Whether it’s a deck, driveway, or siding, time can be unkind on many surfaces. Regular pressure washing helps them look newer, and longer. Learn more by clicking here.
Unlike power washing, which uses heated water to blast away grime, pressure washing only uses regular-temperature water. But what makes it work so well? It’s all in the chemistry.
Prevents Corrosion
Pressure washing helps prevent corrosion on metal surfaces by getting rid of rust. After removing the rust, a protective sealant can be applied to prevent the rust from coming back too quickly. This is much cheaper than using vinegar or baking soda to get rid of rust.
Unlike scrub brushes and sponges, a pressure washer cleans surfaces in a fraction of the time it takes to manually wash them. It also eliminates harmful bacteria, mold and mildew. This makes it ideal for cleaning concrete and paved areas, as well as siding, cladding, and windows.
Different types of pressure washers have different nozzles to suit the task at hand. For example, there is a black-tipped soaping nozzle for fortifying the water with detergents. There is also a red-tipped jet nozzle that can strip away rust and paint. It is important to always use the appropriate nozzle for the surface you are cleaning. Incorrect nozzle selection can lead to damage and injury.
Prevents Disease
Pressure washing uses hot or cold water that’s pressurized for cleaning and can also be used to sanitize surfaces. This type of cleaning is a great alternative to using chemical cleaners that can be harmful to the environment, your family, and your pets.
The removal of foreign materials that can cause respiratory problems like pollen, dust, dirt, and mold, can be a significant health benefit for families. Pressure washing removes these contaminants and prevents them from accumulating in homes, which helps to keep your family healthy.
Commercial spaces can also greatly benefit from a regular pressure wash. A clean building leaves a good first impression on customers and clients and can boost employee morale. Walkways, sidewalks, parking garages, dumpster areas, awnings, and exterior facades can all be cleaned and sanitized using a professional pressure washer. Some of these surfaces can even be degreased to help improve traction and eliminate slippery spots that could result in injuries.
Prevents Allergies
Allergies are triggered by pollen, dust, and other allergens that accumulate on outdoor surfaces like walkways and driveways. Regular pressure washing can remove these allergens, making your property more comfortable for its occupants.
In addition to reducing the amount of pollen that sticks to exterior surfaces, pressure washing can also reduce the growth of mold and mildew. These spores can irritate allergies, especially in people with asthma. Removing them from outdoor areas through regular pressure washing can help prevent allergies and make it easier to enjoy your property in spring.
If you’re planning to repaint a surface, such as a deck or a house, it’s important to pressure wash it first. Otherwise, you might end up with unsightly stains or paint that isn’t properly adhered to. Pressure washing can remove dirt, oil, and debris that could cause these problems. This will also make the surface smooth and ready for refinishing or painting. In the long run, it’s a much better choice than sanding or scraping, which can damage surfaces.
Prevents Damage
A garden hose is fine for rinsing and getting rid of some surface dirt, but it doesn’t come close to the power and cleaning ability of a pressure washer. A professional knows the best settings to use for each type of surface, and they can get into those tight corners where water can easily damage things like wood decks or shingles.
If you’re planning on repainting something, a pressure wash first will ensure that the new paint will stick and last. Otherwise, you could be dealing with peeling or flaking paint in a short time.
A professional also knows how to keep the spray from hitting living things. This is important, as that high-pressure spray can lacerate fingers, sever toes, blind someone or even kill small animals and birds. Keeping the nozzle at least 6-8 inches away from anything living is essential to prevent this. This includes plants, flowers, and even pets. This will also prevent water run-off that can contaminate soil or poison local wildlife. Next article.
