What Is Power Washing?
Pressure washing, also known as power washing, is a method of cleaning surfaces using high-pressure water to blast away dirt, grime and stains. This is especially important for hard surfaces that are frequently used to walk on such as driveways, sidewalks, stairs, and patios. A clean surface can make a property look more attractive and well-maintained, which can be important for both residential and commercial properties. Power washing can also improve safety by removing algae and mold and other slippery substances from walkways driveways, and stairs that could cause an accident.
Surfaces That Can Be Power Washed
Pressure washing can also be combined with powerful cleaning chemicals, solvents and detergents to remove dirt and stains that would not be possible to clean such as graffiti on brick or oil stains on concrete. We can regulate the pressure with our commercial pressure washing machines depending on what we are cleaning.
- Driveway Pressure Washing: If your driveway is embarrassing to look at, pressure washing can be a quick and effective way to restore it. weather its made from concrete, interlocking or asphalt we have the equipment to do it right. After pressure washing, it is a good idea to apply a concrete sealent to protect is from future staining and improve the appearance.
- Deck Pressure Washing: Whether it is made from wood, composite or plastic, pressure washing a deck can be a great way to restore its beauty and extend its lifespan.
- Patio Pressure Washing: Do you have a patio or a walkway that wraps around your home that is difficult to look at? Pressure washing a patio can be a quick and effective way to remove dirt, grime, and stains from the surface of the concrete or pavers.
- Stairs Pressure Washing: Are you tired of feeling like you're tiptoeing through a minefield of algae and grime every time you step onto your stairs? Ensuring the safety of your stairs is essential, especially if they are frequently used. Pressure washing stairs is a great way to remove dirt and grime that can cause a hazard.
Surfaces That Should Never Be Pressure Washed
There are some surfaces that should not be pressure washed, or that require special care when being pressure washed. The siding of your home should not be pressure washed unless it is made from brick. Follow this link to learn more about house washing and soft washing.- Stucco: stucco is a very porous material that is commonly used on homes and buildings. Using high pressure water can blast away pieces of stucco or make the surface vulnerable to cracking. Stucco should only be cleaned with soft washing
- Asphalt shingles: Asphalt shingles can be damaged by high-pressure washing, as it can strip off the protective granules that help to protect the shingles from the sun. Although you can pressure wash some types of roof such as concrete tile, and ceramic tile we don't recommend this unless absolutely necessary. There are much safer and effective ways to perform roof cleaning.
- Softwoods: Softwoods, such as cedar or redwood, can be easily damaged by pressure washing.
- Painted Surfaces: Using high pressure on painted surfaces can strip paint or reduce the adhesion of the paint causing it to chip and peel in the future.
- Vinyl siding: Pressure washing vinyl siding can strip the factory UV protection layer causing it to become chalky when exposed to the sun. Using high pressure water on vinyl can force water behind the panels causing mold and rot. Pressure washing vinyl can also leave permanent lines and stripes where the pressure was not applied uniformly.
- Wood siding: Using high pressure on wood siding can cause marks and lines and can also force water into the insolation behind causing mold.
- Windows: Using high pressure on windows can damage the adhesive between the glass and the frame. On double paned windows this can break the vacuum seal causing the window to fog up from the inside and reduce the thermal isolation.
Why Hire a Professional For Pressure Washing?
While it may seem like a cost-effective solution to do your own pressure washing, without the proper equipment you might not get the results you were expecting. professionals have the experience and equipment needed to do the job safely and effectively.
- Damage: Many surfaces such as stucco, wood and vinyl can be easily damaged with a pressure washer.
- Quality:Professional exterior cleaning companies use commercial grade equipment and chemicals that clean the surface uniformly and dont leave behind lines and stripes.
- Time: Commercial grade pressure washers put out many times more gallons per minute than a machine you can buy at the local hardware store. This allows professionals to complete the job in a fraction of the time it would take a home-owner.
- Safety: Pressure washing is a messy, loud and wet job. A professional has the proper safety equipment to protect his eyes, ears and to stay dry.
