Home exteriors take the brunt of dirt and grime. Constant exposure to the elements and various pollutants slowly deteriorates surfaces. The best way to protect your home’s value is to maintain its exteriors. Most homeowners are poorly informed on home exterior maintenance.
One of the easiest and fastest ways to clean home exteriors is to pressure wash. Different building materials respond differently to pressure washing contractors. Some contractors in your area can take care of more complicated jobs. Homeowners in Winston-Salem, NC, can benefit from regular pressure washing. This report gives you information on pressure washing.
What Is Pressure Washing?
This is a method of surface cleaning using a machine that emits a high velocity water stream. The stream can cut through dirt and other substances like algae and stains. The machine can be set to different temperatures and pressures to suit the surface to be cleaned. The best temperature for cleaning stains for example is hot water. For each surface to be cleaned, a certain level of pressure must be set. For the best results, covering an entire surface with stain requires using a cleaning agent first.
Why Exterior Cleaning Matters
The exterior of your home takes just as much of a beating as the interior. The main difference is that the outside of your home is more visible to the rest of the world. If your home’s exterior is not cleaned often, it loses its value.
Professional cleaning maintains your property investment wisely:
- Protect your home from permanent damage
- Improve curb appeal and overall appearance
- Prevent health issues from algae growth
- Extend surface lifespan through preventive care
- Maintain property value for future sales
- Save money on costly repairs later
Surfaces That Need Pressure Washing
Driveways and Parking Areas
Oil spills and normal wear and tear can stain concrete. Pressure washing drives and parking lots help to remove built up stains and discoloration. Moss and algae can build up on concrete, and pressure washing removes these as well. The process can help restore the aesthetic appearance of your property. Concrete can develop surface irregularities and pressure washing helps to remove built up concrete, extending the lifespan.
Home Siding and Exterior Walls
The sides of your home can become discolored due to dirt and pollen. Wood and vinyl siding can also become discolored due to mildew. Pressure washing can remove built up discoloration, and is less costly and less time consuming than painting. Siding helps frame the design elements of a home, and pressure washing siding can restore its design elements.
Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Spaces
Algae and dirt can build up on patios and decks, and become slippery. Pressure washing patios can help restore wood and remove built up algae. Decks can become slippery and dangerous. Wood patios and decks can become rotted, and pressure washing helps to prevent rotting.
Roof Cleaning Considerations
Moss and algae can build up on roofs, and can deteriorate the roofing materials. Pressure washing can be used to remove these, but special care should be taken to avoid damaging the roof. Moss and algae build up on roofs can shorten the life of the roofing materials.
DIY vs. Professional Pressure Washing
Cleaning different surfaces requires a variety of techniques, and experienced operators know the best ways to clean different surfaces. Some stains and soil are difficult to remove, and may require the services of a professional. Large properties are more easily cleaned by a professional. Accessing and cleaning hard-to-reach areas by the homeowner may require the services of a professional.
The Pressure Washing Process
Before starting the process, a detailed inspection is conducted to identify tough spots. This is to avoid accidents. Cleaning agents are selected based on the type of stain, and surface to be cleaned. Agents can be sprayed on the surface and allowed to sit for a short period of time.
Different cleaning surfaces require a particular technique. Systematic cleaning guarantees coverage. Weather conditions determine how long surfaces will take to dry. It is best to hire a professional to get the best results.
Common Pressure Washing Mistakes to Avoid
Applying too much pressure while cleaning can damage surfaces, and is the biggest mistake done by homeowners. Cleaning agents can be set at too high of a pressure and stripped paint from surfaces. High pressure water can also cut into skin. The equipment must always be held at the right angle.
Cleaning agents can cause a lot of equipment damage if the instructions are ignored. Practice can help improve results, however some surfaces can’t be pressure washed, and cleaning them can be dangerous.
Cost and Frequency Considerations
The price is determined by the size of the home. The frequency of pressure washing varies by location. Pressure washing is less costly than repairing damages.
| Surface Type | Recommended Frequency | Cost Range |
| Driveway | Once yearly | $150-300 |
| Home Siding | Every 2-3 years | $300-600 |
| Deck | Once yearly | $200-400 |
| Roof | Every 2-3 years | $400-800 |
Most homeowners benefit from annual cleaning service completely, with additional cleaning as needed for problem areas.
Conclusion
Preventing damage to surfaces, and saving money is best accomplished by hiring a professional to have various maintenance done. Cleaning the exterior of your home can improve its curb appeal. Homes in the Winston-Salem area can benefit from maintenance. Investing money into maintenance can help save money by preventing more major repairs.
