Power-Washing FAQs
What is power washing?
Power-washing, also known as pressure washing, is the application of a high-pressure water spray to surfaces that need to be cleaned. It is used to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other contaminants from a variety of surfaces, including concrete, brick, siding, decks, and driveways.
How often should I power wash my home?
The frequency of power washing your home depends on the climate and the materials used on your home. In general, many home owners clean their house every year or every other year. However, if you live in a humid climate or if your home is made of materials that are prone to staining, you may need to power wash more often.
Can I do power washing myself?
Yes, you can power wash your home yourself. However, it is important to use the right pressure washer for the job and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If you are not comfortable power washing yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
What is the difference between pressure and power washing?
There is no difference between pressure washing and power washing.
The two terms are used interchangeably.
What are PSI and GPM?
PSI stands for pounds per square inch. It is a measure of the pressure of the water coming out of the power washer. GPM stands for gallons per minute. It is a measure of the water flow rate of the power washer.
An analogy I use for pressure washing purposes, PSI is comparable to how fast you can swing a sledgehammer, and the GPM is the size of the sledge. In many cases, the amount of water you can hit a surface with is more important than the pressure used.
Purchasing a Power-Washer
For purchasing a residential washer, I usually look for the highest possible GPM (between 3.0-4.0) and a PSI of at least 2400. You can usually clean any surface with over 2000 PSI, but a higher GPM will allow more water to hit each surface and will dramatically decrease your cleaning time.
What safety equipment do I need for power washing?
The following safety equipment is essential for power washing:
Safety Goggles
Rain Gear (pants or bib)
Rubber boots
Gloves
Ear plugs
What surfaces can I power wash?
Power washing can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including:
Concrete
Brick
Siding
Decks
Driveways
Patios
Fences
Windows
Railings
Eaves
Gutters
Can I pressure-wash my roof?
Usually, we recommend against pressure-washing roofing materials unless heavy moss is eating into the shingles already. Manufacturers do not recommend power-washing shingles and usually void the warranty if you do. This is because the high pressure can remove the cinders which give the shingle it's protective quality and life.
However, most of the time a "soft-wash" is recommended to clean blackened or algae related discoloring. That usually requires lightly spraying on oxiginated bleach (we use oxi-clean), then letting it sit for 10 minutes and rinsing clean with low pressure water out of hose nozzle.
What surfaces should I not power wash?
There are a few surfaces that should not be power washed, including:
Wood that is not sealed
Unpainted metal
Plants
Cars *depending
Boats *without professional assistance
Windows that are not tempered
What chemicals can I use for power washing?
There are a variety of chemicals that can be used for power washing. The type of chemical you use will depend on the surface you are cleaning. In general, it is best to use a non-toxic, biodegradable chemical. Soap and degreasers are common for most cleaning surfaces.
How do I prevent damage when power washing?
To prevent damage when power washing, it is important to:
Use the right pressure washer for the job. (PSI and GPM)
Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Start with a low pressure setting and gradually increase the pressure as needed.
Do not hold the nozzle extremely close to any surface.
Rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning.
