Frequently Asked Questions About Pressure Washing
What is pressure washing?
Pressure washing is using a high-pressure water spray to clean surfaces that are difficult to clean using other methods. Surfaces that usually require regular pressure washing include:
- Concrete to remove mold, gum, and dirt stains.
- Wooden decks to return the wood's vibrant color and to remove mold, mildew, and algae.
- Vinyl and other types of siding to remove grit and grime from pollution, algae, mildew, mold, and other organic growths that harm detract from the appearance of the siding.
Why do I need to have my house pressure washed?
As a home ages and seasons change, grit and grime from pollution, algae, mildew, mold, and other organic growths begin to detract from the appearance of your home. It can really hurt the curb appeal and value. Also, these threats physically damage the surfaces and cause staining and fading. The algae, mildew, and mold actually penetrate the surface, splitting and cracking it and release damaging chemicals to the material of the siding causing permanent damage.
Without regular, periodic pressure washing, the life of your siding can be significantly reduced! The cost of pressure washing does not compare the cost of replacement!
Can pressure washing increase the value of my home?
It can. Washing your home's exterior is an easy and affordable way to both enhance its curb appeal and protect it from weather and decay. It can also pay for itself in getting a better price for your home when you sell it. Even brick and stucco homes can be pressure washed and enhanced if done properly; the improvement in appearance can be quite dramatic. A beautifully clean home will always fetch a higher price than a home that looks as though it has been neglected.
Are there health risks associated with mold, mildew, and algae?
Yes, there are health reasons to pressure washing your home. Mildew and mold are not good to inhale and can create allergies and other threatening conditions. A regularly washed home helps prevent mold and mildew from spreading into the interior of the house, decreasing the health risks significantly.
Can pressure washing damage exterior surfaces of my home?
Different surfaces require different pressure settings on the equipment. Every type of surface requires a unique setting. Improper settings can cause serious damage to the roof, vinyl siding, and wooden deck surfaces. Our highly trained pressure washing technicians are experts on the needs and requirements for each type of surface we clean. You can be sure that exterior surfaces on your home will not be damaged.
Soft washing is almost always recommended for washing roofs. Soft washing uses much lower pressures and detergents to effectively and safely wash your roof.
Will power washing harm my plants and animals?
Pressure washing is safe for plants, pets, and people when materials and equipment are handled safely, and the work is done properly. We use self-neutralizing cleaning and rinsing agents. Only the best biodegradable and non-abrasive detergents and rinsing agents are used to treat your home.
How often should I have my home cleaned?
It depends on the brand, material, and color of your siding as well as the climate. Dryer climates need less frequent washing. Most homes need washing every 2 to 3 years. Some of the lighter colors of siding that are in the shade for much of the day a lot may require washing every year due to faster mold, mildew, and algae growth.
Can I do my own pressure washing?
You can rent a machine, buy chemicals, and do it yourself, but it takes a very technical understanding of the pressure washing process and method used. Different surfaces require different pressures. If you use the wrong pressure, you could seriously and irreparably damage your home's exterior. Not enough pressure and the surface doesn't get clean. You also have to know about detergents and rinse aids. There are specialized detergents and rinse agents for different surfaces. Any mistake using either can cause permanent damage, or the surface may not get cleaned.
What are the benefits of Roof Maintenance?
Roof cleaning is vital to the health of a building's roof. Making sure to have your roof cleaned, by professionals, on a regular basis can extend the life of the roof by eliminating organic growths that feed on the materials found in the roof. We recommend having roofs cleaned once a year to maximize the life of the roof.
How should I clean the moss off of my roof?
The safest and most effective way to clean your home's roof is to have your shingles soft washed. Soft Washing is a low pressure application of our detergents to your roof's shingles. The application will clean and kill off any moss, mold, and algae! This allows for your roof to be professionally cleaned without damaging your roof from high pressure and will help prevent roof leaks that occur from excessive organic build up.
This statement was brought to us by our friends at joslinpressurewashing.com
Why is cleaning your roof so important?
Algae, lichen, and moss can quickly build up on your roof. They will then eat away at the asphalt and limestone in your shingles. This will inevitably reduce the lifespan of your roof. It is extremely important to hire a professional to kill the mold at its roots, keep the roof clean and protect your investment.
This statement was brought to us by our friends at centralpostpressurewash.com
How Often Should My Concrete Sidewalk Be Cleaned?
We recommend pressure washing your concrete walkways and concrete driveway once a year. The first reason we recommend an annual clean is to bring back the color of the concrete. The second reason is to stay ahead of the mold growth, staining, and discoloration. The mold growth and discoloration is often from sprinkler systems and water run off.
This statement was brought to us by our friends at sullyspressurewashing.com