pressure wash driveway
By erick montufar Power Washing 0 Comments

How to pressure wash a driveway?

Cement stains, including oil stains, aren’t just an eyesore; they also weaken the surface of your driveway. Stop ignoring those stains and learn how to pressure wash your driveway to keep yourself in ideal shape. Plus, we all know that a clean driveway improves curb appeal.

Do you suffer from unsightly stains on your concrete driveway? Here are some steps that will help pressure clean your driveways effectively.

Sweep the surface and Trap the Plants

Removing debris while pressure washing the driveway is just a waste of time and water. Instead, use a leaf blower to remove small debris such as leaves rocks, stems, and mulch. You can use a broom, but a leaf blower is faster and easier. Do not rush to this step and clarify as much as possible.

Try to cover plants with traps before you start pressure wash driveway. For a cost-effective and lightweight option, use painter’s plastic rollers. Remove the leaves as soon as possible to avoid overheating the plant.

Protect exterior and interior walls & Do safety precautions

Cover exterior walls and doors with plastic sheeting and duct tape. This protects the doors and walls from loose dirt, as well as paint or stains accidentally lost by the pressure washer.

Carefully read the correct steps for your specific pressure washer. Each pressure washer is different and may require special preparation, editing, or attachment. The pressure washer makes noise, water, and other dirt can splash on your face and you walk around in the soft soapy water. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and closed-toe shoes that provide good grip. A powerful pressure washer can cut leather. Use with care and keep it out of the reach of children.

Choose the right nozzle and experiment on a less visible spot

The nozzles are adjusted in degrees and the lower the number, the faster and stronger the flow. Try to adjust the nozzle degree according to your surface when you are doing pressure-wash driveways.

If you hold the nozzle too close, the pressure can affect the concrete surface. The distance depends on the pressure washer’s power and the nozzle you use. Experiment on a less visible spot and see how close you can get without damaging the concrete. If the roof, sidewalls, and retaining walls need to be washed, do this first. Plan and work from the top down. Otherwise, dirty water will run off the surface and ruin your clean driveway.

Use a detergent

Detergent is very effective for cleaning concrete. It removes stubborn grease, paint, and dirt. There are many great options available in the market. Newer pressure washers often include a soap dish for applying detergent.

Rotate the rod back and forth about 8 inches from the surface to create a fine foam. Leave on for 10 minutes and then rinse. Do not pour bleach or other chemicals into the pressure washer’s soap tank.

Treat the stains

Before cleaning the entire surface, remove all oil stains. Try to saturate these spots with diluted concrete cleaning solution from a spray bottle. Ensure a good clean by spraying the concrete with a spray bottle of degreaser, at 15 cm from the surface.

Leave the cleanser on for 10 minutes and Scrub the degreaser into the concrete with a stiff brush or pressure washer. Then rinse it off in a pressure washer. Some stains are difficult to remove, paint stains clean them quickly, but grease and rust stains take longer. If the stain doesn’t go away, treat it a few more times with a more dilute solution.

Start at the top and work on small sections

Start at the top and work your way down. You don’t want dirty water flowing where you just cleaned. Also, be sure to park the pressure washer near the highest point so that it drags the pipe behind you, rather than pushing it constantly.

If you spray the entire surface with soap at once, the soap will settle and dry before you can wash it, which can leave marks. Try to divide the whole surface into smaller sections and then clean it.

Seal the Concrete

Pour the waterproof sealant into the paint pan, add the roller cover to the roller handle, connect the extension rod. Next, starting from the center of the area, apply a waterproof sealant from the center to the entire edge of the concrete. Wait 24 hours before parking on the surface.

Deck Cleaning and Staining Service
By erick montufar Power Washing 0 Comments

How To Clean Deck And Prep It For Staining?

Cleaning a deck for staining is a detailed procedure that requires skill and experience both and in case you lack in something, then you should stay away from doing it yourself. Like every process, the deck cleaning also starts from gathering tools and materials and a good list of tools can be found online. Generally, a good toolkit includes brushes, cleaner, sandpaper, water hose, etc. If something is missing from your toolkit, then it is better either you buy it or borrow it from a friend. In case of any kind of difficulty, you can easily hire a lock deck cleaning and staining service. You can also use the following tips to get your deck perfectly cleaned up.

