A clean exterior can transform your home or business. But beyond just aesthetics, cleanliness also contributes to the longevity of your property. Power washing services can make a significant difference in maintaining and enhancing the value of your property. Unfortunately, property owners sometimes misunderstand power washing services and what they can do.
When looking for a reliable power washing service near you, finding one experienced in the local area is crucial. For example, if you live in Indianapolis, IN, you should look for a power washing company familiar with the city’s unique weather conditions and landscape features. This post will help you understand why power washing services should be a priority for any property owner.
What Power Washing Is and What It Isn’t
Contractors use power washing services to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew from the surfaces of someone’s property. They use hot water and powerful detergents to break down built-up dirt and debris. That said, power washing is not a substitute for pressure washing. Pressure washing involves blasting the surface of your property with pressurized jets of water, but it is a softer, gentler service, which is why it should not be confused with power washing.
Why Power Washing Services Are Essential
Power washing is a high-pressure cleaning method that removes dirt, grime, mold, and other contaminants from exterior surfaces. It’s an efficient way to clean large areas like driveways, patios, sidewalks, and building facades. The power of the water ensures that even stubborn stains don’t stay around long.
Benefits of Power Washing Your Home or Office
More than just a cosmetic upgrade, power washing services substantially benefit homeowners and businesses. While each property is different, in general, power washing:
● Improves Curb Appeal: A clean exterior makes a great first impression, Whether for a home or a commercial building.
● Increases Property Value: Regularly power washing your property will prevent damage caused by dirt buildup and mold growth. Home maintenance like this can help maintain or improve your property’s value.
● Promotes Health: Power washing promotes a healthier environment by removing potential allergens and harmful substances like mold and mildew.
● Improves Surface Conditions: Power washing helps preserve the integrity of exterior surfaces, preventing them from fading or discoloration due to sun exposure and other environmental factors.
● Keeps You From Damaging Structures: Power washing is a safe, effective way to clean exterior surfaces. If done incorrectly, pressure or chemical washes can cause damage to your property. Without the proper equipment, the project could also take much longer than it should.
4 Things to Consider Before Power Washing
Before you schedule a power washing service, here are four critical points to consider:
1 – Type of Surface
Not all materials are suitable for power washing. Delicate surfaces like wood and masonry can’t take high-pressure water. Always consult with power washing professionals, to determine the best cleaning method for your specific surface. It’s important to note that contractors can’t safely clean every surface with power or pressure washing.
Do not attempt to power or pressure wash these surfaces:
● Laminar Sandstone: The material is too soft to be cleaned with a power or pressure washer. Power-washing sandstone will either wash it away or you’ll put grooves in the material.
● Anything Painted: Typically, only professionals can wash painted items without damaging the paint.
● Asphalt Roofing: Using a power or pressure washer on an asphalt roof can cause damage by removing the granules and potentially ruining it.
● Anything Old: Pressure washing can cause damage to old items like furniture, decks, and wood buildings that have dry rot. Even high-quality wood can become soft and vulnerable to damage when pressure washed.
● Stained Wood: If you use pressure or power washing, it can effectively remove stains from wood. However, please remember that if you don’t want the color removed, you may need to reapply it after the wood dries.
2 – Weather Conditions
Weather plays a significant role in power washing. A dry, mild climate is ideal, as wet conditions can make the surface slippery and challenging to clean. Power or pressure washing during fall, spring, or summer is the expectation. However, check the weather forecast first if you plan to do it during winter.
While it’s safe to shoot water into cracks and crevices in warm or cool weather, avoiding pressure washing is essential if freezing weather is expected within a few days. The water may freeze and expand, causing damage to the surfaces you’ve cleaned. Therefore, ensure the temperature will not drop below freezing before washing.
3 – Environmental Impact
Before power washing your property, consider the environmental implications. Understanding these impacts is vital to maintaining responsible practices for businesses and homeowners. Power washing involves the use of water and cleaning agents. These substances can infiltrate the soil and water supply, potentially causing harm to local flora and fauna.
Traditional commercial power washing chemicals can contribute to pollution and may be harmful if they enter the ecosystem. Therefore, it’s essential to choose eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic cleaning solutions; at the very least, anyone power washing should understand the different cleansers and their purpose. Some companies may advise setting up barriers or using containment mats to capture and contain any runoff.
4 – Preparation
Power washing projects require contractors to prepare the area to achieve the best results and prevent damage. Start by removing any objects interfering with the power washing, like outdoor furniture, toys, or potted plants. Removing items protects them and gives you unobstructed access to the surfaces. If you can’t move certain items, cover them with waterproof tarps for protection against the high-pressure water spray.
It’s also important to close all windows and doors to prevent water infiltration. When cleaning an area with plants or vegetation, consider watering them thoroughly before power washing. Dilute any cleaning solutions that might come into contact with them, reducing the risk of harm.
Know the difference between residential and commercial cleaning supplies. Lastly, be clear of people and pets during power washing for safety reasons. Proper preparation can make a significant difference in the effectiveness and efficiency of your power washing project.
Ready to Experience the Power of Clean?
Investing in professional power washing services can deliver remarkable benefits for both businesses and homeowners. It’s not just about improving aesthetics but preservation, health, and value. If you’re ready to give your property the care it deserves, search Google for power washing services near me and contact Heffernan’s Home Services today. Experience the transformation that thorough, professional power washing services can bring to your home or business. Contact us or get your free quote today.
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