subject: Don't Try Pressure Washing Yourself [print this page] It can be tempting for homeowners to purchase pressure washing tools in an attempt to save themselves money. In truth however purchasing such tools and utilizing them to clean their homes and the areas around their homes can cost them more money in the long run and inexperienced hands can cause damage to a building and its surrounding structures/areas.
If you are unfamiliar with pressure or power washing in any way it's always a good idea to first consult with a professional who offers pressure washing services. Not only will this consultation make you familiar with what they offer and how they do the job, it can also yield information as to why you should not handle any type of pressure washing job on your own.
The following is a list of issues homeowners often run into when trying to tackle a pressure washing job themselves:
While the layperson may run out and haphazardly invest in pressure washing equipment they are often ignorant when it comes to the intricacies of that equipment. Point and case, interchangeable nozzles and tips for the pressure washing equipment that can both help and hinder a pressure washing job. The right nozzle for the right job is essential and utilizing the wrong nozzle can not only make a job impossible to complete but can cause damage as well.
Professionals who offer pressure washing services use special chemicals and cleaning solutions that are approved both for their specific pressure washer and for the job at hand. Utilizing the wrong chemicals and cleaning solutions can damage surfaces very easily.
Utilizing the right amount of pressure is essential in completing a job properly and avoiding damage. While some homeowners may get lucky and adjust their equipment accordingly the vast majority get it wrong when attempting to use a pressure washer on their home. Having too little pressure during a job means that a job won't be completed properly and having too much pressure behind a nozzle can easily cause damage to both persons and a home.
Special care must be taken when using a pressure washer on and around vents, windows, and light fixtures. All of these items are easily damaged by inexperienced hands. Professional pressure washers know how to clean on and around these areas without causing any damage whatsoever.
While many homeowners might be under the assumption that utilizing a pressure washer simply means turning it on in pointing the nozzle at a dirty area, a professional knows how to spray horizontally with smooth left right movements. Again, improper spraying technique can lead to damage or to a job that needs to be redone.
Some cleaning solutions used in pressure washing jobs needs to sit for a a small length of time in order to clean the surfaces to which they are applied effectively. Only a professional pressure washer knows how long to let every solution set and how and when to wash it off.
Outdoor electric outlets need to be covered in be given special care prior to a pressure washing job. Hiring a professional to do the job for you ensures that your home and external outlets remain safe and intact. Homeowners who try pressure washing themselves run the risk of causing shorts and even electrocution in some cases.
While a homeowner may be excited about their new pressure washing equipment they may not know that their particular pressure washer may not be suitable for the job they intend to partake in. A good example of this is wood and vinyl siding. These types of surfaces require cold water pressure washers as hot water can damage them both. Professionals will know which type of pressure washer to use on such surfaces as well as how much pressure is needed for the them.
Professional pressure washing services are extremely affordable these days and so there is really no excuse for any homeowner to try and tackle the job themselves. There's a lot of risk involved in doing this type of job by oneself as there is a lot of money to be lost so why take the chance?