Sweep the deck thoroughly

Before you rush for staining, it is important to clean the deck perfectly to achieve optimal results. Otherwise even after staining the quality of shine would not be as you expect. So, take a soft brush and clean all the debris and leaves from the deck. In case it’s a messy deck you might have to repeat the process multiple times to ensure a hundred percent cleaning. It doesn’t take much time but as any good deck cleaning service suggests make sure you choose a dry day for it because doing it in windy condition would double your effort.

Apply the cleaner

Once you are ready with the cleaned deck now it is time to apply the deck cleaning agent to remove the dust and debris from the grooves. For that purpose, you are going to need a very good commercially available cleaning agent. Either get a recommendation from an expert or just read the description before the selection of the cleaning agent. You can use a sprayer to make it evenly spread on the surface and don’t forget to wear protection for your eyes and face. If you have a bigger deck, the experts at the deck staining service recommend dividing the work area into smaller sections. 

Use a hard brush for perfect cleaning

After you are done spraying the cleaner on the deck wait for about fifteen minutes or the recommended time on the instructions before you start cleaning the surface. When you are done waiting it is time to use a hard brush to scratch out the debris and dust stuck in the porous surface. As you’ll go ahead you’ll see a clear difference between the clean and the dirty surface. Given the level of dirtiness, you might want to go a second or even a third round. In case you have a greasy surface, you must use a grease remover before you start the cleaning process. 

Wash out the cleaner properly

When you have done with the basic cleaning procedure it is time to see the results of your hard work. Just pick up the commonly available water hose and choose an appropriate nozzle to create pressure and wash off the cleaner and the dirt from the deck. You may have to go several rounds to get it off completely. If you are still not satisfied or notice the presence of cleaner when you touch it, then using a cleaning brush can help you do that. Because the cleaner is dried in the wood, it would be prominent and can affect the staining quality.  

Final touch with the sandpaper

Now that you have washed off all the dirt from the deck and it is dried up it is time to tune it up for the staining. The easiest way to do that is to use sandpaper. Make sure you choose the right sandpaper based on the type of wood your deck has and try to do it as gently as possible. Because even if the sandpaper is used for perfection you don’t want to create an imbalance by rubbing it too hard. Don’t forget to clean off the dust to see the results. Once you are satisfied clean the deck again and let it dry completely before you start the staining process. 

The cleaning of the deck for staining isn’t a simple process. In fact, it is a process that demands a perfect combination of skills and effort. Anything out of place would just ruin the deck for good. That’s why if you are not up for the challenge it is recommended to hire a professional that has years of experience. The experts are a lot faster and the final result is a lot better as compared to a personal effort. They can cover a lot more ground in a short amount of time. So, don’t be hesitant to hire an expert if needed. You just have to be sure that the company you are hiring for the task is reliable. Most of the time the help hired through references is the solution to everything.

 

Pressure Washing Services
By erick montufar Power Washing • • 0 Comments

Best Practices You Should Follow For Doing Pressure Washing

The pressure washing services that include the use of special vehicles, tools, equipment, are indeed very appealing to watch. However, the role it plays in the maintenance of buildings is crucial. 

House pressure washing or commercial pressure washing can greatly improve the health of our surroundings by implementing environmentally safe procedures. All you need to do is be careful about the water that you use during the process. 

Harmful chemicals and substances can seep into the drains and other water bodies that then negatively impact the ecosystem around. This also takes a toll on the quality of the water used for drinking and residential use. 

Hence, it is imperative that you have a proper safety plan of action to eliminate dirt, oil, and other grease that you remove from the surfaces. To achieve this, you must adopt certain safety practices following strict instructions while power washing. 

At the same time, such practices will allow you to maintain a proper schedule for your pressure washing services and keep you away from expensive cleanups later on. Here are some of our top safety recommendations for pressure washing. 

