What is pressure washing?
Pressure washing, also known as power washing, is a popular method of cleaning driveways, sidewalks, decks, patios, and the exterior of homes. It involves the use of high-powered jets of water to remove dirt, grime, loose paint, moss, algae, and other residue from surfaces. These jets of water are powerful enough to reach into tiny nooks and crannies and effectively clean out all the dirt hiding out of sight. Pressure washing can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, from siding to parking lots to outdoor furniture.
Pressure washing can be incredibly efficient and save time compared to manually scrubbing surfaces with a bucket and brush. It can also make a dramatic difference in the appearance of your home, making it look brand new again. Additionally, pressure washing can help increase the value of your home if you’re thinking of selling, as prospective buyers will be more likely to view the home as being in good condition. Professional pressure wash services are available to ensure the results surpass your expectations while avoiding any potential risks.
What are the benefits of pressure washing your home?
1. Improve the look of the house
Pressure washing can significantly improve the look of a house, helping to increase its curb appeal, attract potential buyers, and even increase the sale price. Pressure washing removes years of accumulated dirt, grime, mold, and algae from a home’s exterior, making the home look clean and polished and giving potential buyers a good feeling when they walk through the front door. A clean exterior also signals to buyers that the home is well taken care of and structurally sound, while hidden damage under dirt and grime is less likely to be a concern. Moreover, a pressure-washed home can make a great impression in photographs, as buyers often search for properties online. Adding to the appeal, pressure washing can add $10,000-$15,000 to the sale price of a home, making it an investment that pays off. Finally, pressure washing can help to brighten up a house, potentially eliminating the need for costly repairs or even a new coat of paint. Ultimately, pressure washing a home can significantly improve its appearance, making it more attractive to potential buyers and, in turn, increasing its market value.
2. Eliminate dirt, grime
Pressure washing is an effective way to eliminate dirt, grime, and build up from a home. It works by using a pressurized spray of water to remove the build-up of these substances from exterior surfaces. This removes the threat of disease-causing bacteria as well as protecting the interior of the building from spores that cause illness. Pressure washing also removes built up pollen from surfaces, reducing allergy suffering. In addition, pressure washing lifts dirt, grime, moss, and other substances off surfaces, and it even gets into the tiniest crevices to clean out any built-up substances. Additionally, pressure washing eliminates allergens from the surface of the home, improving overall air quality. Finally, power washing can be used to prepare outdoor surfaces like decks and patios for summer.
3. Remove stains and rust
Pressure washing helps remove stains and rust from a home by cleaning away the dirt, grime, and other substances that can build up over time, potentially causing corrosion. This can help prevent the degradation of surfaces like paint, sealants, and other coatings, as well as the materials underneath them. It can also help keep crevices and cavities from becoming breeding grounds for bacteria, and help protect the interior of walls from moisture and other intruders that can cause serious structural damage. Pressure washing can also improve the overall curb appeal of a house by removing dirt, grime, moss, and other buildup that can make a house look dull and faded.
4. Cleans gutters and eaves
Pressure washing your gutters and eaves can help clean your home in several ways. Firstly, it can remove the buildup of dirt, leaves and other debris that can accumulate over time. This helps to prevent damage to your roof and gutters and improves the overall aesthetic of your home, which can be important for potential buyers. Secondly, it can prevent the growth of mold and algae, which can get into the material of your roof, causing expensive damage. Lastly, it can help to elevate your home to a like-new condition, improving curb appeal and making sure it looks good for potential buyers.
5. Cleans siding, windows, and decks
Pressure washing can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, pressure washing can be used to clean wooden decks, brick and stone patios, siding, roofs, and driveways. Indoors, pressure washing can be used to clean tile and grout, as well as laminate and hardwood floors.
In addition, pressure washing can also be used to clean windows, screens, and other hard-to-reach surfaces.
6. Improved curb appeal
Pressure washing your home will improve its curb appeal and help you sell faster. When buyers view your home from the street, they want to get a good first impression. Pressure washing your siding and exterior will make your home look clean and polished, as well as signal to buyers that you take care of your home and that it is structurally sound. It can also prevent wood rot and remove any airborne pathogens, making the home safer for buyers. Additionally, a clean exterior can make your home stand out amongst the masses of listings and attract buyers who may not have been interested otherwise. Professional photographers can only do so much, and a professional pressure wash will make your home look great in photos which can make or break a sale. If you’re thinking of selling your home, pressure washing is a great way to increase your sale price and close the sale quickly, so it is worth the extra effort.
7. Improved safety
Pressure washing is an important part of home maintenance that not only improves the aesthetic of your property but also improves the safety of your home. It can help protect you, your family, and your pets from illnesses caused by built-up dirt and grime, as well as from potential accidents caused by tripping hazards. Pressure washing removes built-up pollen, which can reduce allergies and illnesses, while also eliminating a hospitable environment for vermin. Additionally, by unplugging any electrical devices and covering up outlets, you can help prevent the risk of electrocution. Finally, it is important to keep your pets and children inside while the power washer is in use and communicate with them if they need to step outside to ensure everyone is safe. Pressure washing is a great way to improve the safety of your home and keep you, your family, and your pets protected.
