Assume that you want to buy a house, so what will be the first thing you will see to mention those residences in your list? Of course, it’s the exterior of the house.
Indeed, “the first impression is the last impression”, and it does apply when it comes to buying or selling a home. Since you cannot walk through every house’s ambience, a well-maintained exterior displays how appealing a home can be.
Now the question arises, how to maintain the exterior value? It requires only a few care steps: cleaning and pressure washing are the primary. In fact, the pressure washing market size is globally expanding from USD 3.19 to USD 4.03 by 2030 at a CAGR of 4.8% [Source: MarketsandMarkets].
This guide also takes a tour of the importance of exterior cleaning and pressure washing for property maintenance.
So, let’s go through it!
Understanding Exterior Cleaning
Exterior cleaning is the process of pulling away dirt, grime, mildew, algae, etc., from the exterior surfaces of a building. These include soft washing, power washing, and chemical treatments, based on the material, such as wood, siding, concrete, brick, and stone.
It is not about beauty simply; it is preventive. The retention of dirt can make the surfaces wear out much earlier than usual, which is highly likely in areas that experience significant rainfall or are very humid. Stain and rot, caused by mold and algae in specific instances, are also possible, and thus, cleaning is not only a cosmetic requirement but also a health and safety precaution.
Benefits of Regular Pressure Washing
Pressure washing simply involves applying high-powered water jets to clean hard surfaces. It is one of the most promising ways of dealing with those annoying stains. The aesthetic design is not the only advantage:
1. Prolonged Surface Life
Periodic use of pressure washing remains beneficial on concrete, vinyl, asphalt, and wooden surfaces. The removal of corrosive products like salt, bird droppings, and chemicals assists in lowering the corrosion of the material, hence extending its life span.
2. Improved Curb Appeal
First impressions are valuable to a homeowner who wishes to sell their house or a landlord who is interested in getting tenants. Clean lines of driveways, siding, walkways, or patios improve the impression of the property immediately, making it look well-maintained.
3. Preventative Maintenance
Property owners can overcome excessive expenses with the help of timely replacement of decaying materials (growth of moss, cracks, infestation of molds, etc.). This will save the costs of repairs in the future.
4. Increased Safety
The algae or mold-covered slipping surfaces may be a serious hazard for falling. Also, pressure washing eliminates such dangers and further reduces the danger of accidents, particularly in congested regions such as the steps and entrances.
Common Surfaces That Benefit from Pressure Washing
There is no one-size-fits-all pressure washing. Because every surface needs a certain amount of pressure, and in some cases, pre-treatment. The most versatile surfaces that are likely to be cleaned using this process include the following:
- Driveways and sidewalks: Often exposed to dirt, oil stains, and tire marks.
- Decks and patios: Vulnerable to mildew and weather-induced discoloration.
- Exterior walls: Can collect spider webs, dust, and pollutants over time.
- Fences: Particularly wooden and vinyl fences, which can accumulate grime quickly.
- Roofs: Though more delicate, roofs can reap advantages from specialized roof cleaning services that use soft washing to deal with shingle damage.
Environmental Considerations
Pressure washing uses water, but when used professionally, it may also be environmentally oriented. Nowadays, most trained workers use biodegradable detergents and water reclamation systems, which have been discovered to have little effect on the environment. Besides, it can negatively impact the air quality within the vicinity because those buildings are likely to have unfavorable mold and pollutants that are eradicated through pressure washing.
A critical question on your mind ought to be whether you should just do it for pleasure, and in that case, you should use cleanup solutions that do not adversely affect the plants nearby or flow into the storm drains. When they are undertaking huge commercial cleaning projects, it is important to continuously remember to check local regulations.
Consider this one too!
Safety and Best Practices
Just like any other cleaning process, though pressure washing may appear simple, when done carelessly can lead to injury or damage to property. The strength of water pressurized by high pressure is capable of penetrating skin as well as tearing down soft materials and accidentally taking off paint. These safety tips are mandatory to be taken:
- Wear protective gear: Safety goggles, gloves, and boots are important.
- Test the pressure setting: Always begin with the most modest pressure to avoid damage.
- Be cautious on ladders: There is recoil on pressure washers; there is less pressure to utilize an extension wand on high places instead of ladders.
- Avoid electrical outlets: Water and electricity can be a particularly hazardous combination.
For complicated buildings or delicate surfaces, hiring professional exterior cleaning services is commonly the safest and most effective route.
The Difference Between Power Washing and Soft Washing
Although they are usually used interchangeably, power washing and soft washing are different. Power washing depends on the application of hot water, and it is suitable for heavy stains on compound surfaces such as concrete and brick. The wave of soft washing, on the other hand, typically consists of low-pressure water sprays mixed with cleaning solutions that would be perfectly clean in circumstances where high pressure can damage the surfaces being washed, i.e., the roof or painted siding.
The slight variance in meaning will help one to use the right optimal method on the correct surface without causing damage, regrettably.
Interesting fact“The first steam pressure washer was invented in 1926 by Frank W. Ofeldt II.”
Seasonal Considerations for Exterior Cleaning
Generally, the most appropriate time point during which you should get the exterior cleaned depends much on your climate. Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons in temperate areas because the temperature is favorable, and the surface dries up fast. In warmer places with high humidity, more cleaning might be required to avoid the accumulation of algae and molds. Pressure washing is often not suggested at all in the wintertime, as there is a threat of ice deposits forming and surfaces cracking.
It is presently possible to plan maintenance accordingly: whether it is mandated once, twice a year, or quarterly, making the workload amortize evenly during the year and keeping the property in good condition.
Long-Term Value and Cost Efficiency
Frequent exterior care plays an extremely significant role in the long-term life of a property. Although the forced process of pressure washing does incur the added expense of start-up costs, it can also cost savings in the future by:
- Avoiding early paint jobs or refinishing
- Minimizing structural repair probabilities
- Avoiding fines either by a homeowner’s condo association or a city ordinance concerning property maintenance
In addition to this, clean properties have excellent rates of upholding their value and are more attractive to a buyer or a tenant, and this is definitely applicable in a competitive real estate market.
Final Thoughts
External cleaning and pressure washing are an essential constituent of a quality property maintenance plan. They are economical, aesthetical, and safety-wise; they are benefiting when properly done. Whether it is detoxification of harmful chemicals or extending the life of the building material, their effects are short-lasting as well as long-lasting.
It does not determine whether you are doing the work yourself or paying someone to do the roof cleanup services or any other exterior cleaning service, as long as you are consistent and do the job right. Making some contributions to regular exterior maintenance will prevent expensive future repairs and expenses.
