Power washing is a great way to keep your home looking its best by removing dirt, grime, and buildup from outdoor surfaces like siding, pavement, decks, and driveways. It also helps to prevent mold, mildew, and algae from growing in shady areas of your house and causing permanent damage.
How to Choose a Power Washer
A power washer is a type of pressure washer that heats water, and it has more power than your typical household unit. They’re ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach spots and stains on patios, decks, driveways, and sidewalks.
It’s easy to get a good idea of how powerful the unit is by checking the motor. Some gas-powered models have a higher output than electric machines, so they’re better for heavy jobs. However, they’re noisier and expel more pollutants than electric units. If you have an outdoor job that requires electricity, an electric machine will be easier to use and more convenient to store than a gasoline-powered model.
They’re more expensive than gasoline-powered units, but they don’t require electricity or a receptacle and are much more portable than gas-powered ones. They’re also less noisy, so they’re a good choice for outdoor jobs.
How to Avoid a Dangerous Power Washing Experience
You might think it’s safe to use your power washer at home on the exterior of your home, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up putting your house at risk. Using too much pressure on a window or door, for example, can cause leaks and break the seal. If you inadvertently hit the roof, shingles or siding with the power washer, you’ll have to replace it, which can be an expensive process and one that’s best left to experts.
Professionals can do a better job because they have the equipment and knowledge to use it safely and effectively. They’ll be able to identify the areas that need special attention and know how to treat them accordingly. They’ll also be able to make sure they’re working on the right area, and not damaging anything else.
It’s more efficient than climbing a ladder and scrubbing stains off of your house. It also keeps your family healthier because it keeps dust, pollen, and mold spores away from your home, which can trigger allergies and asthma.
Keeping your house clean can help it retain value, which is important to many people. It will also help your home stand out from others and give you an attractive curb appeal.
Some homeowners decide to take on this project on their own, especially if they’re an intermediate DIYer who has a power washer and other necessary tools at hand. They’re likely to save money and get more satisfaction from the work, but if you have extensive areas to clean, or are a novice, hiring a professional DMV power washing company is probably the safer option.
They’ll know the proper nozzles for different tasks, how to protect surfaces, and what pressure to apply to each part of your home. They’ll also be able to get the job done in a shorter time than an intermediate DIYer would, saving you money in the long run.