8. Energy savings
Pressure washing your home can save energy in a few different ways. Firstly, by removing dirt and debris from solar panels, it can ensure they are working efficiently, and thus reduce your energy bill. Secondly, by cleaning and clearing your windows, you can let in more natural light into your home. This can be used to heat or brighten a space without using electricity and can reduce energy costs by up to 13%. Finally, pressure washing can help remove wasps or bees’ nests that are blocking natural light, which can increase the natural light in your home and create a positive feeling for home buyers.
9. Time savings
Pressure washing your home can save you a significant amount of time compared to trying to clean it manually. Depending on factors like the size of your home, the number of people working on it, and its accessibility, a large house can usually be pressure washed in just a few hours, while smaller surfaces may only take 30 minutes or less. In comparison, the manual process of scrubbing your entire home with a bucket and brush would take so much more effort, time, and labor that it’s almost entirely unrealistic.
10. Cost savings
Pressure washing your home is an investment with a high return that can prevent costly damage and repairs. Regular maintenance with pressure washing is far less expensive than fixing any damage that could be caused by dirt and grime buildup. The longer you wait to pressure wash your home, the harder it can be to remove stains, leading to potentially higher costs. Pressure washing also saves time and money by avoiding the need to repair any damage that could have been prevented by it.
FAQ
What is a pressure washer?
A pressure washer is a device that uses high-powered jets of water to clean surfaces of dirt, grime, loose paint, moss, algae, and other residues that would be difficult to remove using regular water and elbow grease. This is possible due to the pressure that the washer produces, which ranges from 750 to 30,000 pounds-per-square-inch (psi), which is much greater than the 40 to 60 psi that comes out of a typical home water faucet. Pressure washers are commonly used to clean driveways, patios, decks, siding, gutters, roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, fencing, vehicles, lawn mowers, outdoor furniture, and grills.
Though pressure washing can be done by DIYers who rent or buy a pressure washer, it is often a better option to hire a professional handyman. This is because these professionals have the know-how to select the right amount of pressure for the job, which can prevent any damage from occurring to the surface being cleaned. A professional also saves you the hassle and expense of renting or buying a pressure washer and supplies.
What should I consider when preparing for pressure washing?
When preparing for pressure washing, it is important to consider a few things. Firstly, make sure to obtain all necessary materials and devise a clear plan of attack. Secondly, follow a list of general tips that will help you have a successful and less stressful cleaning experience. Thirdly, make sure to cover up any openings that can allow water to get inside and lock your windows and doors. Fourthly, prepare the exterior of your home, such as trimming bushes or trees and cleaning gutters. Fifthly, make sure to keep any outdoor pets such as dogs or cats in a safe place while you are pressure washing. Finally, make sure to keep any children or other people safe inside the house while the pressure washing is taking place.
What types of surfaces can be pressure washed?
Pressure washing is a great way to quickly and effectively clean a variety of different surfaces around your home or business. Pressure washing is suitable for vinyl siding, stucco, driveways, patios, gutters, roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, fencing, vehicles, lawn mowers, and outdoor furniture.
However, it is important to note that not all surfaces can withstand the sheer force of pressure washing. For instance, when pressure washing vinyl siding, you should avoid directly spraying windows, vents, and other openings, as this can cause damage to them or let water into the interior of your home. Furthermore, some types of stucco, such as bottle-dash and rock-dash stucco, should not be pressure washed. When pressure washing stucco, it is important to use a lower gallons-per-minute setting and a wide spray radius to disperse the pressure.
By equipping yourself with the proper knowledge and following the correct steps, you can safely and effectively pressure wash the surfaces around your home or business.
Does pressure washing damage my home’s exterior?
Pressure washing can be an effective way to remove dirt, and other buildup from your home’s exterior, but it must be done properly in order to avoid any potential damage. If done improperly, pressure washing can strip paint or siding, and damage gutters, windows, and doors. Hiring a professional pressure washing company is the best way to ensure that the job is done safely and effectively. A professional power washer will have the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure that all proper safety measures are followed. They will also use the right equipment and cleaners for various surface materials. In addition, taking the time to protect plants, doorways, and windows, and scrubbing the siding before pressure washing will help minimize the risk of damage. If you follow these steps and are mindful when pressure washing, you can restore your home’s exterior without any damage.
Are there any special considerations for pressure washing siding or gutters?
Are there any special considerations for pressure washing siding or gutters? When it comes to pressure washing siding, it’s important to take extra precautions, as the sheer force of the water could damage delicate surfaces. Additionally, you’ll need an extension or telescoping wand to clean gutters, as well as a gutter cleaning wand attachment and detergent, to ensure that all debris is properly removed. When it comes to pressure washing gutters, it’s important to rinse the gutters with water first, starting at the downspout, and then fill the detergent reservoir and wash the gutters with detergent. After that, you must rinse with clear water and attach a water broom to sweep away debris that has fallen to the ground. Lastly, you must clear the area of all outdoor furniture and plants before power washing, so that nothing gets in the way.
If you need professional pressure washing services in Pompano Beach, FL contact KOS Home Services Inc..