Common Pressure Washing Mistakes
It doesn’t matter what kind of property you own. Over time, its exterior surfaces will accumulate debris, and if this problem isn’t resolved, your home or business will devolve into a mess. Because of this, you may be interested in the pressure washing process. Pressure washing, which is the technique of cleaning surfaces by spraying them with pressurized water, is a highly effective way of restoring your property’s exterior. However, first-time pressure washers are prone to committing some common pressure washing mistakes. Let’s review these mistakes so you know what to avoid during your pressure washing project.
Remember, if all else fails, you are welcome to reach out to Water Works Services for professional pressure washing. We are always happy to help residential and commercial property owners in the Chesapeake, VA community.
Mistake #1: Not Pressure Washing At All
You may look at your property’s exterior, acknowledge that it is dirty, and shrug. This is the path of least resistance—letting those surfaces stay filthy. After all, they can’t possibly be that big of a deal, right? If you have made this assumption, it may be time to reconsider. When your property’s exterior is dirty, it doesn’t just make your property visually unappealing. It also puts its surfaces at greater risk of deterioration. That’s because debris grinds against surfaces, slowly eroding them. The longer you let this happen, the more likely it is that you will need costly repairs.
Let’s make something clear. If you want your property to stay in the best possible condition, you will need to pressure wash its exterior once per year. So, what if it has already been a year since your home or business was pressure washed? In this case, aim to pressure wash the property as soon as possible.
Mistake #2: Not Having the Necessary Equipment
So, you’ve decided to pressure wash your property. The question is, do you have the correct equipment for the job? If not, you won’t get very far into your project. Before you commit to DIY pressure washing, make sure you have all the necessary gear, including:
- Pressure Washer. A pressure washer is the key to any pressure washing process. This piece of machinery transforms ordinary water into a high-pressure cleaning force.
- Hose and Nozzle. You won’t be able to aim pressurized water at dirty surfaces without an appropriate hose and nozzle. This allows for precise cleaning.
- Detergent/Cleaning Solution. An appropriate detergent increases the efficacy of pressure washing. We also recommend cleaning solutions like sodium hypochlorite because they will help you break down stubborn debris.
- Safety Equipment. Finally, don’t forget safety equipment, including eye protection, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Mistake #3: Not Using the Correct Water Pressure
Once you have all the necessary pressure washing equipment, you may feel like you can simply turn on your pressure washer and start spraying. Unfortunately, this would be another one of those common pressure washing mistakes. As it turns out, you need to keep in mind how much water pressure to use for your specific project. Different surfaces require different levels of water pressure; use the wrong amount, and you risk ineffective cleaning or even surface damage.
We have included a few examples of surfaces, and how much water pressure you should clean them with, below. If your project isn’t described below, consult Google. A little research goes a long way when it comes to preparing for pressure washing.
- Hardwood decks: 500–1200 PSI
- Stucco: 1200–1500 PSI
- Vinyl siding: 1300–1600 PSI
- Metal fences: 1500–2500 PSI
- Concrete driveways: 2500–3000 PSI
Mistake #4: Not Working Thoroughly
One of the main goals of pressure washing is to improve your property’s appearance. With that in mind, it doesn’t make sense to rush through the project. When you cut corners, you sacrifice the quality of the final results. You’ll gloss over entire tracts of surface area, and you’ll leave behind debris that should have been removed. Don’t settle for less than perfection. Pressure wash your property’s exterior thoroughly so it can look its best!
A good strategy for thorough pressure washing is working in a series of rows. Be sure to overlap each pass the same way you would while mowing your lawn. Don’t forget to double-check your work when you are done; that way, you have a chance to locate any missed areas and wash them clean.
Mistake #5: Not Knowing How to Remove Tough Stains
So, you’ve discovered tough stains on the surfaces you are washing. Pressurized water alone isn’t enough to remove them. So, what should you do? Shrug and give up? Don’t do this because it will compromise the quality of the results. Instead, use a cleaning solution, such as sodium hypochlorite, to weaken debris so it can be more easily removed.
To use this cleaning solution, simply apply a thin layer of it to the afflicted area. Then, wait fifteen minutes for it to break down grime. Finally, rinse the area clean! You should find that the stain, which was once too tough to wash away, vanishes with ease.
Need Professional Pressure Washing?
There are many common pressure washing mistakes that are just waiting to be made. Because of this, you may feel intimidated by the pressure washing process. Don’t feel like investing your time and energy into this work? Skip the DIYing and reach out to Water Works Services. We are a locally owned and operated business, and we look forward to revitalizing your home or business for a reasonable price.
Contact us online with information about your project, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a free cost estimate. That way, you have a general idea of how much you’ll pay before you even schedule an appointment. If you like our asking price, choose a time and date for us to swing by, and we’ll see you in the very near future!
