One of the quickest and relatively low cost ways to improve the appearance of your home is by pressure cleaning. Sparkling clean surfaces can enhance curb appeal and shows that you care as much about the outside appearance of your building as much as the inside. Outdoor surfaces are especially vulnerable to the natural elements of sun, dirt, algae and mold. Though the relative ease can create the assumption that all surfaces can be pressure washed, that is not the case. Structural and more hearty materials are better served to be pressure cleaned.
Concrete Walkways & Driveways
Concrete and cement can handle pressure washing without much concern for etching. It can remove the grease stains, algae and dirt that can grow on these surfaces. If you are tackling a moss issue, it’s best to suds up the concrete before using a pressure washer, as you can risk spreading the moss rather than eradicating the problem.
Wood Decking
Most wood decks can handle a good cleaning from a pressure washer, and this tool is especially helpful when it’s time for a new coat of paint or stain and sealant. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and keep the sprayer a certain distance from the wood as well as to move the sprayer along with the direction of the wood grain.
Composite decking is a different story. Most composites do not need such a deep cleaning, and can be maintained with a light scrubbing and rinse from the garden hose. Should you feel the need to use a pressure washer on such decking, check with the manufacturer’s warranty, as it may void the warranty and damage the product.
Vinyl and Fiber Cement Siding
Vinyl and fiber cement siding can take a beating much better than aluminum siding, which can dent. Wood siding needs to have the exterior paint tested by an EPA-licensed lead-remediation specialist if the house was built before 1978. Since lead is a heavy metal, when lead paint chips off of older siding it does not break down in the soil.
Brick can be cleaned with a pressure washer too, so long as the brick and mortar isn’t loose or breaking. Pressure washing older, poorly maintained brick can do more harm than good.
Fencing
Wood, vinyl and metal fencing are great candidates for power washing. Natural elements such as sun, rain and mildew can dull the appearance of your fence. When debris builds up on the surface, this can cause mold growth and loosening of boards and nails in a wooden fence. Regular cleaning deter this from happening and help to preserve the structural integrity to keep your fence sturdy.
Outdoor Surfaces & Furniture
There are many outside surfaces that benefit from a thorough pressure cleaning. Concrete or plaster pools, once emptied, can deep cleaned. However, vinyl or fiberglass pools cannot. Algae commonly grows in and around pools and can be easily removed with a deep clean. Patios made of brick, concrete, pavers or wood and screen enclosures are eligible to be pressure cleaned as well. Lastly, outdoor furniture is a perfect surface that can handle a pressure cleaning. Dirt, debris and mold can build upon outdoor furniture easily but can be just as easily removed.
Though there may be times pressure cleaning can be completed at home yourself, depending on the severity of buildup and the amount of work to be done, professional pressure cleaning may be the better option. To get your residential property looking its best, contact us today for a consultation and quote at 561-262-3125