If you’ve been thinking about pressure washing your house, or any other type of property, now is a great time to do it. Pressure washing has many benefits and is easy to learn. You can do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you.
Here are some tips and ideas for pressure washing:
- Don’t use pressure washers that exceed 2000 psi pressure washer; this is enough to clean your driveway and patios without damaging them.
- Use an extension wand with a flat surface instead of a brush head when cleaning flat surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks. This will reduce scratches from the brush head.
- If you want to clean out gutters or downspouts, use a jet nozzle instead of a brush head. This can help prevent damage if you accidentally hit a branch or clog in the gutter with the high-pressure water stream from the wand.
- Never use chemical additives with your pressure washer unless they come from the manufacturer of your machine because they could damage it or void its warranty.
- Start with an area that’s easy to reach and move on from there.
- Use the appropriate nozzle for the job at hand — the wider the spray pattern, the more pressure it will require.
- Wear protective clothing such as goggles, rubber boots and gloves when using a power washer because it produces hot water that can burn skin if it comes into contact with bare flesh!
What Surfaces Should Not be Pressure Washed?
Pressure washing is a great way to clean your home or business. However, it’s important to know what surfaces shouldn’t be pressure washed. This will save you time, money and prevent damage to your property.
Here are some surfaces that shouldn’t be pressure washed:
Fiberglass: Fiberglass is a type of plastic that contains strands of glass fibers that are embedded into a resin binder. Pressure washing can cause the binder to wash off the fiberglass and leave behind bare strands of glass fibers that can become embedded in your skin when you walk on them with wet shoes or tires.
Soft Wood – Wood is very sensitive to chemicals and water pressure from high-powered hoses. Pressure washing can damage the soft wood by stripping away the natural oils that protect it from weathering and rot. These oils are what give wood its colour and shine. Pressure washing can also strip away some of the layers of paint on older wooden structures such as fences or decks.
Corroded Metal – High-pressure water can remove protective coatings and exposing bare corroded metal underneath. This will lead to increased corrosion over time which could cause structural damage or leaks in pipes or gutters where rust has formed over time.
Conclusion
Pressure washing is a convenient way to clean exteriors on vessels, vehicles and equipment. But before you get started, be sure that you are familiar with the recommended cleaning techniques for your specific job. Whether your pressure washing your deck area or the exterior of a boat’s hull, knowing how and what to pressure wash ensures that you keep your property in good condition and extend the life of your valuable equipment. If used properly, a pressure washer won’t just clean it will improve it!
When in doubt, one of the best things you can do is to consult with your local supply store. If you’re in need of a more vital piece of advice, remember this cardinal rule for pressure washers: don’t be afraid to read the manual! You can also contact the Giraffetools collections today for more help on the same.
