Sarasota Pressure Washing is the use of pressurized water to clean outdoor surfaces. It can be used to remove loose paint, mold, mildew, dust, mud and dirt from surfaces and objects like buildings, cars, concrete, and gutters.
However, using a power washer can damage certain surfaces and cause serious injury if not done properly. Here are some tips to help you pressure wash safely and effectively.
Pressure washing, or power cleaning, uses high-powered jets of water to clean surfaces and objects. The pressurized spray, typically between 1,300-2,800 psi, can remove loose paint, mold, dirt, dust, mud, and debris from siding, sidewalks, driveways, decks, roofs, fences, and more. A variety of attachments and nozzles control the amount of pressure, allowing for safe use on a range of surfaces including delicate materials like windows and soft woods. Advanced cleaning solutions can also be used to soften tough materials like moss and mildew before pressure washing.
Regular pressure washing by a professional can keep your home looking newer and more attractive. In addition, it helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and vermin, which can cause disease or even death. Dirty and moldy surfaces can also exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions. If left untreated, mold and mildew can eat away at concrete, compromising its strength and appearance. Regular concrete cleaning via pressure washing keeps stains and damage to a minimum.
Commercial buildings can get just as dirty and discolored over time as residential properties. Not only does this give customers and employees a bad impression of the business, but it can also affect the value of the building. Regular cleaning by a professional can stop the growth of damaging fungi, mold, and mildew.
If left unchecked, mold and mildew can lead to serious structural problems for commercial buildings. They can eat away at concrete, compromising the integrity and stability of structures like walkways, parking lots, and rooftops. They can also eat away at the materials in the walls and ceilings of buildings, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Pressure washing is a fast and effective way to get rid of these destructive substances and keep your building safe and sanitary. It’s important to note, however, that the high-powered force of pressure washers can damage sensitive surfaces if used incorrectly. This is why it’s best to leave the job to a professional who understands how to safely and effectively use a pressure washing system. They’ll know how to manipulate the spray to avoid damaging surfaces and will be able to ensure that all of the dirt and grime is removed without harming your valuable assets.
Prevents Damage
Professional cleaning companies use specialized equipment, water temperatures and biodegradable detergents that are appropriate for the surface they’re washing. They’re also trained to know how much pressure is safe for different surfaces and can safely clean without damaging the property. Whether you have a residential or commercial building, a regular cleaning schedule ensures that dirt, bird droppings, mildew and graffiti stay off the walls, windows, roof and sidewalks.
Dirty surfaces can be breeding grounds for bacteria and vermin. The debris can also cause mold and mildew, which can deteriorate the materials of a building or even lead to structural damage. Having a professional cleaning company regularly remove these contaminants helps to prevent them from spreading and causing damage.
Aside from the health hazards, dirty building surfaces can be a safety hazard for employees and tenants. Grease, oil, dust, pollen, bird droppings and algae build-up can make an area slippery or dangerous to walk on. Pressure washing can help to create a safer workplace by getting rid of these substances and making the space less hospitable for vermin and mold and mildew.
Brick surfaces need special care because of their porous composition. These surfaces can become discolored, mossy and crumbled over time, but with regular pressure washing they can be restored to their original appearance. Using the right amount of pressure and ensuring that the nozzle is far enough away to avoid any damage is essential when working with these types of surfaces.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, a professionally cleaned exterior can make the property more appealing to potential buyers. This is especially true for brick homes, which can be difficult to maintain and can lose their value if they aren’t kept clean. Having the siding, windows, gutters and roof of your home regularly pressure washed can make it more attractive and increase its value.
If you’re planning on doing the pressure washing yourself, it’s important to follow proper safety precautions and only use the highest recommended settings. Improper use of a power washer can result in irreversible damage to certain materials and surfaces. For example, wood and stone could be damaged if they are exposed to high amounts of water pressure for too long or if the wrong type of detergent is used. It’s always a good idea to start with low pressure and test the spray on an inconspicuous area before moving onto more visible areas.
Prevents Allergies
Aside from making your property look better, a spring pressure washing can also clear up your allergies. If you or someone in your household suffers from seasonal allergies, a dirty home, deck, porch, driveway, and sidewalk can cause an array of symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. These can be caused by a number of things including dust, dirt, pollen, mildew, and mold. Allergens can accumulate on outdoor surfaces especially during the summer when they are at their peak and can easily get inside through open windows. They can also cling to vinyl siding, fencing, wooden decks, concrete, and other surfaces.
Mold and mildew can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals causing wheezing, itchy eyes, nose, and throat, and respiratory infections. They can be found on all types of outdoor surfaces especially those exposed to water, humidity, and heat, and may grow faster during the summer. The fungi thrive on organic materials such as wood and cellulose, and also grow well on porous surfaces such as brick. Pressure washing is one of the best ways to remove these and other fungi before they can do serious damage.
Pollen is a fine yellow powder that plants use to propagate, and it can stick to nearly anything. Whether it is stuck on your car, your gutters, or even the legs of animals and insects, it can get carried away on the wind and land where it doesn’t belong. While pollen isn’t as harmful as other organisms such as mildew and mold, it is still a nuisance that can be washed away with a pressurized blast of water.
Many people have reported a reduction in their allergy and respiratory symptoms after a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer. While a professional power wash is the best way to remove stubborn build-up, do-it-yourselfers can also get good results by following the steps outlined below:
Removes Cobwebs
Cobwebs are creepy and unattractive, but they are also an indication of a larger issue: spider infestation. While most spiders are harmless, you should still take steps to limit their presence around your home. Regularly sweeping and dusting will help, but it is not always possible to reach all of the corners and small spaces where spiders like to build webs. If you notice that your efforts are not successful or the webs quickly reappear, it is time to call in pest control for a professional inspection and treatment.
Regular pressure washing removes the dirt, debris and other contaminants that attract spiders to your property. A power washer’s spray can dislodge webs and break them apart so they are easier to sweep away. It’s important to start at a low pressure and test your nozzle in an inconspicuous area before using it on any surfaces or materials that could be damaged by the force of the water.
While you can use a garden hose to rinse the outside of your windows, a pressure washer will give them an even more thorough clean. Before you start washing, make sure to hose down any plants or flowers that are near your windows to avoid damage. Afterward, you can dry your windows with a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks and get the perfect finish.
Another benefit of a regularly scheduled pressure wash is that it can keep your home looking newer for longer. This is especially true when it comes to curb appeal. Pressure washing can remove the dirt, dust and cobwebs that can accumulate on your home’s exterior, as well as any mildew or mold that might be growing on the side of your house.
Boosting your curb appeal can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers when you decide to sell. It can also improve your mood by making you feel proud of the look of your home.
There are many benefits to regular pressure washing, but it’s important to remember that the best way to ensure your home looks its best is with a professionally-installed roof coating. If you want to protect your investment and enjoy all the benefits of a pressure washing, contact a local contractor today to learn more about your options.