There’s nothing like a good pressure wash to get rid of dirt, mildew, moss, and other substances that can damage your home. Plus, cleaning preventatively can save you money in the long run.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Cleaning is the cheapest preventative measure. Visit https://summervillepressurewashing.com/ for more information.
Cleaning gutters is an important part of your home maintenance routine. Gutters serve to keep your walls, roof, and foundation dry by dumping rainwater away from the house. But clogged gutters can cause serious damage that costs thousands of dollars to repair. In addition, uncontrolled water flowing off of a clogged roof can damage the siding and interior of your home. Regular gutter cleaning keeps them functioning properly and prevents costly repairs.
While a little elbow grease might clean your gutters, a pressure washer can make the job much easier and quicker. However, if you’re going to use a power washer while on a ladder, be sure to take extra safety precautions. This includes wearing gloves, eye protection and a face mask to avoid any chemical burns. Also, be sure to use a ladder that is long enough to reach the gutters and not so high that it’s dangerous to climb.
In addition to a ladder and safety gear, you’ll need a telescoping extension wand and a special gutter cleaner attachment. This curved attachment allows you to attach your power washer and stand safely on the ground to spray directly into the gutters. Using this attachment can save you the trouble of climbing a ladder and risking injury to get your gutters clean.
Once you’ve attached your gutter cleaning nozzle, cover the soffits and gutters with detergent and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. Then rinse them thoroughly with the low-pressure nozzle to remove all soap residue. Be careful to avoid spraying your house and surrounding foliage with too much water, as this can lead to mold and mildew.
If you’re looking to save even more time and effort, consider getting your driveway, fence and sidewalk cleaned at the same time as your gutters with residential pressure washing. While this will increase the overall cost, many companies offer discounts when multiple services are purchased at once. Be sure to ask about seasonality as well, as some companies experience higher demand for their services during certain months of the year. For example, gutter cleaning services will likely cost more during the summer than they will during the winter.
Clean Siding
Siding is a beautiful way to add warmth and texture to a home’s exterior. However, dirt and mildew can quickly build up on vinyl and other types of siding. The good news is that these ugly stains can be easily removed with residential pressure washing. Regular cleaning of a home’s siding will also prevent pests from nesting in the crevices and cracks. For these reasons, many people find themselves needing to wash their homes’ siding once or more per year.
When cleaning vinyl or other types of house siding with a pressure washer, it’s important to work in sections and to start at the top and work down. This will ensure that the cleaning solution doesn’t damage the siding, especially if it’s in direct sunlight. It’s also a good idea to close any doors or windows in the areas you’ll be working and to tape plastic over external electrical fixtures and outlets. Before you begin spraying, make sure that your pressure washer is in good working order and that it’s set at a safe level to avoid damaging surfaces like wood or paint.
To get the most effective clean, use a low-pressure detergent and a wide-angle nozzle. Most washers have a compartment where you can load in cleaning detergent. An injector inside the washer will mix the water and soap together to create a powerful cleaning solution. If the siding is painted, opt for a 25- or 30-degree nozzle to avoid chipping away the paint.
Before you begin spraying, test a small area to make sure that your washer and nozzle can handle the pressure. Then, move on to your first section and begin washing. Keep the nozzle a few feet away from the surface, and gradually get closer or increase your pressure as needed. It’s also important to spray in straight lines, rather than circles or other indiscriminate patterns. This will prevent streaking and allow you to reach nooks and crannies where dirt often hides.
When you’ve finished washing a section, be sure to let the soapy water soak in for five or ten minutes before rinsing. Be sure to rinse thoroughly, as any remaining soap can cause streaking. Be sure to rinse any areas that you’ve already sprayed, as well, to keep the soap from drying on those sections.
Clean Decks
A deck is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. However, dirt and grime can build up over time making your outdoor space less enjoyable. Fortunately, with a little residential pressure washing, you can quickly and easily restore your deck to its former glory.
It’s important to start by spraying a test area of your deck. This will allow you to learn how close you can get the nozzle to the wood without causing damage. Once you know how far away you can safely spray, switch to a wider nozzle and start washing the surface of your deck. It’s best to work with the grain of the wood and overlap each sweeping stroke.
Before you begin, it’s a good idea to pre-treat your deck with a deck cleaning solution that contains oxalic acid. This can lighten mold stains and help remove mildew, making it easier to clean the rest of your deck. Once the deck is prepped, you can use a stiff synthetic brush with a long handle to scrub away any stubborn grime that remains.
The next step is to apply your chosen pressure wash product. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for applying the product, and always spray in a well-ventilated area. It’s also a good idea to wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear while spraying. Using too much pressure can cause damage to the surface of your deck, so it’s crucial to use just enough pressure to get the job done.
After the deck is clean, it’s a good idea to apply a new coat of stain. This will protect your deck from the elements and keep it looking great for years to come. If you’re not sure what type of stain to use, check out Consumer Reports’ wood stain ratings and reviews for recommendations.
Pressure washing your home’s exterior surfaces is one of the most effective ways to maintain your property and increase its value. It can also help protect your family’s health by removing harmful substances like dirt, algae, and mold from your home.
Clean Patios
Patios are a popular place to relax, entertain guests or just soak up the sun. But like decks and driveways, patios can become dirty and discolored with dirt, mildew and moss. The best way to keep your patio looking new is with regular cleaning. This can be done with a garden hose equipped with a nozzle or you can use a pressure washer to blast off the dirt and debris.
If your patio is made of natural stone such as slate, marble or sandstone, you’ll need to be cautious about how much water and detergent you use with your pressure washer. These types of stones are abrasion-resistant and can tolerate high pressure washing, but you’ll want to test the temperature and power level of your washer on a small area before proceeding with a full cleaning.
Brick patios can also be cleaned using a power washer. However, it’s important to thoroughly rinse the surface before applying any detergent solution. This will create a barrier between the brick and the cleaner, preventing the soap from soaking into the pores of the brick and causing damage. It’s also a good idea to wear rubber gloves while handling the pressure washer, and if you’re not comfortable using one, it’s recommended that you have someone else do it for you.
Aside from the basic cleaning, you can also use your pressure washer to clean your outdoor furniture and cushions. Be sure to let the cushions dry completely before placing them back on the furniture. To get the most out of your cleaning, you can also use an auto polish to make the furniture frames shine.
To keep your patio looking great, you should sweep it regularly and hose it down with a garden hose or a pressure washer with a rotary jet nozzle. For the most thorough clean, you can also use a degreaser that’s formulated for concrete to remove oily spots and discoloration. Always read the instructions on any cleaning products and follow them closely, as they can contain chemicals that are dangerous to your health and the environment.
