Is it time to clean your property’s exterior surfaces? Are you planning to do your own Chesapeake, VA exterior cleaning in the near future? If so, we urge you to prepare for what lies ahead. We wish we could tell you that pressure washing is a walk in the park, but the truth is that it’s a challenging process that hides unexpected difficulties. If you aren’t ready to overcome these difficulties, you may sacrifice the quality of the final results. Or, you might abandon the project halfway through out of frustration.
In this blog, we’ll review five challenges involved with the Chesapeake, VA exterior cleaning process. That way, you know how to overcome these problems on your own. Alternatively, reach out to Water Works Services for professional services—we’d love to help!
#1: Finding Time and Energy For the Work
Time is a precious, limited resource. We have to take care in how we use it; after all, there are only so many hours in the day. You’ll have to keep this in mind as you plan your Chesapeake, VA exterior cleaning project.
How much time will you need to dedicate to the pressure washing process? That depends on the size of your project, as well as how much experience you have in pressure washing. For your very first pressure washing project, you’ll need more time to familiarize yourself with the process. Don’t rush through the work—being hasty will ultimately compromise the quality of the cleaning. The last thing you want is lackluster results that force you to backtrack and pressure wash surfaces all over again.
Additionally, make sure you are well-rested before your pressure washing project. Chesapeake, VA exterior cleaning requires your energy and focus. In fact, attempting this work when you are sleep-deprived increases the risk of injury or damage. So make sure you are wakeful and raring to go before even picking up a pressure washing hose!
#2: Obtaining the Necessary Equipment
If you want to do your own Chesapeake, VA exterior cleaning, you’ll need the right tools for the job. The question is, what do these tools include? Of course, you’ll need a pressure washer. A pressure washer connects to a water source, pumps the water to a high pressure, and expels it through a hose. This water is key to pressure washing; it rinses away stubborn debris and restores the glow of exterior surfaces for you!
What other tools will you need for your Chesapeake, VA exterior cleaning project? We have included a short list for your review below. You’ll definitely want all these items before leaping into the work:
- Connecting hose and nozzles
- Pressure washing detergent
- Spray applicator and sodium hypochlorite
- Ladder (if cleaning high surfaces)
- Safety gear (gloves, goggles, closed-toe shoes)
#3: Determining How Much Water Pressure to Use
So, you’ve set aside time for your pressure washing project, and you have all the necessary equipment for the work, too. The next step is figuring out how much water pressure to use during your project.
Pressure washing is not a “one-size-fits-all” process where you can employ the same amount of force no matter what you clean. You must carefully select a fitting amount of water pressure based on the surfaces or structures you want to wash. Otherwise, you might face less-than-satisfactory results, if not outright surface damage.
We have included several examples of surfaces/structures, as well as how much water pressure to clean them with, below. Don’t see your project on this list? Make sure you do your research, and always test your pressure washing spray in an inconspicuous area to see how the material reacts to being cleaned.
- Softwood — 500–1,000 PSI
- Vinyl Siding — 500–1,000 PSI
- Hardwood — 1,200–1,800 PSI
- Brick and Paver Surfaces — 1,500–2,500 PSI
- Concrete Driveways and Sidewalks — 2,500–3,500 PSI
#4: Using Ladders Safely When Necessary
Sometimes, you will need to clean surfaces that are normally out of reach. To access them, a ladder will become necessary. However, you should know that improper ladder use dramatically increases the risk of an injury. All it takes is one fall to spend your day in a hospital bed instead of completing your Chesapeake, VA exterior cleaning project.
When using a ladder, make sure it is always set up in a flat, stable area. If the ladder rocks when you slightly push it, that means you shouldn’t climb it! Reposition the ladder and try again. Additionally, remember the rule of three points of contact. Between your two arms and two legs, three of them should be on the ladder at all times. This gives you a much stronger grip on the rungs and reduces the risk of a fall.
#5: Using Sodium Hypochlorite When Needed
Are you approaching the end of your Chesapeake, VA exterior cleaning job and finding that some debris won’t wash away? When fighting against stubborn grime, it might seem like it won’t rinse off no matter what you do. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up. Using sodium hypochlorite and a spray applicator, you’ll be able to bust tough stains and ensure the complete cleanliness of your property’s exterior.
First, apply a thin layer of sodium hypochlorite to the dirty surfaces. Then, wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Once this time has passed, try pressure washing the area again. You should find that grime washes away with ease!
Need Professional Exterior Cleaning Services?
Is your property overdue for pressure washing? If so, you’ll want to do something about that sooner rather than later. However, if you don’t want to do your own Chesapeake, VA exterior cleaning, you’ll need to contact a professional business for assistance. Reach out to Water Works Services, and it will be our pleasure to do all the hard work for you.
Get a free cost estimate and schedule an appointment today! All you have to do is contact us online and let us know how we can help you. We look forward to cleaning your home or business’s exterior surfaces and leaving you with a smile on your face.