1- Figure out where the used water gets drained 

The best practice during pressure washing is to figure out the exact pathway the used water and the dissolved contaminants take. Here are some of the places that this water can get drained: 

  • If the soil is permeable on the ground, it will seep there. 
  • This water can also go into a storm drain. This carries untreated water into a larger water body such as a lake or a stream. 
  • Inside a sewer system where the water will undergo treatment before finally discharging.
  • Inside a drain that then drains water into a retention water body such as a pond or a basin.

2- Go for low temperatures 

Remember that not every cleaning procedure needs hot steam treatment or pressure washing with high temperatures. 

The ideal practice is to use water with moderate temperatures. It gives the same result as high-temperature water but using fewer resources and providing enhanced safety for the cleaner at the same time.  

Keep in mind that multiple municipalities do not allow discharging the high-temperature water as it can create an imbalance in the water bodies and kill aquatic life. Stick to the standard practices. 

3- Do your homework on cleaning liquids and equipment

Whenever you use any cleaning liquid or detergent, keep an eye out for labels like “biodegradable”. This may give the illusion that the product can be safely used, however, being biodegradable does not mean “no threat or harm.” 

If you do some research you will find out that biodegradable simply means that the product is safe for the bacteria and microbe life in the water body and will break down into its components faster than other products without affecting the aquatic life. 

You will also commonly find the use of the term “non-toxic” on many cleaning liquid bottles, however, this term is quite misleading. Even if your product is non-toxic it can severely harm the water bodies. 

Many municipal authorities will collect samples of the cleaning liquid and detergent to verify their safety in terms of being “biodegradable” or “non-toxic.”

4- Prior to spraying, do not skip sweeping 

Get into the habit of removing the surface contamination before implementing the pressure washing treatment. Wipe off any apparent dirt and loose particles on the surface. Make sure you properly pat dry the liquids and dispose of them in a disposal bag. 

When you stick to the prescribed pressure washing practices, you will get desired results while protecting the environment.

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By erick montufar Power Washing • • • • • 0 Comments

How Much Does Power Washing Cost?

Is Your Property Looking a Little Dull But Can’t Tell Why?

Front yards, curbs, and driveway concrete bases can get muddied with dirt over time. However, we tend not to notice the color change and grime build-up because we see it every day. Scrubbing the concrete is painfully tedious but luckily, there is a solution that requires you to do nothing but read ahead and then hop on your local business provider’s website.

Pressure washing:

You read that right! Your driveway and sidewalk will seem newly installed by power washing your property, which is a terrific method to increase resale value. Moreover, investing in a pressure washing service will improve your quality of life. Believe it or not, harmful particles coming from fungi, mold spores, and even the smoke that emanates from vehicles can build up on the exterior of your home and invade your ventilation system.

Overall, it is a great investment and we guarantee that you’ll end up hiring a power washing company time and time again after you read and feel the benefits for yourself! Follow along to find out more about pressure washing driveways and the cost of hiring a sidewalk power washer company near you!

What is pressure washing and power washing?

Pressure washing and power washing both employ the use of high-pressure water to dislodge accumulated mold, debris, grime, dirt, and stains from building structures, automobiles, and concrete surfaces. In a standard power or pressure washer, the water supply is powered by either a gas-powered motor or an electrical unit. Water from a hosepipe is accelerated by the compressor to create high tension. A pipe with a high-pressure rating is then connected to the washer. Different ratings are required for different pressure-washing jobs. However, there is a distinction between the two methods of cleaning since pressure washing just uses normal tap water without the use of a heating element, whereas power washing employs highly pressured steam.

Let’s break down costs.

The cost of power washing:

Innately, the cost of power washing is affected by a plethora of factors including the neighborhood where you live, your home’s siding material, the state of your house, the level of expertise of the cleaning service you choose, and even the season you choose to power wash your house. The size of the property you want to wash and the type of wash will ultimately affect how much power washing will cost.

National Costs for Pressure Washing (according to HomeAdvisor):

Range of Cost Expectancy Price in USD
National Average $300
Expected Rate $160-$350
Maximum Rate $550
Minimum Rate $110

Pressure Washing Costs by Cleaning Area

Siding $150 to $1,400
Garage Floor $100 to $200
Driveway $100 to $300
Deck or Patio $140 to $300
Roof $250-$650
Gutters $40 to $200

Pressure Washing Prices Per Hour

The cost of pressure washing varies from $50 to $200 per hour, with the majority of households spending, on average, between $125 and $170.

