What I Need to Know about Pressure Washing?

What is Pressure Washing?

Pressure Washing (also known as Power Washing, Steam Cleaning, and Water Blasting) is the process of using high pressure (1,000 to 5,000 psi) water jets for cleaning, demolition, paint or dirt removal, and similar applications. The water may be heated to near 220 degrees Fahrenheit, or at ambient temperature.

“Pressure” is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). Pressure is what loosens the dirt from the surface being cleaned. The higher the pressure, the more force is available for cleaning.

“Flow” is measured in GMP (gallons per minute). Flow is what carries the loosened dirt away. Every pressure washer has a minimum GMP and PSI of water that must be supplied to the unit for it to function as designed.

This is the before picture of one of our pressure washing projects

This is the during picture of our pressure washing project.

This is the after picture of our pressure washing

The combination of pressure and flow is what determines how fast a pressure washing project can be completed. High pressure and high flow are required in order to properly complete a job in a timely manner. This requires expensive, professional equipment. Low budget equipment will yield high pressure with low flow or low pressure with high flow, both of which will slow down the pressure washing project down.

Cleaning effectiveness may be enhanced with the addition of certain chemicals compounded specifically for power washing and the particular problem being treated (oil, grease, etc.). One reason for heating the water used for pressure washing is because hot water requires less chemicals to complete the power washing project.

Why is Pressure Washing Necessary?

Humid climates can allow the rapid accumulation of organisms like algae, mold, and mildew to take root on just about every surface on the exteriors of your home or place of business. Dry climates similarly produce dirt, grime, cobwebs, mold, and mildew that accumulate and rob your home or place of business exteriors of their original luster and sheen. This includes siding, dumpster and trash areas, brick pavers, concrete driveways, and more.

These problems, if not dealt with, can result in dangerous or hazardous conditions for people, equipment, and vehicles. Also, if your facility was the subject of a surprise OSHA inspection, many of these problems could result in serious fines.

America's Best has been in pressure washing residential and commercial properties for nearly 3 decades.

Pressure washing can enahnce the value of your property while keeping it attractive and healthy.

Power washing is often used as a highly effective, relatively low cost way to deal with many problems, including graffiti, paint and oil spills, or stains.

In addition, things like graffiti, paint and oil spills, or stains make a poor impression on your business and prospective customers. You only get one chance to make a 1st impression.

Power washing is often used as a highly effective, relatively low cost way to deal with these problems.

Typical surfaces suitable for pressure washing:

Most types of exterior surfaces, including stucco, masonry, wood and metal siding
Fences and decorative surfaces
All types of concrete slabs including patios, sidewalks, driveways, interior floors in warehouses and industrial structures
Swimming pool decks

How often should Pressure Washing be Done?

Pressure washing is usually done on an “as needed” basis. However, we recommend scheduling pressure washing on a regular basis as a form of maintenance to help homes, businesses, and other areas keep their value or restore them to what they should be.

One-time power washing is frequently used to clean a surface prior to painting.

Power washing can also be done on a regularly scheduled program. This is often the case for store fronts and entry sidewalks, signage, high foot or vehicular traffic areas, and containers and areas subject to frequent spills such as trash bins and surrounding areas.

Is Pressure Washing Dangerous?

Power washing is not inherently dangerous. However, whenever any power tool is used, it must only be used by a trained operator, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and following all recommended precautions and safety measures.

The power washing jet is strong enough to peel paint and remove dirt and oil from concrete. If the jet comes in contact with your skin, it can cause damage the flesh. A simple Internet search for “power washing accidents” or “pressure washing accidents” will result in numerous injury related stories.

Pressure Washing Misconception

“The lowest power washing bidder is always the one you should hire.”

This is rarely a good policy for the following reasons:

Low bidders may use unskilled and uninsured “day laborers” which could put you in liability danger if a day laborer is injured on your job.
They may also lack required and appropriate liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
They may use inferior materials and equipment.
The lowest bidder may have missed or simply not bid an important aspect of the job, hoping you won’t catch it and they can tack it on as an “extra charge”.
Low bidders may tack-on extra charges when they hand you their final bill.

Get at least 3 quotes from different pressure washing companies. Before comparing prices, be sure all contractors are bidding exactly the same thing. Be extremely suspicious of an unusually low or high bid.

How to Choose a Pressure Washing Contractor?

Get at least 3 power washing quotes.
Avoid any contractor who charges for an estimate.
Insist on being listed as “additionally insured” on the contractor’s liability, worker’s compensation, and vehicle liability insurance policies.
Be sure the contractor states, in writing in your quotation, that they will not use “day labors” or uninsured labor on your job.
Ask for power washing references, and check them out carefully.

Why America’s Best for Pressure Washing?

A Name You Can Trust

America’s Best has been in the power washing business since 1982, serving both the residential and commercial sectors. Our “customer and safety first” approach has made us a nationally recognized and trusted name for nearly 3 decades.

Our technicians are trained professionals with many years of experience in power washing. We conduct background checks on each technician prior to their joining our team. Our team is knowledgeable, courteous, and drug-free.

We are insured, safe, and heavily focused on getting the job done right, every time. Our team uses commercial grade equipment and environmentally safe cleaning agents to deliver results without harming the planet.

Our Pressure Washing Services

America’s Best offers power washing services for the following:

Parking Lots
Sidewalks
Exterior of Buildings
Construction Sites
Property Maintenance
Commercial (Restaurants, Store Fronts, etc.)
Residential (Fences, Driveways, Decks, etc.)
Heavy Equipment
Store Fronts / Awnings
Dumpster & Trash Areas

What Sets Us Apart

What sets us apart is the fact that we take great care to insure your home or place of business is not damaged by the power of our pressure washing equipment. We do so by controlling the flow of water by using special tips on our pressure washers, allowing us to clean surfaces as delicate as stucco without causing any damage.

When we are finished power washing your home or place of business, all dirt, grime, cobwebs, mold or mildew will be removed, leaving the surface looking fresh and bright.

A Note to Homeowners

Don’t let air pollution build-up threaten what is probably the largest single investment of your life...your home. Air-borne deposits of dirt, grime, and corrosion can make your house look many years older in a few years time. Your house loses its sheen. It looks ordinary. It takes on a shabby, dull appearance. So your investment suffers. And so does your pride of home ownership. Be proud of your house. Maintain its worth. In only a couple of hours, our pressure washing methods can dramatically improve it’s appearance. This is a cost efficient home improvement.

We offer one-time or regular pressure washing schedules as part of our on-going maintenance plan. On-going power washing is a proactive measure that will prevent serious damage that can cost you a lot of time and money down the road. In addition, on-going power washing insures the beauty of your home or place of business will last for years to come.

Tips

If you are thinking of repainting a building or home, consider pressure washing before in order to determine whether you need to repaint or not. Often, removing accumulated dirt and mold is all that is needed to make your home or place of business look clean and new.
If you live in an area affected by wild fires, your home insurances policy may cover exterior pressure washing. Check with your insurance carrier to determine if your policy covers your pressure washing needs.
When your home or business look better, the value of your home increases.

Other services: screen repair | gutter cleaning | awning cleaning | window cleaning | window tinting