When it comes to power washing, you may think that this task is nothing more than a quick hose-down of your exterior surfaces that you can dedicate an hour on Saturday to doing. However, a lot of factors go into how long it will take to power wash a building. Knowing what to expect can not only help you plan but also clarify whether this is a job for the pros or whether you can do it yourself. Remember: power washing can be dangerous and may damage your exterior surfaces if you are not familiar with how the machine works.
Thing To Consider When Looking At How Long Does It Take To Power Wash A Building
As you consider how this task may play out at your property, be sure to think about the following questions.
How Big Is The Building?
One of the most important aspects to consider when thinking about how long it will take to power wash your property is how big the building itself is. As you may expect, a residential home of 1300 square feet will take much less time than an entire commercial building that is many stories. However, someone with experience can tackle homes less than 2000 square feet in an hour or less, on average.
Buildings exceeding 3500 square feet or those that have multiple stories can take about two hours, and very large commercial facilities may take upwards of half a day. Still, power washing is a project you can plan for a single day unless you have extenuating circumstances, as long as you trust a pro with the job.
How Many Fixtures Need To Be Protected?
Not all surfaces are safe to be power washed. Some areas may be vulnerable to water, and some fixtures like shrubs could be damaged by the powerful jet of water that the washing machine emits. It does take time to prepare these areas, either by shielding them from water or temporarily removing them so that they are not damaged.
Things you’ll be looking for here are objects like live plants, flower pots and light fixtures on the exterior of the building. If you have a lot of fixtures, you will spend extra time prepping the area before washing begins.
What Kind Of Equipment Is Being Used?
Pressure and power washers do come in a variety of sizes and capabilities, which means that you may not have the right machine for the job if you opt to go the DIY route. Professionals will ensure that the right power washer is used to clean your building, which will expedite the process and ensure a more thorough clean. A washer that is too powerful can cause damage, and one that is not powerful enough will not only do a lackluster job but take longer to generate results.
Is The Person Doing The Washing An Expert?
With their years of experience, an expert will handle power washing faster than a beginner. From knowledge of how to break the project down into steps to more skill using the washer itself, a professional can get the job done in half the time—and often more safely and with a better result as well.
How Many People Are Washing The Building?
One of the advantages of a professional power washing company is that they can bring multiple people to the job. If you tackle power washing your building on your own, you can expect the process to take a few hours for any building larger than a very small residential home.
However, an experienced company can arrive with multiple people to help; this enables them to tackle multiple surfaces simultaneously, and some workers can be covering or removing fixtures while others are already well on the way toward finishing up one side of the building. By working in unison as a team, a professional company can get the job done faster than you can on your own and are less likely to forget important details, like protecting outdoor lights and blocking off areas vulnerable to water intrusion.
Trust The Professionals For A Thorough, Safe Clean
If you are considering the pros and cons of hiring a power washing company versus doing the job yourself, remember that your time is valuable. A professional company can handle the project much more quickly than a single individual, and the results are typically better and longer lasting.
The experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration understand how to keep your outdoor surfaces clean without causing damage and can choose the right pressure, heat and cleaning solution for the job. Reach out to schedule an appointment to discuss your project goals and make an informed decision about how to approach this task.