The dirt, grime, and mildew that build up on your home’s exterior surfaces can be dangerous. Having them washed yearly with a pressure washer prevents damage and reduces allergens that can make you sick. Read next.
A clean building creates a welcoming sight and improves property value. However, cleaning your property using normal techniques can be a time-consuming and tiring process.
Power
Power washing uses water shot out at high-pressure to clean a variety of surfaces. This includes awnings, buildings, driveways, wood decks, sidewalks, and more. The powerful blast of water is effective at removing dirt, grime, mold, pollutants, mud, chewing gum, and more. Regularly scheduled pressure washing is a smart maintenance move that helps prevent premature aging and lowers repair costs – saving you money in the long run.
Whether you’re cleaning your home or business, a residential pressure washer with the right PSI and GPM (gallons per minute) rating can get the job done quickly and effectively. Choose a model with a thermal relief valve, which discharges water from the pump after three to five minutes of use to help it keep cool and extend its life.
To avoid damage, be careful not to spray the surface with too much water pressure and to keep the nozzle at least 6-10 feet away from the surface. Avoid power-washing fragile plants, insulated windows, and aerated screens, and use caution around wrought iron or other metal surfaces.
Water
Unlike a garden hose, pressure washing equipment requires a potable water source. If the area’s water supply is limited, restricted, or even off-limits, then it’s not possible to perform cleaning services.
Many pressure washers use vacuum pumps or berms to collect wastewater and prevent pollutants from entering storm drains. This is especially important in commercial settings, such as rooftops over concession booths and restaurants, where grease can accumulate and wash into the environment.
By reclaiming wastewater, pressure washers can reduce pollution and keep their water bills down. This also helps to ease the stress on natural habitats and local water supply systems as demand for freshwater increases. Reclaiming wastewater also helps to maintain compliance with environmental laws.
Safety
It’s common for harmful organisms such as mildew, algae, and mold to build up on the outside of a building. They can cause a host of issues for those that live in or work in the building, such as trouble breathing and allergies. Having the exterior of your building regularly pressure washed will eliminate these organisms and keep them from being blown into your home or business.
It is extremely important to follow safety guidelines when using a pressure washer. You should wear closed-toe shoes, or preferably work boots, and heavy-duty, water-resistant gloves. Eye protection is also necessary as the high-pressure stream can lacerate skin and even remove eyeballs. It is never a good idea to use a pressure washer while on a ladder. The pushback from the hose can cause you to lose your balance and fall.
It is also a good idea to cover any vegetation or items that you do not want to get wet with a tarp or plastic sheeting. You should also cover any doors and windows that may leak with duct tape or sheeting.
Equipment
There are many different pressure washer machines available and each has its own purpose. A professional-grade machine typically has a higher psi (pressure) and gpm (flow rate). This is important because the higher psi provides more cleaning power while the higher gpm allows for a faster and more efficient clean.
For example, a medium-duty electric pressure washer will allow the owner to quickly and easily clean a car, truck, or boat, as well as decks, patio furniture, and backyard playsets. A more powerful, 3,000-psi gas-powered machine will be used to tackle bigger cleaning jobs such as brick, concrete, or large flat wall areas that require a high flow rate.
In addition to the power washing machine, the owner will need a variety of pressure washer tools including a surface cleaner, various specialty nozzles, and hoses. Also required are safety-rated eye protection and work gloves. Other business supplies include marketing materials such as brochures and flyers, uniforms or work apparel, invoicing software, and liability insurance. Check this out for more details.