Pressure washing is not just about rinsing a bit of dirt off your building’s exterior. It has a lot of benefits that prevent damage and keep you and your property healthy, safe, and happy.
It’s a quick cleaning process that is great for sturdy surfaces, and you can even get into tight corners with higher-degree nozzles. Visit https://summervillepressurewashing.com/ to learn more.
Having great curb appeal is one of the quickest ways to add value to your home. Most real estate agents agree that homes with well-maintained landscaping and clean exteriors sell for more than those without. While a fresh coat of paint and trimming the shrubs are important to a home’s curb appeal, so is regularly pressure washing your vinyl siding, windows, driveway, patio and deck.
Dirty surfaces are not only unappealing, but they can damage your home’s exterior and lead to expensive repairs down the road. Regularly pressure washing your siding, brick and other surfaces prevents the accumulation of dirt and grime and maintains the structural integrity of your home.
Achieving great curb appeal isn’t difficult and it doesn’t have to be costly either. Adding a few simple touches such as window shutters and flower boxes can make your home look attractive and inviting. Choosing colors that complement the style of your house will also increase its aesthetics. For example, a bright red accent on the window shutters of a rustic house or shades of blue on a beach cottage will enhance your home’s natural beauty.
When you invest in your home’s curb appeal, it sends a message to potential buyers that you’ve taken care of the property and that it will be a pleasure to live there. This positive perception is called the “halo effect.” The halo effect makes it easier for buyers to overlook minor issues with your home that might otherwise be deal breakers.
In addition to a fresh paint job, another easy way to boost your home’s curb appeal is by installing a new driveway or patio. If you have an old one, it’s a good idea to power wash it before you lay down the new concrete or brick. This will remove any dirt, oil stains or other residue that has built up over time.
Health
Pressure washing uses highly-pressurized water to blast away accumulated grime on surfaces such as driveways, patios and home exteriors. It’s also useful for removing moss, oil and other stubborn stains.
But the power of the water can lead to injuries if safety precautions are not taken. Every year, people end up in the emergency room due to pressure washer-related accidents.
The key to avoiding injury is using the correct nozzle for each job. A wide-angle nozzle, such as a green or white one, is best for most cleaning jobs. It’s less likely to damage a surface than a narrow-angle nozzle, such as a red or yellow one, which is more apt to damage softer surfaces like wood, plastic and vinyl. It’s also important to use a hot or cold setting as instructed in the owner’s manual.
Other safety tips for using a pressure washer include wearing closed-toe shoes and a raincoat with a high resiliency rating to protect yourself from the strong spray of the water jets and cleaning chemicals. A face mask is also recommended to help prevent inhaling any dust or debris that’s kicked up during the cleaning process.
It’s also a good idea to test the pressure washer in an inconspicuous spot before starting a larger area, to make sure the settings and force of the nozzle are safe. Start with a lower setting and gradually increase it as you get more experience. Finally, never point the nozzle directly at an object as it can blind you. It’s also a good idea to wear safety goggles and avoid touching any surface that’s being cleaned.
Keeping up with regular pressure washing can help you extend the life of your outdoor surfaces, such as concrete and wood. It can also improve the overall look and health of your property by reducing the presence of bacteria and vermin that thrive in dirty environments. And for anyone suffering from pollen allergies, a clean exterior can alleviate symptoms by lowering the amount of pollen that’s blown into the indoors. So, give your property’s exterior a new lease on life by scheduling a pressure wash with a professional this spring.
Safety
Pressure washing is a powerful tool that, when used incorrectly, can cause damage to your home and property. It’s important to take the time to properly prepare and operate your pressure washer before you get started cleaning. A few simple tips can help you avoid injuring yourself or damaging your surfaces and property during the pressure washing process.
Prepping the Area
Start by removing any objects or debris that might get damaged or blown away by the force of the spray. This includes items like potted plants, furniture, or toys. Sweep away large debris such as rocks and twigs that could become projectiles during the spraying. Cover anything that might be in the direct path of overspray (like outdoor lights, doorbells, or air conditioning units). Finally, shut off any electricity to the area you’ll be working on to prevent water and electricity mixing.
Wear Protective Gear
Pressure washers shoot water at high rates of speed and can cut through a variety of different materials. It’s best to wear long pants and sleeves when operating the machine so that any accidental pressurized spray can sting rather than cut through your skin. For your eyes, wear goggles or sunglasses to keep the spray from hitting them directly.
A hat and gloves are also a good idea to protect your hands. And remember, it’s not a good idea to try to power wash your siding while standing on the ground – this can lead to major structural damage to the surface of your house. Instead, use a ladder to reach your siding.
Always Read the Pressure Washer Manual and Follow Manufacturer Instructions
Once you’re finished using the pressure washer, be sure to disconnect the hose from the water source and engage the trigger safety lock. Make sure to drain and rinse the soap reservoir before attempting to change out nozzles. And when you’re done, always store the machine according to manufacturer instructions to minimize corrosion.
Pressure washing is a great way to clean and restore the look of your home, patio, deck, or other outdoor spaces. It’s also a good way to protect your home from the elements, dirt, and grime that can eat away at exterior paint, concrete sealant, and other coatings.
Environment
In addition to providing a fresh, clean appearance that can boost your home’s value and improve its curb appeal, environmentally friendly pressure washing also helps to protect the environment. In fact, if you use the correct water temperatures and pressure, you can even remove hazardous materials from surfaces. These substances, including rust, mold and mildew, can cause serious damage to your property, and some can even be harmful to people and pets.
Often, these materials are too tough to be removed by scrubbing or regular cleaning methods, but a little pressure can make short work of them. Pressure washing is also an effective way to clean outdoor equipment and facilities at a business, and to get rid of bird droppings, oil spills and grease build-up.
However, it’s important to take care when using a pressure washer, and to choose the right type of cleaner for each job. For instance, if you have an outdoor surface that requires the removal of biodegradable paint or glues, it’s best to use a soft wash process rather than standard pressure washing. Soft washing uses low-pressure nozzles to clean surfaces that would otherwise be damaged by the force of water.
Another important consideration when choosing environmentally friendly pressure washing is where the waste water goes once it’s rinsed off the surface. Most pressure washing takes place outdoors, and the discharged wastewater from a cleaning site usually flows into the nearest storm drain. This water then ends up in lakes, rivers and streams, where it can harm fish and other aquatic life. Fortunately, by blocking off storm drains before starting a pressure washing job and using only biodegradable cleaning solutions, you can minimize the impact of your business on local water quality.
Aside from making your building and its surroundings look more appealing, environmentally friendly pressure washing can actually help to save you money. By removing the build-up of grime, mold, and moss that could cause damage to your roof, gutters, or walls, you can prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of your building’s structure. In addition, a professional cleaning can eliminate the build-up of dangerous slime that can increase your risk of slips and falls, making your home or business safer for employees, clients, and visitors.
