Challenges of Power Washing Near Me
Have your property’s exterior surfaces become dirty over time? Unfortunately, it’s inevitable that your home or business’s exterior will gather debris as the months go by. Because of this, you’ll eventually need to clean these surfaces. One of the best ways to do this is with power washing near me. This service is offered by many professional power washing companies in Cincinnati, including Southwest Pressure Washing. You can even do your own power washing with the correct equipment and practice—as long as you’re prepared to face some challenges along the way.
In this blog, we’ll review a few examples of these challenges. That way, you can decide whether DIY power washing is right for you, or if you’d rather schedule an appointment with us!
1) Choosing the Right Water Pressure Level
Picture this. You’re preparing to power wash one of your property’s exterior surfaces. Your pressure washer is standing nearby, and you are holding the hose in your hands. However, before you pull the trigger and start spraying, you’ll need to select an appropriate amount of water pressure for the job. Because different materials require different treatment, most pressure washers include a dial that lets you adjust the amount of water pressure used. By selecting the correct level of water pressure for the job, you’ll ensure stunning—and safe—results.
We’ve included a few examples of the surfaces/materials you might need to clean, as well as the amount of water pressure you should use to clean them. If you don’t find yours on this list, no worries. A quick Google search will lead you to the answer.
- Softwood: 500–800 PSI
- Hardwood: 800–1,300 PSI
- Asphalt: 1,000–2,000 PSI
- Vinyl: 1,200–2,000 PSI
- Brick: 1,500–2,500 PSI
- Concrete: 2,000–3,000 PSI
2) Finding Time For the Project
There’s a reason so many property owners rely on professional power washing near me. Doing this work on your own takes a significant amount of time, and when you’re already juggling so many weekly responsibilities, it can be difficult to make room in your schedule. If you’re committed to power washing your own property, make sure you give yourself enough time for the work. For example, a driveway pressure washing project may take you two to three hours. A full house wash might take you five or six. (The total amount of time required varies based on your experience level.)
Make sure you use as much time as you need for power washing projects! It’s not a good idea to rush these jobs because you can compromise the quality of the results—and if your surfaces aren’t completely clean when you’re done, what was even the point?
3) Removing Stubborn Debris
Power washing is a highly effective way to remove unwanted debris from exterior surfaces. However, what happens if you find debris that’s too stubborn to wash away? There are all sorts of unwanted substances that might put up a fight. A few examples of these include:
- Algae, Moss, and Mold
- Globs of Chewing Gum
- Deep-Seated Stains
So, what should you do if you can’t remove this filth through pressure washing alone? When you find yourself in this situation, cleaning solutions are the go-to secret weapon. These cleaners are able to break down tough grime, making it weak enough to wash away. One such cleaning solution you might want to try is sodium hypochlorite. Simply apply a thin layer of it to the surface, wait a few minutes, and then power wash it clean. You’ll soon be treated to stunning results!
4) Reaching High-Up Spots
Don’t want to schedule professional power washing near me? If so, you need to be prepared to power wash areas that could prove difficult to get to. For example, there are many surfaces at your property that are high up and hard to reach. Let’s say that you are taking on a roof cleaning project. You’ll need to figure out a way to climb up there and rinse the surface, and what’s more, you’ll need to do it safely. The last thing you want is to trip, fall, and injure yourself.
When pressure washing higher surfaces like your roof, use a ladder, and remember the three-contact rule. You have four limbs (two arms and two legs), and three of them should be touching the ladder at all times. This reduces the risk of injury. You may also want to consider using a harness to attach yourself to the ladder. That way, it will catch you if you slip. Enjoy a safer roof cleaning process this way!
5) Conquering the Learning Curve
If you want to pressure wash your own property, be prepared to put a lot of time and energy into learning how the process works. Pressure washing requires a significant amount of equipment, including pressure washers, hoses, and cleaning solutions. Without proper training, you can seriously damage your property with these tools. What’s more, improper pressure washing can result in self-injury. The last thing you want is to slice your skin open with a jet of pressurized water. Do your due diligence, research how pressure washing equipment works, and give yourself time to figure out how to utilize these tools correctly!
If these tools intimidate you, and you don’t want to put your energy towards learning how they work, no worries. Reach out to Southwest Pressure Washing, schedule professional power washing near me, and enjoy high-quality results that you’ll love!
Cost of Power Washing Near Me
If you schedule an appointment with Southwest Pressure Washing, how much should you expect to pay? That depends on the overall size of your project. We provide custom prices based on the total amount of surface area you need us to clean. There are no hidden fees, either. For a free cost estimate, contact us online with details about your project today. We will get back to you as soon as possible, and if you like our asking price, you can choose a time and date for your power washing appointment.