not only reduces the environmental impact of the activity, but also saves money and helps achieve better results.
Many professional pressure washers use biodegradable cleaning solutions that are safer for the environment and more effective than traditional bleach. This type of solution can also reduce the risk of damage to sensitive surfaces such as paint and siding. If you choose to do your own pressure washing, make sure to read the equipment instructions carefully and practice on an inconspicuous surface before attempting a major cleaning job.