There are many benefits to power washing your house, especially in Gig Harbor. A clean surface will improve your home’s curb appeal and remove harmful contaminants specific to the area. It also increases your pride in ownership. While there are many ways to clean a home, power washing is the most effective, ensuring that your property in Gig Harbor receives the best possible treatment. Check out our guide on power washing for comprehensive insights and recommendations tailored to Gig Harbor residents. Explore the unparalleled advantages of our Pressure Washing Services in Gig Harbor to maintain the pristine condition of your home.
Why Power Wash Your Home?
Power washing your home can be a great idea, whether you are looking to improve the exterior of your home or considering selling it. Power washing has many benefits, including:
- Removing contaminants: Power washers can remove unsightly stains and debris as well as algae, mold and mildew. These items can be removed to create a cleaner environment for your family and an attractive exterior.
- Keeping your home in the best condition: You should take care of and maintain your home. Power washing is just one way to do this.
- Preparing your home for a new coat of paint: To give your house a boost, you need to remove all dirt and debris from the surface. This is done by power washing the area to remove these elements.
- Boosting curb charm: Power washing can instantly boost curb appeal. Power washing your siding, deck, railings, and patio will bring a new shine into your home.
- Protecting your home: Along with improving the aesthetics, removing these contaminants and stains will also help protect your house. If you do not treat the algae, mildew, and mold, they can become embedded, causing damage to wood and siding.
- Enhancing your ROI: Power-washing your house before you sell it will increase its value. This simple act will maintain the value of your home and help you to get more when it comes time to sell.
Power Washing Process: What You Need to Know
Pressurized water is used to remove algae, dirt, and other contaminants. Power washing is a process that can be done in several ways. There are also differences between it and other processes, such as soft washing and high pressure washing.
A gas engine or an electric motor is used to power the power washer. The pump forces water through the hose to create a narrow jet of high kinetic power. The stream is able to clean dust and dirt with this energy. Filters prevent dirt and debris entering the system as the washer works. This ensures you spray clean, water.
Using different attachments on the end of hose, the operator can control the pressure. To avoid damaging surfaces, it is important to use the correct pressure. Power washing pressure ranges between 1,300 psi and 4,400. Operators may also choose between wide and narrow nozzles to ensure adequate coverage. A professional service will ensure that you do not damage important structural elements of your home, and maintain warranties on roofing and siding.
What are pressure washers?
Pressure washing and power cleaning are often used interchangeably. Surfaces are cleaned using high-pressure equipment with a temperature of water that is average.
What is Soft Washing?
Power washing is not the same as soft washing. Soft washing uses soaps or cleaners to clean or rinse surfaces. Operators can use a power washer fitted with the right nozzle to soft-wash surfaces. Wide washer tips can reduce pressure to 500 psi. Operators can reduce pressure further by adjusting psi.
Soft washing is a great way to remove surface dirt and bacteria. Soft washing is a method that uses less energy and does not require hotwater. Soft washing preserves the coatings of surfaces such as vinyl or composite surfaces. You must know the correct techniques to avoid damaging delicate surfaces or coatings.
What to Do and Not To Do When Power Washing your Home
You must know which surfaces are safe to power wash and which ones you should avoid. Cleaning the wrong surfaces could cause damage. Power washing is suitable for a variety of materials and items, including:
- Brick
- Pavers
- Stucco
- Concrete
- Windows
- Vinyl siding
- Aluminum siding
The wrong items can be damaged by power washing. Avoid these surfaces and items:
- Wood siding: Water can get underneath wood siding due to high water pressure, causing damage to insulation or electrical wiring. Mold can also grow if there is too much water. Narrow Landscaping can help you remove these elements and maintain the integrity of your home.
- Electrical meters and panels: Avoid placing electrical elements on the exterior of your home or in your yard. These structures can withstand the rain but power washing could cause cracks, which would require costly repairs.
- Roofs: Shingles can be very soft and pressure from a power washer may strip protective materials. Asphalt shingles can be damaged by too much pressure. The granules could become loose and flow into gutters. It could lead to additional damage, as it can cause blockages and add weight. Call a professional to soft wash your roof to avoid damaging your shingles or affecting the integrity of your roof.
- Lead paint: Do not remove lead paint with power washing. Power washing can spread the paint into the surrounding environment and air. This material must be removed carefully.
- Painted surfaces: Avoid power washing if you have a favorite paint color. High pressure can chip paint. Power washing is an effective way to remove paint.
- Gutters: Remove all debris from your gutters manually. These fixtures are damaged by power washers, which can lead to expensive replacements. High pressure can cause anchors that secure your home’s components to break or loosen, causing a costly and significant problem. Avoid damaging your gutters by hiring professional cleaners.
