A power washer uses high-pressure water, heat and cleaning solutions to clean outdoor surfaces of dirt, stains, mold, and algae. The hot water combined with high pressure makes a power washer a robust solution for removing difficult stains. Power washers are adept tools for removing grease, mold, and mildew from your garage floor, patio, sidewalk, and driveway.
However, power washing is not suitable for cleaning all exterior surfaces. The force of the hot water makes power washing inappropriate for softer surfaces. Power washing can damage the surfaces like vinyl siding, asphalt, and wood, and peel paint off of automobiles. It is best for use on solid concrete and other masonry surfaces.
When Should You Use a Power Washing Service?
Large Exterior Hard Surface Areas and Home Siding
Power washing is best for large spaces like long driveways and large patios. The hot water does a better job of loosening up salt, engine oil stains, and dirt. It is also great for house siding, although care needs to be taken not to damage the siding surface. Power washing is most effective for vinyl, fiber cement, and wooden siding. However, aluminum siding can warp under the pressure and heat of power washing water, so it is not advised to use power washing on aluminum. Similarly, shingle siding can be damaged by the pressure of power washers and shingles may be dislodged during the course of a cleaning, so it is not recommended to use power washers on shingle siding.
Fences and Decks
Power washing does a superior job of cleaning mold and mildew from wood fences and decks. Mold, algae, grass stains, and dirt can build up over the course of years on wooden surfaces. Sometimes, homeowners just become used to the faded hue of wood and accept it as a natural progression of the material. Before considering replacing the wood, homeowners can use a power washer and rediscover the bright, healthy-looking material of their fence or deck. However, care needs to be taken not to use so much pressure that the surface is damaged.
Grease Stains
Nothing works better to remove grease stains on masonry than a power washing. If you have stains on your driveway or garage floor from engine oil, a power washing will clean it off if anything can. Driveways and garages of homeowners that do a lot of DIY car or motorcycle repair will accrue a buildup of stains from oil and grease that can be treated with a power wash and restore the working surfaces back to pristine conditions.
Gutter Cleaning
The hot water and pressure from a power washer can make a gutter cleaning job go fast. The power washer will blast away debris and rotting leaves that have clogged your gutters, and you don’t have to use your hands to scrape them out. If you have awnings, the power washer will reach high places to blast the mold and mildew off them, as well, but as with other softer surfaces, care must be taken not to damage the awning surfaces.
It is not recommended to use power washers on roofs, so it is recommended to take meticulous care when using power washers on gutters.
Edging and Weed Control
You can use a power washer as an effective way to control weeds that pop up in your masonry surfaces and along edge patios, driveways, and sidewalks. The power washer’s blast of very hot water kills unwanted vegetation and retards its ability to regrow.
Graffiti Removal
Power washers are excellent at removing graffiti. The cleaning solutions, high pressure, and temperature of the water dissolves the paint effectively. To remove graffiti with a power washer, stand at a distance with the power washer pointed at an angle to get in and under the paint; do not spray at a close distance or directly at the painted surface as this can be dangerous and will not be as effective.
Contact the Experts at Waterproof Caulking and Restoration for More Information
For help determining the best way to clean your exterior hardscapes, talk to the experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration. When an outdoor surface needs the cleaning solution provided by the high pressure and hot temperatures of a power wash, it is best to have a professional do the job for you. Untrained DIYers run significant safety risks to themselves and others, as well as running the risk of damaging property that is not suitable for power washing. It is unfortunately very easy to injure others or damage the surface without an adequate amount of training, equipment, and preparation.
The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration have the right equipment to clean any of your masonry, wood, and other exterior surfaces and get them sparkling clean. Consult with Waterproof Caulking & Restoration for more information regarding power washing and to schedule an appointment for services.