Pressure washing is a great way to clean your property’s exterior, especially in the summer. The simple service removes dirt, mold, mildew, oil, and extends your property’s lifetime. It comes with a deceptive reputation, though.
A lot of people consider pressure washing an easy do-it-yourself project. True, you can accomplish it by renting a machine. But the reality is that it is a large, risky project for inexperienced users. Incorrectly pressure washing your property can cause expensive damage. As a result, you end up wasting even more money on repairs.
The Propel Pressure Cleaning team wants to help you avoid those expensive mistakes. So, we thought of the five most common pressure washing mistakes to help you get the job done right the first time.
1. Using Too Much Pressure
The most common mistake property owners make when pressure washing is using too much pressure. Excessive pressure causes damage to your property. A few examples of damage from pressure washing include:
- Taking the siding completely off your property
- Leaving etch marks on your concrete driveway or patio
- Damaging plants and vegetation
- Cracking glass
- Stripping paint
There are a few ways to avoid these mistakes. Check the manufacturer’s settings to understand how much pressure the machine can give. Also, understand how much pressure different surfaces can handle. The roof of your home requires the smallest amount of pressure. Your driveway can handle much higher pressure.
2. Not Using Chemical Assistance
Another common mistake is pressure washing with only water. This improper technique can cause two major issues. The first issue: as a result of saturating your roof with water, you could introduce new damage in the form of mold.
The second issue is that your home will not be clean. Chemical assistance is essential in most cases, as it helps break down the barrier of contaminants on your property that make it dirty. Since plain water won’t get your home clean, it is tempting to increase the water pressure to help remove dirt. This practice results in the first mistake we mentioned of using too much water pressure.
3. Cleaning Out of Order
The third mistake is less severe and not detrimental to the structure of your home. It is time-consuming and frustrating. There is an order to cleaning the exterior of your home. The most efficient order is:
- Roof
- House
- Flat Surfaces
- Windows
Using this order prevents the hassle of cleaning two surfaces twice. For example, if you clean your driveway before your roof, you’ll need to clean your driveway again later. The same situation happens if you clean your roof after you’ve cleaned the sides of your home.
4. Lack of Knowledge and Equipment
A standard property owner is not an expert in pressure washing equipment and proper technique. This lack of experience can cause:
- Property damage
- Lengthy cleaning processes
- Expensive repairs due to improper cleaning
A professional has the knowledge and experience to get the job done right quickly.
5. Hiring the Wrong Company
All pressure washing companies are not created equal. That makes choosing the right company a high-stakes decision. A common mistake is that home and property owners hire the first company that gives them a quote.
Low rates and fast response times are not good deciding factors when you’re choosing a pressure washing company. To avoid unsatisfactory work, pick a pressure washing company that has:
- Years of experience
- Proper licensing
- Insurance
- Standard rates for the industry
- Testimonials that vouch for their work
- A portfolio of their work
Make sure you’re asking about these things when you’re vetting a company for a pressure washing service.
Final Thoughts
Pressure washing your property is a great way to maintain its curb appeal. If it’s a home, it reflects well on your neighborhood. If it’s a business property, it helps attract new customers. Call Propel Pressure Cleaning for your professional pressure washing needs in Warner Robins, Georgia.
