House Pressure Washing: Frequently Asked Questions
All homeowners can benefit from a little house pressure washing. It is not only an easy and effective way to clean the exterior of a house, but it is also very affordable. But, if you still doubt pressure washing as a viable cleaning method, you can learn more about it below.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Pressure Washing
Your home is a place of sanctuary and, for a lot of people, one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. As such, it makes sense to keep it clean and comfortable to live in. In addition to promoting a better quality of life, a clean home also keeps curb appeal high and property values protected. If you want to preserve the appearance and condition of your home, pressure washing is a good place to start.
Unfortunately, there are still some doubts that many people hold over house pressure washing. To clear any misconceptions, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the subject.
What Is the Difference Between Pressure Washing and Power Washing?
While some use these two terms interchangeably, pressure washing and power washing are not exactly the same. They both use high-pressure water to blast away dirt, dust, and debris, but the key difference is in the temperature. Pressure washing does not use heated water, whereas power washing uses hot water to melt away grease and grime. When it comes to deciding whether or not to power wash a house, it all depends on the type of pollutant you want to remove.
Is Pressure Washing Good for Your House?
In general, pressure washing a house is a good way to clean it. This usually applies to houses with areas made out of vinyl, metal, and concrete, but it can also help clean other materials such as pavers, brick, and stone. Pressure washing helps keep your house clean, and a clean house is less prone to long-term damage.
Will High Pressure Damage My House?
Pressure washing is generally not damaging to a house when done correctly. The high-pressure water can cause damage in areas made with more fragile materials, such as glass, asphalt shingles, and stained wood. As such, it is a good idea to brush up on your pressure washing knowledge or hire a professional to do it for you.
Does Pressure Washing Use a Lot of Water?
Contrary to popular belief, pressure washing does not use a lot of water. In fact, it is generally considered to be an environmentally-friendly cleaning method because it aids water conservation. Pressure washing actually uses less water when compared to other methods of cleaning.
What Preparations Should You Make Before Pressure Washing a House?
There are several steps you should take before house pressure washing. First, shut all of your doors and windows as well as any other openings or gaps. This will ensure that no water enters your home. You will also need to move any vehicles, outdoor furniture, and plants out of the way to avoid damaging them or getting them wet. Pets and children should also stay away from the pressure washing area. Any exterior electrical outlets should be covered for fire safety.
Is Water Enough to Pressure Wash a House?
If you are only doing some light cleaning, you can pressure wash your house using only water. The sheer force of the high-pressure water is enough to blast away any dirt, dust, and debris. But, for more intense jobs, you will need to use soap or detergents.
What Areas of the House Are More Prone to Dirt?
Your driveway and front deck are usually the first to get dirty because of the foot and vehicle traffic. The foundation and sidings of your house will also accumulate various pollutants such as dirt, mud, and algae over time.
Can You Pressure Wash a Roof?
It is possible to pressure wash a roof, provided you do so with care. You will need to use the right pressure level, nozzle tip, and technique. Additionally, it is very dangerous to situate yourself on top of your roof or remain on a ladder while completing the job. As such, it is best to outsource this kind of job to trained professionals.
How Long Does It Take to Pressure Wash a House?
It depends on the size of the house. House pressure washing can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Smaller houses have a smaller surface area, resulting in a quicker job, whereas larger houses tend to take more time because of the size and number of objects that will need to be moved out of the way.
How Often Should a House Be Pressure Washed?
It is a good idea to pressure wash your house at least once a year. This will keep all those nasty pollutants and damaging substances at bay while keeping your house visually appealing from the outside.
How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a House?
The one thing that turns off most homeowners to pressure washing is how much to pressure wash a house. But, it is not a very expensive service. On average, homeowners should expect to pay $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot. As such, it costs about $250 to $1,250 to pressure wash an average 2,500-square-foot home.
How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a 2-Story House?
Houses consisting of more than one level will generally command a higher price because of the need for extra equipment. On average, the pressure wash house cost for 2 stories is between $400 to $1,400.
What Happens If You Don’t Power Wash Your House?
If you allow your house to go without a good power wash, time and the elements can affect it negatively. The build-up of dirt, grime, and other pollutants can stain the surfaces of your home and cause permanent damage.
Can You Damage Concrete By Power Washing?
Concrete is a strong and durable material, so it is generally safe to pressure or power wash. That being said, any surface, no matter how strong, can be damaged if the wrong kind of nozzle, cleaning technique, or pressure level is used. Even concrete can’t stand the force of a sharp and direct flow for long periods of time.
Should I Buy or Rent House Pressure Washers?
The only thing that beats renting is hiring professionals to do the pressure washing for you. Hiring a pressure washing company offers the same benefits as renting but with the added protection of insurance (in case of damages) and the assurance that your house is in the hands of trained and capable technicians.
Professional Pressure Washing at Your Fingertips
House pressure washing can be a scary endeavor, even for long-time homeowners. Considering how effective pressure washing is as a cleaning method, though, it is high time you take advantage of it. And, the best way to do that is to hire a professional pressure washing company like Superb Softwash. Call us today at 210.649.5655 or contact us online to learn more about our residential pressure washing services.
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