Pressure washing is an efficient way to clean the exterior of your home, patio, and deck. Not only is it fast, but because the main ingredient is water, it cuts down on the amount of chemicals like bleach used near your home. While it is typically a safe procedure, it is important to know the basics of pressure washing in order to make sure that the pressure washing business you are using is taking the proper steps to protect your home and property.
Pressure washing is safe for aluminum siding, concrete walls, most brick walls, and metal fixtures. However, if your home features any stucco, adobe, or exposed drywall, you will need to take precautions to protect these more fragile materials. Pressure washers can easily blow through stucco or even chip paint away. Ask your pressure washing business to explain the shield or protective coverings they use to protect your home’s exterior painting.
Potential to remove paint is also a concern for pressure washing decks and walkways. Make sure to test the pressure washer on an area that is more hidden to make sure it is not set so high as to remove the paint. Always test surface first – there are many options for pressure washing, and you may be able to clean more delicate things safely by turning down the pressure on the machine.
Lastly, be mindful of the ground near where you are pressure washing. If you have a flower bed or other exposed soil, make sure your pressure washing business is diverting water away from your gardens, so as not to erode them. Also, if you have steep hill or bank on your property, be mindful of where the runoff water from the washing is going. Especially for large jobs, there can be a lot of water runoff from the machine, and you will need to make sure the business is prepared to handle it properly.