Over the years we have witnessed a noticeable rise in weekend warriors and DIY diehards that are willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. This is highly admirable, especially in the age of automation and people’s willingness to pay others for labor. However, when it comes to certain types of projects, like pressure washing, it is often a better idea just to let a professional handle it.
This isn’t because you aren’t capable, rather, the professional handling the job has taken years to perfect their craft and know the dangers of even the slightest slip-up. Let’s take a look at a few of the many ways a project can go awry with DIY pressure washings.
1. DIY Pressure Washing: Too high or Too Low Pressure
The obvious purpose of pressure washing any surface is to get it as clean as possible. To a layman, it is difficult to tell how much pressure is the right amount. Too much pressure can cause damage and too little won’t completely clean the surface. All houses should be washed with a proper low-pressure technique. An experienced pressure washing business knows the correct pressure level and technique for each surface. Therefore, will avoid stripping paint, damaging already rotten wood, removing the finish, and many other types of potential damage.
Someone attempting to complete a pressure washing project may not realize the power of the washer they’re using until its too late. This is one of the many reasons a homeowner or DIY-er will likely end up paying more to do a project. Or, settling for a lesser result, than what it would cost to hire a professional.
Example of washing siding with too high of a pressure.
2. DIY Pressure Washing: Incorrect or No Solution
To achieve spotless surfaces, a pressure washing company will use one or more cleaning solutions in conjunction with a pressure washer. They know the solutions that will produce the best results with the minimum amount of effort and avoid any solution that may harm the project or surrounding areas. Many DIY-ers don’t use any solution, simply believing the power of the washer will achieve the results they’re looking for.
This is a HUGE mistake because some surfaces hold corrosive debris, mold, mildew, and other harmful particles not easily seen by the naked eye. Many homeowners don’t take into account overspray. This may affect plants, grass, drywall, and a variety of other surfaces near the project. Advanced Pressure & Gutter Cleaning is careful to avoid any harm caused by a potentially hazardous cleaning solution.
3. Not Following the Correct Order
Cleaning in an unorganized manner will not only waste time but money as well. If you don’t have the correct cleaning strategy you’ll waste extra water, rental costs for the washer, and any detergent you purchased. As well as, possibly streaking the surface of the material being cleaned. There are specific cleaning strategies for each project a professional completes. It may be appropriate to prioritize washable surfaces as not to soil them when moving on to other surfaces. Or, perhaps washing from the bottom to the top of the project is the appropriate method. These details are not often considered by non-professionals and may end up costing them dearly.
4. Wrong Equipment
When talking about equipment, we can break it down into two main categories, pressure washer, and accessories. You may own a pressure washer or even rent one for a certain project. But, how do you know it’s exactly what you need? There are various styles that perform in vastly different ways. You may rent a washer that is plenty powerful but only uses cold water to clean. This scenario wouldn’t be good for cleaning an oily or greasy surface such as a garage floor.
Aside from detergents, there are numerous specialized tools you can use to make a project easier. Such as a cleaning wand extension for hard to reach places. Chemical injectors. Nozzles for pressure concentration. Rotating brushes, and much more. Knowing what accessories to use and how to utilize them correctly is the efficiency a professional pressure washing service brings to the table.
5. Safety is Ignored
Anyone familiar with pressure washers knows the damage they can do if used improperly used, not only to project surfaces but to the operator as well. A pressure washer can easily break the skin and cause bodily harm, and even worse they can send debris air-born. This creates a hazard for the user’s vision, which can be avoided by using proper eye protection such as safety glasses or a face shield. An apron or rubber suit also keeps users safe from harmful chemicals. Finally, don’t forget about hearing protection. Prolonged exposure to certain types of pressure washers may be harmful to an operator’s hearing. Hiring a professional will ensure you’re kept free of harm.
6. Spraying Water Sensitive Areas
Professional pressure washing businesses know all of the trouble areas to look for upon inspecting a surface to be prepped and cleaned. Depending on the surface being washed, there are identifiable red-flags that must be properly addressed prior to continuing. The last thing a homeowner wants to happen is a weak spot in their foundation being compromised, cracked siding being worsened, or window trim being displaced, which is all avoidable when working with Advanced Pressure & Gutter Cleaning.
Professional pressure washing services such as those offered by Advanced Pressure & Gutter Cleaning, Inc are the best choice in order to avoid making these common DIY mistakes. Although you may have a good understanding of what you’re doing when you are pressure washing there is always a chance you’re missing something, which can end up costing you much more than it would if you’d hire Advanced Pressure.
Many people avoid calling a professional pressure washer because of the common misconception they cost too much. Advanced Pressure is very reasonable, just check for yourself. Contact us today to get a quote for your next project.
