A Professional Explanation
Is pressure washing a simple matter of cranking up the pressure as high as possible and blasting dirt, fungus, or debris off concrete or vinyl/aluminum siding surfaces?
NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!!
Besides it being necessary to be close to concrete or other types of masonry which are surfaces that can handle excessive pressure, close proximity of the pressure washing gun or surface cleaner is necessary to clean masonry effectively.
However, the true pressure washing professional allows the necessary cleaners and other detergents/chemicals to do most of the “heavy lifting;” making the work considerably easier and more efficient.
Power washing is simply a combination of agitation, breakdown, lift, and rinsing. The water pressure provides the necessary agitation while the breakdown occurs after applying the proper cleaners and detergents. Lifting occurs when cleaners separate the dirt from the surface. During this period of time, the dirt and fungus is rinsed off before it can dry and resettle on the surface. If the necessary cleaners are not applied, then you must rely on excessive water pressure to clean the surface which may increase the risk to the surfaces being washed such as vinyl or aluminum…not to mention the risk to the pressure washer who may now have to climb to heights on ladders that he could have reached from the ground!
Chemicals are also utilized to eliminate mold, mildew, and other fungi from the surfaces. When mixed in the right proportions, these chemicals (cleaners and detergents) should keep these damaging and unsightly organisms from returning for years …depending on your surrounding environment.
Our cleaners and power washing methods are a very effective combination of chemistry and technology which allows you to get the best results for any home surfaces you may consider cleaning. This includes vinyl or aluminum siding, all forms of masonry such as concrete, brick, pavers, pools, or flagstone walkways.
Pressure (or power) is necessary because:
- The high water pressure allows the professional operator to reach heights and difficult-to-reach areas while still retaining enough pressure to effectively soap and rinse the affected areas.
- High water pressure accompanied with the proper water nozzles allows the professional operator to redirect a powerful stream into a more efficient wide pattern which allows it to retain enough pressure to rinse effectively but also makes the wash more efficient, reducing the risk of damage to surfaces such as composite decking, aluminum or vinyl siding, and other delicate finishes.
It is also noteworthy to add that different surfaces call for different chemicals or cleaners and correspondingly different procedures.
Important!!! Please Read!
Caution should be taken when considering a power washing professional to wash your home, deck or any other surfaces. A painter or contractor may have a pressure washer and claim that, in addition to their specialty that they also power wash. In reality, they may not be familiar with safe and proper power washing techniques and procedures and the corresponding necessary equipment and chemicals. Additionally, their insurance (if they have any) may not specifically cover power washing. This may open you up to significant liability… and significant potential risk for the untrained operator!!!
Believe me when I tell you that this is not a vocation or profession that you want to be casual about or not understand the proper techniques, procedures, and chemicals and the proper compositions and ratios.