There are few places in the South as beautiful as the Tri-Cities of Tennessee. Johnson City, Elizabethton, Kingsport, and Bristol are all in the shadow of some of the tallest mountains on the East Coast. We experience all four seasons here in East Tennessee, with snow and winter weather, April and spring showers, warm and humid summers, and a beautiful display of changing leaves in fall. While we would not trade our weather for anyone else's, the frequent precipitation, falling leaves, and humidity can take their toll on our homes. Pressure washing is the solution for taking care of your outdoor surfaces. Here are seven things you need to know before you begin pressure washing.
Seven Things You Need to Know Before You Begin a Pressure Washing Project
1) Pressure Washing is Effective
Weathering will wreak havoc on your home and property. Pressure washing is an excellent way to take care of your outdoor surfaces. It is an effective way to protect and preserve the lives of surfaces such as:
- Your home's aluminum, wood, or metal siding
- Your deck and patio
- Your fencing
- Your concrete sidewalks and driveways
- Your porch railings
- Your outdoor furniture
Pressure washing can do wonders for these surfaces. If you want to ensure they last as long as possible, consider having these surfaces pressure washed.
2) Pressure Washing Can Be Dangerous
While pressure washing can be incredibly effective, it can also be dangerous. Pressure washing equipment shoots jets of highly pressurized water at exterior surfaces. If that water comes in contact with a person's skin, it can lead to serious injury. Furthermore, many surfaces that need to be pressure washed are up high and will require the use of a ladder to access them. Using a pressure washer on a ladder can be awkward and lead to falls. It is vital to make sure you read all of the instructions on your pressure washing equipment, watch tutorial videos, and practice safe pressure washing.
3) Pressure Washing Can Damage Materials
Some outdoor surfaces are not meant to be washed with highly pressurized water. Some items can be damaged if the pressure is too high. To protect your property, it is important to know the correct pressure to use for each surface you intend to wash. Your pressure washing project can become especially costly if you end up damaging your home, outdoor furniture, deck, porch railings, fencing, or other property.
4) Pressure Washing Can Damage Sensitive Plants
While you are mostly thinking of the surfaces you are going to clean when you engage in a pressure washing project, you may not be considering the potential damage that you could potentially do to your lawn and sensitive plants. The pressurized water and cleaning solution can, however, end up harming your sensitive plants, especially if you do not take the proper steps to protect them. When pressure washing near your lawn and vegetation, make sure you lay down a blanket or tarp to prevent the water or solution from making contact.
5) Pressure Washing is Not One-Size-Fits-All
Pressure washing techniques and technology have come a long way in the last few years. Your home's siding and other services may be better served by soft washing techniques. Soft washing or low-pressure washing is used to clean areas that are susceptible to damage with high pressure.
6) Pressure Washing Equipment Can Be Expensive
Whether you are purchasing or renting pressure washing equipment, the cost can add up. In addition to the pressure washer, you will need to use the right cleaning solutions for each surface. If you purchase your own equipment, you will need to budget for the cost of maintenance and repair.
7) Pressure Washing Professionals are Not as Expensive as You Might Think
While pressure washing rental and purchase can be quite costly, professional pressure washers may not be as expensive to hire as you would think. Especially when you factor in your time and the added protection from potential damage and injury, hiring a professional pressure washing team is often the most cost-effective solution for cleaning your outdoor surfaces. Cates Pressure Washing has been providing the highest quality pressure washing services to residents of East Tennessee for many years. We know how important it is for you to keep your outdoor surfaces looking as beautiful as our East Tennessee surroundings. Contact the team at Cates Pressure Washing for more information about how you can trust your pressure washing project to the experts.