From Dull to Dazzling: Unleash the Power of Pressure Washing for Remarkable Home Upgrades

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  You’ve spent hours scrubbing away at your driveway stain with soap and water. Maybe you’ve tried baking soda and harsh chemicals to no avail. At some point, you know it’s time to pull out the pressure washer to get the job done.

Many homeowners own a pressure washer to clean their home’s exterior. Pressure washing makes outdoor cleaning a cinch compared to scouring surfaces by hand. Here’s how to take your property from drab to fab with the power of pressurized washing.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses a jet of highly-pressurized hot or cold water to remove dirt, mold, mildew, paint and other debris from outdoor surfaces.

Electric pressure washers are best for light-duty cleaning — like barbecues, patio furniture or vehicles — with 1,300–1,400 pounds per square inch (psi) at 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Gas-powered washers have a higher water pressure at over 3,000 psi at 2–3 gpm. Both machines may have a tank or attachment for detergents and other cleaning solutions.

Power or pressure washing is necessary to remove all debris before painting, staining or sealing surfaces with optimal results. Power washing is more powerful than pressure washing and uses more water. Ultimately, the surface you’re spraying determines which machine you need.

Power washing is too strong for brick or stamped concrete, so people often use a lighter-pressure machine. However, concrete pavers require more water pressure to eliminate dirt and stains.

5 Things to Pressure Wash Around Your Property

You can pressure wash your entire property over a weekend with the proper safety protocols and necessary equipment. Here are a few things you should focus on cleaning first.

1. Patios and Decks

Harsh winters and rainy months can wear on your deck or patio. Sealants lock out moisture and protect wood materials or concrete floors. Before resealing or restaining outdoor surfaces, you must pressure wash away debris and mildew.

Pressure washing before upgrading your patio or deck ensures a clean surface and enables better absorption of the stain or bond, prolonging the deck’s life. When it comes to pressure washing, relying on top-notch equipment is paramount, and this is where industry leaders like RJP Hotsy make a difference.

2. Exterior Siding

Like ground materials, your home exterior could use some love once a year. Pressure washing the siding will revive your home’s appearance and remove unsightly grime. It’s also a good idea to pressure clean your home to attract potential buyers.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says 92% of real estate agents suggest sprucing up your home’s curb appeal before listing it on the market.

3. Roofs and Gutters

Your roof and gutters accumulate branches, leaves and dirt throughout the year — especially during months with high precipitation. Pressure washing removes moss and prevents mold. By eliminating the debris, you improve water flow away from your roofline to prevent leaks and damage.

A damaged roof will trickle water into your home’s attic and ceiling. Restoration for water wear could cost between $350 and $2,000, depending on the severity.

4. Driveways and Walkways

Cars and motorcycles usually drop oil and grease, leaving ugly stains on your driveway. Likewise, windy weather may blow leaves and dirt onto your walkway.

Power washing your driveway can help remove stains and tire marks. Likewise, it reduces slip or trip hazards from wet leaves and branches. If you have pavers leading up to your front door, pressure washing easily removes weeds and excess dirt between the cracks.

5. Outdoor Equipment

Use a pressure washer to clean your outdoor patio furniture at the start of the season. After a long winter in the shed, your patio chairs and table may have rusted or molded in some areas.

Pressure washing your barbecue also cuts the time needed to clean grease and fat by hand. Always disconnect your electric grill from the power source to avoid electrocuting yourself. If applicable, disconnect the grill and move it away from natural gas or propane lines.

Safety Precautions for Pressure Washing

Before you begin pressure washing, there are some safety precautions to consider. Pressure washing delivers a powerful force of water that may cause severe injuries if mishandled. As such, always point the power washer away from yourself and others.

Remember these other safety tips for power washing:

• Always survey the area for potential hazards.
• Learn how to utilize the machine and turn it off quickly.
• Avoid using gas-powered washers in enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Choose the best nozzle — the narrower the hose, the most concentrated the stream.
• Keep cords out of standing water and away from places with high moisture.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes to avoid slipping.
• Do not let children use the pressure washer.

Suppose you or someone else is injured while pressure washing. It would be best if you immediately took care of the wound. Anything over 100 psi could cause a high-pressure injection injury. If necessary, call 911 for emergency assistance.

Make Your Home Sparkle With Pressure Washing

Cleaning your home with a pressure washer does the job in no time. Enjoy a dazzling curb appeal and freshly-washed patio to spend your days on with this straightforward DIY home improvement project.

Click the links below for any posts you have missed:

Use These 8 Tips to Make Your Backyard Your Favorite Place

The Ultimate Guide to Home Plumbing Issues: Common Problems and Quick Solutions

5 Carpet Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s Why You Should Get a New Mattress

Ingenious Ways to Incorporate Shipping Containers Into Your Home Design

Sewer Rodding: Unlocking the Path to Smooth Drainage and Peace of Mind

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