Pressure washing costs per square foot

Typically, power washing costs you on average $0.40 per square foot or $50 to $200 per hour. However, the cost of power washing in the United States ranges from $100 to $600, with the average cost falling in the center at about $300.

Electric

  • Doesn’t weigh much
  • Ability to clean interior
  • High utility cost
GPM (gallons per minute) PSI Cost
1.45 1350 $57
1.2 1600 $99
2.3 2300 $299
1.25 2200 $317
5 4000 $3082

Gas

  • Faster and higher pressure
  • Cannot be used indoors
GPM (gallons per minute) PSI Cost
2.3 2800 $299
2.4 3200 $335
2.5 3300 $429
2.5 3700 $699
4 4200 $989

Average Cost To Rent A Pressure Washer

Renting a power washer might cost anywhere from $76 and $180 per day.

Here is a breakdown:

*take note these prices apply to both gas and electric washers

Rental Prices Per Day based on PSI AND GSM

Rental PSI GPM
$76 2700 2.4
$96 3500 3.5
$160 1000 2
$180 3500 3

Why you should hire a professional power washing company?

Professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to power wash your home to the best of their ability without causing damage or injury. Yes, water has the ability to sever skin and damage external building structures. Not all materials can endure pressure washing with a stronger intensity.  For some exteriors to be cleaned without being harmed, soft washing is necessary. Even worse, strong power washers have the potential to cut flesh. Simply put, it’s better to merely pay for a service rather than buy equipment and run the chance of hazards.

Hire a professional power-washing company today!

Whether you want to sell your house in the future or decide to stay in it, maintaining the property is in your best interest. Homeowners spend too much time decorating the interior and neglect to consider how the outside of the house really supports it. In addition to increasing the value of your property and protecting your home from mold and fungi that may cause structural damage, pressure washing will enhance the beauty of your outdoor area by uncovering the layer of shine and smoothness that has been buried beneath years of dirt. Consider investing in a power washing company near you today. It is best to hire a professional because they’ll know how to operate a power washing machine properly. Business provider websites like CityLocal101 have a list of local resources that will offer you premium prices on power and pressuring washing services near you

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to pressure wash the driveway?

Homeowners pay an average of $300 to pressure wash a driveway, with costs ranging from $100 to $300. The cost of the project may increase by $50 to $100 if sidewalks are included. Even so, it’s worthwhile since routine power washing will get rid of pesky weeds and the substrate they require to thrive, preserving the integrity of your sidewalk or driveway because these can eventually degrade concrete. Regular power cleaning extends the lifespan of your concrete surface.

What are pressure washing prices per square foot commercial?

Depending on the equipment utilized and the services offered, commercial pressure washing costs generally vary from $0.75 to $1.00 per square foot. This amount is based on local average prices. If there are issues like spots, filth, or mildew that require more time to clean, a pressure washer will charge $0.50 to $0.90 per square foot.

How much psi to clean concrete?

Although you can use a moderate-pressure washer on practically every pavement, concrete cleaning requires a power washer with a strength rating of at least 1500–2000 psi and a fluid velocity of at least 4 gallons per minute.

How frequently do you need to power wash your house?

Routine maintenance is crucial to the preservation of your home especially if you live in an area prone to dirt accumulating driveways and a lot of traffic. Not only this but, the exterior state of your home speak for the interior design itself. The first welcome to your house will be judged based on the quality and care you put in your driveway and porch. That is why we recommend you power wash your home at least once a year. This will be enough for you to maintain a healthy environment and a year-round clean surface without breaking the bank.

What are the benefits of power washing?

It goes without saying that keeping your home tidy will increase its worth. A completely new layer that you never knew existed can be revealed by pressure washing. Homeowners are shocked to find that their brown brick exterior walls are actually a light beige color. Without incurring the costs of exterior painting, give your house a fresh look and increase its market worth. Furthermore, power washing is a fantastic technique to prepare the surface and remove any dirt and grime that might cause texture if you want to paint your driveway a different color.