Power Washing Those Outdoor Surfaces

If the appearance of your home is important to you, power washing might be the answer without chemicals to reveal the natural beauty of your home. Power washing is a great practice for cleaning your exterior as well as the hardscaping surrounding the property, such as algae-stained roof shingles, cobwebs in the eaves, and bird droppings that are deposited on the sidewalk.

If you choose to employ an expert for power washing or would like to tackle the task yourself, here are helpful tips and tricks for clearing specific areas of your back and front yard.

Siding

Before beginning, switch off all electrical and plumbing outlets. Shut all doors and windows and then cover the surrounding shrubs using plastic that is weighed down by bricks or covered by transparent packing tape. When you are thinking of painting your home, it is the perfect time to pressure wash to get rid of the dirt as well as peeling paint.

If you opt to apply a cleaning product, make sure you use a product that is recommended for siding. Bleach is not advised as it could destroy UV protection on vinyl siding. Start at the bottom and gradually move upwards to stop streaks. Rinse, as the last step, from top to bottom to achieve the best-looking, clean finish you can get. If your home is taller than one storey, you can use a telescoping tool to reach the top of the eaves.

Keep clear of windows and lighting fixtures that may break due to the pressure of the water stream. Choose a lower setting for the pressure washer in order to avoid damaging the siding and peeling paint off walls. Be sure to avoid spraying on the horizontal siding to ensure that water doesn't penetrate the interior of your home.

Roof and Gutters

If your roof is cluttered with algae, debris, or mold issues, you should leave the cleaning task to experts. Accessing the roof's top isn't easy, and you do not want to be at risk of the possibility of causing an accident. To avoid damaging your roof, make sure you use the lowest setting for the pressure washer. Also, steer clear of chemical cleaners and aim toward the downward direction of the rainwater flow to stop water from soaking through the shingles.

Driveway and Sidewalks

The sidewalks and driveways make up an important aspect of curb appeal. Concrete that is dirty and stained or pavers do not look attractive. Power washing gets rid of dirt, mud, and bird droppings with no effort to scrub. Before beginning, you must protect the flower beds around them from water runoff by covering them with a tarp. Then, weighing them down with stones or bricks in order to channel water away from the street.

Patios and Decks

If you're looking to rejuvenate your deck, a thorough power washing can create a clean slate prior to re-staining it. By eliminating dirt and stains, as well as rust and oxidation, you will get a more attractive and beautiful product.

To prepare for power washing, take down any furniture, planters, and other decorations to ensure clear access to your deck or patio. It is important to allow your deck at least two days to dry completely after power washing before applying the stain again.

General Pressure Washing Tips

Power washing delivers the most effective results when done in summer, away from direct sunlight. It's not necessary to wait until a cloudy day to power wash specific regions shaded to avoid streaks.

Do not power wash any surface while on the ladder. It is possible to slip and fall due to the force you feel when you turn on the pressure washer.

Make sure you are watching your driveway, siding as well as other surfaces. Be sure to power wash them at least every 2 to 3 years or as often as you need to.