Quick Overview of Pressure Washing: Its Uses and Benefits

Are your home’s exterior walls looking dirty and dull? Perhaps your driveway has become slippery green or black. Well, this might be the time to consider the benefits of pressure washing. 

Whether you’re planning to purchase the equipment or you’re hiring a professional cleaning company, this article is for you. We’ll give you a brief overview of pressure washing, including its benefits and uses. Moreover, we’ll share some safety tips to help you avoid damages or accidents.

What Are the Benefits of Pressure Washing?

Here are some of the advantages of pressure washing:

Protect your home 

Studies have shown that algae growth can degrade concrete and steel structures.[1] So, leaving these organisms to multiply will eventually cause the exterior of your home to disintegrate. Thankfully, learning how to remove mold from walls with pressure washing will protect the structural integrity of your house.

Remove allergens

According to the National Nutrition and Health Survey, about 20% of Filipinos have allergic rhinitis.[2] When you neglect cleaning your driveway or exterior walls, the mold spores will eventually find their way into your home. When you use a pressure washer, you can clean hard-to-reach areas and prevent allergens from affecting your health.

Identify damaged areas

Inside your home, you can easily see spot imperfections. On the other hand, you can easily miss minor damages on the exterior parts. To catch these issues before they become serious, you can pressure wash the walls. This way, you will easily see scrapes and dings that need immediate repair.

Boost curb appeal

Of course, your house will look better if it’s clean. When you pressure wash the exterior walls, you can remove the grime and dirt to reveal the paint underneath. The entire process can give your home an instant facelift.

5 Pressure Washer Uses

1. Driveways – Using a pressure washer is part of the process of learning how to clean concrete. Moreover, this equipment makes it easier for you to clean your driveway and make it look good as new.

2. Walkways and stairs – Outdoor stairs and walkways collect dirt and grime from foot traffic and the elements. Pressure washing them will clean their surfaces thoroughly.

3. Vehicles – Owning a pressure washer will save you trips to the car wash. This nifty equipment lets you cut through debris and dirt on top and underneath your vehicle. However, remember to use the low setting to avoid damaging your car, truck, or motorcycle.

4. Roof – If you have shingled or tiled roofing, you’ll likely benefit from pressure washing. These roof designs are prone to mold, algae, and moss growth. Of course, cleaning the area manually can be tiresome and dangerous. However, using a pressure washer will make the entire process easier and safer.

5. Paint removal – Using a scraping tool is the common way to remove paint. However, pressure washing is the more convenient and efficient way to do it. You can use the equipment to scrub off most types of paint. However, you might need to apply turpentine or stain remover on the area first.

2 Types of Pressure Washing Equipment

Electric pressure washers

Homeowners usually buy electric pressure washers because they are easy to find, buy, and use. Because they often come with multiple attachments and accessories, they are generally more affordable. Moreover, electric pressure washers usually have a built-in tank for easier application of cleaning detergents. They are ideal for light-duty cleaning activities like washing driveways, cars, and motorcycles.

Gas-powered pressure washers

Professional cleaning companies typically use gas-powered pressure washers. These industry-grade machines come with a higher LPM and PSI. So, they are more suitable for heavy-duty applications such as cleaning heavily soiled or larger surfaces. Moreover, they do not need a power source, making them easier to use in hard-to-reach areas like roofs. 

Safety Tips When Pressure Washing

Before using a pressure washer, make sure to do your homework and follow safety instructions. If you’ve never operated one before, we recommend following these tips:

• Read the instruction manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to a tee.

• Wear protective gear for your eyes and ears before operating the pressure washer.

• Ensure a secure grip by keeping both hands on the lance.

• Before pulling the trigger, make sure that the lance is pointed in the right direction.

• Never point the lance on yourself, other people, and fragile items.

• Never use your pressure washer to remove lead-based paint.

These are some of the safety precautions you can follow to avoid injuries or damage when using a pressure washer. However, if you are unsure about the process, your best option is to leave the task to professionals. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pressure Washing

Q: What is important in a pressure washer?

Before buying a pressure washer, make sure you know about PSI and GPM. GPM represents the water flow amount, while PSI refers to the amount of pressure the equipment can generate. Your cleaning experience will depend on the right combination of PSI and GPM.

Q: What is the best technique for pressure washing?

It’s best to start from a reasonable distance to allow yourself to become accustomed to the pressure. About ten feet away from the surface you’re cleaning would suffice. You can move closer until you get the right pressure that will lift the grime and dirt off.

Q: What should I look for in a pressure washing service?

Check how long the pressure washing company has been working in the industry. Moreover, you should review the type of equipment they use to know if they can complete the job efficiently. Of course, compare their rates with other providers to see if they can bring the best value for your money.

Q: Is pressure washing difficult?

If you don’t know how to handle the equipment correctly, pressure washing can be difficult and even dangerous. If it is your first time using the machine, opt for one with lower pressure, which is easier to control and safer to operate.

References:

1. Olonade, K. A. (2016). A REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF WASTEWATER ON REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES IN NIGERIA. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 35(2), 234. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v35i2.2

2. Abong, J. M., Kwong, S. L., Alava, H. D., Castor, M. A., & De Leon, J. C. (2012). Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in Filipino adults based on the National Nutrition and Health Survey 2008. Asia Pacific allergy, 2(2), 129–135. https://doi.org/10.5415/apallergy.2012.2.2.129