Reviving Your Exteriors With Pressure Washers And Avoiding Damage
If you want to renew the look of your exterior, pressure washers are great tools. High pressure water will also damage materials if not used correctly. The adjustments on pressure coming out of the nozzle of a machine can be adjusted for different tasks, such as removing grime from a metal surface or cleaning wood decking. Here are some of the things that you should know before pressure washing your exterior:
1. Pressure Washing Masonry Surfaces and Avoid Pitting Damage
Masonry is prone to staining and wear over the years. The good news is that concrete and brick is easily revived by getting the dirt and grime out of the pores. When pressure washing concrete and masonry, you want to use a narrower spray. It is important that you do not put the nozzle too close to mortar joints or concrete surfaces. High pressure at a close distance will cause pitting and damage surfaces.
2. Using Wider Spray and Lower Pressure to Clean Painted Surfaces
Painted surfaces can also be revived using a pressure washer, but they can also easily be chipped and damaged. The trick to cleaning paint with a pressure washer is to use a wider spray. Set the nozzle as wide as you can without losing pressure. In addition, keep the head of the nozzle as far away from the surface as you, while spraying evenly to clean it. You may want to apply a diluted cleaning solution to the painted surface before using a pressure washer. Use less pressure and clean several times to prevent damaging the paint. This is the same method you want to use when cleaning your car with a pressure washer.
3. Cleaning Wood Surfaces for Staining and Not Damaging the Wood
Wood surfaces are another area where a pressure washer will make the materials look like new again. When cleaning a wood surface, use a wider spray like you wood with paint if you are only cleaning. If you are trying to remove stain and prepare for sanding, you will want to use a narrower spray and hold the nozzle closer to the surface of the wood. Spray the surface several times, evenly. Try not to cause peeling of the wood. If the wood does peel a little, sanding will fix the damage.
Using pressure washers correctly is important to prevent damaging materials, instead of giving them new life. If you need help with some of these improvements to your home, contact a commercial pressure washing service to help with some of these chores.