- Light fixtures: Outdoor light fixtures are susceptible to cracking from high pressure. Water can also seep into the fixture, causing electrical components to be damaged.
To avoid damaging items, it is best to hire a professional to do the power washing. Professional services will also allow you to keep any warranties you may have in the event of a problem.
What stains and contaminants will a power washer remove?
A power wash is a great way to remove various substances. These devices can enhance and protect your home from harmful contaminants. They are great for those hard to reach spots or organic materials. The following can be removed by power washing:
- Mold and mildew: Mold and mildew are organic substances that can damage your home, and even impact your health. This can be removed from concrete, pavers, siding and glass by pressure washing.
- Paint: Power washers are the best way to remove paint that is peeling. This method will work whether you are removing paint from brick, siding, or a fence.
- Fungus and Moss: Power cleaning removes these green substances which can create unsightly looks in corners and exterior walls.
- Graffiti: Spray-paint can be an eye sore on any structure, and it is difficult to remove. Power washers can easily remove these colors from concrete surfaces. With the right cleanser and your washer, you can remove graffiti from metal or brick.
- Stains, dirt and grime: Add cleansers to deep stains. You can use appropriate soaps to remove stains from surfaces such as aluminum siding, pathways, paving stone, driveways, decks, and more. A stiff brush may be needed for some tough stains.
How often should you power wash your home?
In general, power washing your home should be done once a year. You can clean between March and November, but you should be careful of freezing temperatures. You should clean your home to avoid damage before the winter weather hits.
Power washing is possible at any time, but on cloudy or rainy days you might have some difficulties. Shadows can make it difficult to detect spots on the second story. In most weather conditions, you can wash your house. However, extreme weather should be avoided.
Consideration can be given to several factors when deciding whether to power wash your house. In a humid, wet environment, for example you might be more exposed to mildew or mold. You may have to wash your home more often in order to remove these substances. Also, take into account your own personal preferences for maintenance, your current renovation projects, and the health and wellness of your family. Contact a professional to clean your home for the best results. Power washer operators with experience will determine the best weather conditions and time to wash your house. They’ll also ensure that every part of your home is clean and unharmed.
Prepare for the Power Washers
Preparation is the first step in learning how to power-wash. Professional cleaning companies will provide all necessary equipment. You don’t have to worry about selecting a power wash. Professional services will do the job safely and efficiently.
Prepare the area. Prepare your home to be power washed.
- Close all windows and doors.
- Fix broken elements to stop water seeping in.
- Seal any cracks or gaps, as well as weather-stripped components.
- You can move items such as furniture and planters that you do not want to be wet.
- You can use tarps to protect your landscaping.
- Remove any toys, equipment or other items that may cause a trip hazard.
- To prevent damage, remove the screens from windows.
- Remove all appliances and extension cords and cover all outlets.
Narrow Landscaping is the easiest way to clean your home. You can save time, money and unnecessary items while preventing any damage.
You can be sure that your home will receive the attention it deserves by requesting professional services. Narrow Landscaping will make sure that all components work and are able to clean your home quickly, effectively and safely.
Power Washing: Professional vs. DIY
While power washing yourself might seem easy, hiring a professional has several benefits. You’ll need to consider a number of factors, including the cost and quality of the project before you decide whether to hire a professional or do it yourself. Take into consideration these factors:
- Cost: Renting power washers for a day is affordable. However, buying one can be expensive. You must also consider the costs of replacement parts, repairs, cleaners, and gas. These costs can be reduced by professional services, which only charge a single total.
- Control: Completing home projects gives you control. You can power wash at any time that is convenient to you. A professional service allows you to focus on other projects and ensures safety while still achieving quality.
- Time: Power washing takes a lot of time. You may need to spend several hours or even days alone depending on your size and the complexity of your removal requirements. You can use your time more effectively by hiring a professional to do the job for you. Narrow Landscaping doesn’t require that homeowners be present at the time of service. This gives you full control over your schedule.
- Safety: Pressure cleaning can be dangerous. A ladder, for example, can cause a fall due to high pressure. High pressure can also damage certain materials such as vinyl. Contacting a professional can help you avoid these risks if you are unsure about the best practices.
- Results: While you can get good results by using DIY methods, it is best to hire professionals who have the experience and knowledge of the industry. They will handle your project according to best practices.
Professional companies use equipment that can reach areas where residential power washers cannot. They also have the ability to clean difficult spots and high places. In addition, professional companies are insured in the event of an unexpected issue.
Power washing services are available at your request
Narrow Landscaping is a company with over 20 years’ experience. We have more than 200,000 happy customers. We offer fast scheduling, top-of-the-line equipment and highly-trained technicians. Our annual power wash is done with top-of-the-line equipment. Narrow Landscaping is the company to call when you need to clean your home. Call us at +1 (253) 525-0951 to learn more.