If you’re looking to have your home’s exterior looked over, you may want to consider pressure washing as a solution. There are various factors you’ll need to take into consideration, such as the type of fences and decks you have, as well as the surface material of the house itself.
Building facades
Building facades are large surfaces that are exposed to the weather for many years. It is important to keep them clean and free of dust and other debris. This will ensure that your building will continue to look its best and maintain its value.
When building facades are left unattended for a long time, they may start to break down. There are several reasons for this. These include stressors like changing weather, the movement of the building, and air pollutants.
Facades should be cleaned at least twice a year. The best time for this is during spring. Also, it’s a good idea to survey for winter damage. If you find that your building has any dents or cracks, you can do repairs before the winter season.
Facades are made of different materials, including brick, pre-cast concrete, and natural stone. However, even tough materials like these don’t resist the elements well.
To maintain the facade of a building, you can use a variety of cleaning techniques. Depending on your needs, you can choose between water-based treatments, chemical treatments, or a combination of the two.
Water-based methods, including soaking and pressure washing, are the least invasive. In addition, the less aggressive method can save money.
The right cleaning technique can be very helpful in restoring masonry and other surfaces. Using the wrong cleaning method can cause irreversible damage.
High-pressure cleaning can remove dirt and graffiti. Besides, it can also help to remove bird droppings and mildew.
Before you start a facade cleaning project, you should test the cleaning technique on a small area. If you notice that the running water contains particles of sand or stone, you should change your cleaning technique.
Cladding surfaces
Pressure washing is typically a popular method of cleaning exterior building surfaces. However, it is not the only approach. For instance, stone cladding should be cleaned differently than aluminum or concrete cladding. In fact, the most effective way to clean these surfaces is to use a low-pressure water source.
This is because a high-pressure stream of water can damage cladding. Furthermore, it can also cause water ingress. Water ingress can lead to physical damage to the surface and the electrical wiring underneath. If not addressed promptly, the consequences can be expensive and dangerous.
The best way to clean your cladding is to hire a professional. While you may be tempted to do it yourself, pressure washing can actually do more harm than good. It is not uncommon to damage hard surfaces such as cladding and insulation. Moreover, a high-pressure water jet can even spur mold growth.
Another method is soft washing. This technique uses a combination of a cleaner and a low-pressure clean to remove stubborn dirt and microbes. Softwashing also prevents the growth of new organisms.
Other options include the use of specialist surfactants, which can be applied with a magic sponge or a sponging machine. These solutions are designed to remove the microbes responsible for staining, discoloration and other problems.
Some people claim that the best cladding cleaning method is to just use a high-pressure water blasting machine. That is true in theory, but it’s not the case in practice. Depending on the type of cladding you have, this may not be the most effective option.
A more effective method is to use a solution containing small amounts of sodium hypochlorite. You must wait at least five minutes before applying the solution.
Fences
Pressure washing a fence can be a great way to rejuvenate the appearance of your property. It can help make your home more appealing to potential buyers. And it can also protect your wood from damage from the sun and moisture.
There are many factors to consider when cleaning a wooden fence. You’ll need a pressure washer and the proper soap and water. To get the best results, you’ll want to follow the directions on the bottle.
One of the benefits of using a pressure washer is that it can remove built-up dirt. It can also bring new life to your tired fence.
The process is easy enough to do on your own. Just make sure you use the correct pressure setting. Some materials, such as aluminum, will respond to more pressure than others.
If you’re not sure what the right pressure setting is, don’t be afraid to ask a pro. Most communities have guidelines for how to discharge your pressure washer. For example, if you live in a neighborhood with a storm drain, you should never leave your fence’s discharge in the drain. Leaving it there can result in fines.
While you’re at it, you should make sure to use the proper cleaning nozzle. Many pressure washers come with a soap nozzle.
Make sure to clean your fence in sections. Doing so will prevent streaking. This will also show potential buyers that your home has been well maintained.
You should also test your pressure washer to find out which setting is the most effective. Depending on the type of material you have, you’ll need a higher or lower PSI.
For example, if you have softwood fencing, you’ll need a much higher PSI than if you have steel.
Patios
Pressure washing is a great way to get rid of the stains and dirt from your patio. It can also help prevent problems from occurring when it rains. When you are pressure washing, be sure to use proper safety precautions and make a plan for the job.
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have the right equipment. If you don’t have one, you can buy or rent one from a home and garden store. You can also use a power hose. Be sure to wear safety goggles.
If you are pressure washing a wooden deck, it will be best to choose a medium-duty electric pressure washer. This type of machine has a maximum pressure of 2,000 PSI.
You will need a hose reel and a detergent tank. These two pieces of equipment will make it easier to clean your patio. Some detergents can even remove algae.
Make sure you have plenty of time for the project. You should plan to spend at least 15 minutes cleaning your patio. Before you begin, make sure you clear the area of all debris. Also, protect the sensitive areas of your house by placing trash bags over them.
You can purchase a specially formulated detergent for wood, stone, and vehicles. They are specifically designed to eliminate debris and algae and prevent weather damage.
Once you have cleaned the surface, you will want to rinse it thoroughly. Doing so will help create a protective barrier between the bricks and the detergent.
After rinsing, leave the surfaces to dry for at least 24 hours. As a final step, you can apply a sealant to the surface.
Driveways
Pressure washing is an important maintenance task for your home. It can protect your driveway from damage and improve the curb appeal of your property. However, pressure washing can also be damaging. You’ll want to hire a professional to help with this.
Exterior pressure washing for driveways can remove dirt, grime, and stains. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or are just looking to keep your property looking its best, pressure washing can help you get the job done.
Before you start, it’s a good idea to make sure your driveway is properly prepped for pressure washing. This includes clearing away any debris, such as weeds or leaves, from the area. A vacuum is a good tool for sweeping away surface grime.
After removing all the debris, you’ll want to apply a degreaser to the surface. Then, you’ll use a deck brush to work the degreaser into the material.
You’ll also need to take special care of your plants, which can be damaged when you pressure wash. If you have a dog or pet, you’ll want to be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals. They can harm your pets or the environment.
Using high pressure water can erode the top layer of your concrete driveway. That’s why it’s important to make sure you use a low PSI.
During the process, you’ll want to use safety goggles and rubber-soled shoes. Also, if you’re a beginner, be sure to cover sensitive areas with plastic sheets, painter’s tape, or garbage bags.
Taking care of your driveway is essential for its longevity and value. Having it cleaned regularly can save you money in the long run.
When you’re ready to clean your driveway, look for a professional who is experienced in pressure washing and has the equipment to do the job safely.