The dirt, grime, and mildew accumulating on your home or commercial property aren’t just unsightly – they can cause damage. Regular pressure washing prevents this buildup and extends the lifespan of your building materials.
In addition, cleaning contaminants like bird droppings, mold growth, and algae can reduce health risks and minimize the risk of slips and falls on your property. Contact Orange County Pressure Washing now!
Your home’s exterior is the first thing that visitors, neighbors, and potential buyers see. It’s the first impression that makes a lasting impact, and curb appeal is the first step toward making your home stand out in a good way. Whether you want to boost your own personal satisfaction with your home’s appearance or are looking to sell it in the future, regular pressure washing is an effective way to enhance your property’s curb appeal.
Pressure washing uses a powerful stream of water to remove dirt, debris, and even moss growth from outdoor surfaces like siding, brick, decking, driveways, and sidewalks. Unlike scrubbing and scraping, which can damage these materials over time, pressure washing effectively cleans them while leaving them intact. In fact, it’s far more cost-effective and efficient than painting or staining your home’s exterior. And with the option to rent or buy a professional pressure washer, you can clean your home’s exterior in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cleaning methods.
Not only will a professionally cleaned exterior make your home look newer and more attractive, it will also help protect the structural integrity of your home’s surfaces. Dirt, grime, mildew, and mold can eat away at exterior materials over time, causing them to deteriorate and weaken the structure of your home. If you’re selling your home in the future, routinely scheduling a professional pressure wash can help protect your home’s value by extending the life of its materials.
The cliche “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” is especially true when it comes to selling your home. With so many potential homes on the market, your property’s exterior is one of the most important factors that can influence a buyer’s decision. A captivating and visually appealing exterior will encourage potential buyers to come and take a closer look, while a scraggly and unkempt facade can discourage them from even stepping foot on your property. Thankfully, regular pressure washing can drastically improve your property’s curb appeal to attract more interested buyers and sell faster.
Health
Pressure washing (also known as power washing) is a cleaning technique that uses a high-pressure water spray to remove dirt, mold, mildew, algae and other contaminants from surfaces. It can be used to clean a wide variety of exterior surfaces, including siding, brick, concrete, asphalt, stucco and wood. It can also be used to clean outdoor furniture, vehicles and other items.
Pressure washers are powerful tools that can cause serious injury if not used properly. They use gas or electric motors to power pumps that force water at high-pressure through a nozzle. The resulting blast of water can puncture skin and cause severe wounds, and it can also be dangerous to eye and ear tissues. Pressure washing requires a thorough safety inspection and training before using the equipment.
It is important to choose a pressure washer with the right PSI (pressure per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). The higher the GPM, the more water can be blasted at one time, but it is also more likely to damage sensitive surfaces such as vinyl siding or paint.
The hot water from a pressure washer is better for eliminating stains than cold water, but it is not suitable for sanitizing. If sanitization is a priority, it is better to use soap and a scrub brush.
It is also important to protect the area being cleaned with drop cloths or plastic sheets. This will prevent debris from being blown away by the water stream or being sucked into storm drains. It is also important to block off storm drains before using a pressure washer in areas where runoff could contain pollutants such as oil or grease.
Whether you are planning to hire a professional or do the job yourself, it is vital to follow proper safety procedures when pressure washing. Always read the user manual and practice safe handling techniques. Keep children and pets away from the area while you are cleaning, and wear appropriate PPE. If you experience any pain or discomfort while using the pressure washer, stop operation immediately and contact a doctor for treatment.
Safety
When used incorrectly, a pressure washer can cause serious injury. The powerful blast of water from a gas-powered or electric-powered unit can cause lacerations, bruises and puncture wounds. It can also force water into underlying soft tissue, which could lead to serious bacterial infections.
The best way to avoid injury is to hire a professional to handle the job. They are trained in the proper techniques and equipment to ensure safe cleaning without damage to your property or possessions. They will know how to adjust the water pressure for each surface. For example, soft woods may require lower pressure than concrete or brick. The professionals will have the appropriate PPE, which includes eye protection and waterproof gear for clothing and skin.
Before starting the job, inspect the pressure washer wand, nozzles, hoses and power cord to make sure they are in good working condition. Check for cracks and wear and tear that could result in leaks under high pressure. Make sure that all hose connections are securely locked. Lastly, the power cord should not be placed under the pressure washer or near open windows or air intake vents that could allow spray mist inside the house.
Evaluate the space where the washer will be used and look for plants, loose debris, wood surfaces or anything else that may be damaged by water runoff or overspray. Consider covering fragile items like outdoor furniture and rugs with plastic to protect them from the water spray.
Check the pressure washer’s user manual and follow all instructions for use. Test the GFCI on your circuit breaker or outlet before using a gasoline-powered pressure washer indoors. Gasoline-powered units can emit carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you if inhaled.
If you are considering hiring a professional for a pressure washing project, ask about their process and what their guarantee is. They should be willing to stand by their work and provide a satisfactory solution if you are dissatisfied with the results. They should also have the proper insurance coverage to cover any incidents that may occur while they are on your property.
Value
In addition to curb appeal, regularly pressure washing exterior surfaces can help maintain and even raise property values. Dirty outdoor spaces make buildings and homes look unclean and unkempt, a turnoff for potential buyers or renters. In a competitive market, an immaculately maintained home or commercial property can attract more attention and offer a higher asking or rental price.
Regularly cleaning outdoor surfaces can also prevent the buildup of harmful substances that can cause damage over time. Mold, mildew, and algae can eat away at the surface of exterior materials, shortening their lifespan and detracting from their appearance. Pressure or power washing removes these substances and helps restore surfaces to their original condition.
Brick and concrete walkways, wooden decks, roofs, and siding can all benefit from a periodic pressure wash. These surfaces are especially susceptible to dirt and grime accumulation that can make them look dull or even crumbly. Pressure washing is a fast and effective way to clean these surfaces without damaging them.
Aside from enhancing the appearance of exterior surfaces, regularly pressure washing can also improve the longevity of your home’s paint and stain. Before applying a fresh coat of stain or paint, it is important to thoroughly clean the area and pressure wash any dirt and debris that has accumulated. Failure to do so can result in the new material adhering poorly or even removing from the surface completely. Pressure washing is the ideal way to prepare an exterior surface for painting or staining.
Many companies offer commercial and residential pressure washing services. Choosing a company with significant experience and a solid reputation is essential to ensuring quality results. In addition, you will want to ensure that the company carries the appropriate insurance coverages. In the case of a professional pressure washing business, this includes workers’ compensation, general liability, and business interruption insurance.
The cost of pressure washing can vary depending on the scope of the project and the size of the surface being cleaned. Most professionals charge by the square foot, which is determined by multiplying the length of the surface by its width. Surfaces that are difficult to reach or require specialized equipment may be more expensive to clean.
