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Pressure Washing – DIY or Professional?
Summertime can often bring out the best in us: soaking up warm weather, backyard barbeques, and evenings spent on the front porch, but that bright summer sun can also shed light on some of the dirtiest parts of our home's exterior.
Maybe your driveway has grown some mold and mildew spots after springtime showers, your deck it is still coated in pollen from earlier in the year, or maybe your home's siding is not looking as fresh as it did when you first had it installed. These are all things that homeowners typically turn to a pressure washer for – the only question is, can I do it myself? Should I call a professional?
Calling a Professional
Well, the short answer is, yes – to both.
Pressure washers can be extremely damaging if used improperly, ripping off paint, shredding the wood on your deck boards, puncturing holes in your siding and much more. Professionals have the proper knowledge to use the correct pressure and equipment for each surface, ensuring the proper care and cleaning of your property.Another benefit with calling a professional is the use of specialized cleaning agents and chemicals. Properly removing mold and mildew from concrete comes from using professional-grade soaps that are often made in bulk for the pros anyway.
Trotter Roofing & Gutters offers pressure washing and painting services to ensure that your home maintenance can be taken care of by professionals, keeping your property clean and prepped for painting and repairs if needed.
If you're interested in a free quote for pressure washing or painting services, contact Trotter Roofing & Gutters today!
Doing It Yourself
DIY Do's & Don'ts
Do:
- Wear eye protection
- Know which tip you need
- Use both hands & keep steady
- Check your soap's preferred pressure
- Always keep the wand moving
Don't:
- Don't get too close with the wand
- Don't pressure wash lead paint
- Don't rush, take your time
- Don't use a 00 tip at point blank range
- Don't begin in the middle of your surface
There are plenty of areas around your property where you can do your own pressure washing if you're up to the challenge. Some home improvement stores offer hourly equipment rentals or even compact beginner machines for purchase, letting you connect to the garden hose and spray away.
With the right equipment and determination, DIY pressure washing can be a great way to do some minor cleaning, like your sidewalk, or washing off a dusty porch or grill with a low-pressure setting. Some things to take into consideration when doing your own pressure washing are what areas you are cleaning and how high your pressure is.
Using a pressure washer to clean your driveway should always be done with extreme caution; using too high of a pressure can not only lead to expensive property damage, but injury as well. Always be mindful of where you aim begin with a low-pressure setting, and make a small test area before beginning.
