Pressure washing has its pros and cons. When it comes to your next project take the time to get it right the first time by reading up on best practices for pressure washing.
Spring is finally here in central NY and neighborhoods are buzzing with work. To the uninitiated pressure washing may seem like an intimidating process. Many times I have been 2nd in line after the damage has been done to a homeowners property. Once you zig or zag with a zero tip you have yourself a whole new can of worms to tackle. Pressure washers name implies exactly what it does. Typically you have around 3,000 psi (pressure a square inch) pushing the water out of the spray gun. Your gas powered psi will vary at your big box store. Rental units are around 3000 psi give or take. For heavier duty washing a gas powered washer that has 2000-3000 psi will get the job done. Electric pressure washers are good for cleaning cars, deck furniture and lighter duty applications. Here is a list of common projects for pressure washing that we come across and something's to keep in mind before firing it up.
1. Decks: If you have the pleasure of someone or maybe you putting paint on your deck you will notice in a short time it is peeling up. Here is a great candidate for a pressure wash. In my experience we've come across some sloppy decks that were painted sometimes multiple coats before the owner realizes that you stain decks. In order to get it right the best thing to do is rip all the paint off. It's a messy time consuming job but when you are done you will have a proper surface to apply your stain or sealant. If your deck has been stained and is uniformly solid with no peeling your best bet is a deck cleaner. There is no need to remove perfectly good stain. An intact surface will cover even if you go from redwood to beige.
2. Cedar Clap Board: Many homes have or are being covered with cedar. It's a softer wood so you have to be gentle pressure washing it. First and foremost do not use a pressure washer as a scraper to take paint off. It will ultimately make a bigger mess than what you start with. If it is a home built before 1978 you may have lead paint buried in there and by going cowboy with your pressure washer you could be spreading lead everywhere causing more of a mess and a new can opening. Using the correct tip size will dramatically reduce the chance of a zig or zag in this situation. To remove dirt or mildew start your spray two feet away from the surface and move it slowly to around a foot for the best removal of grim with a 2-3 spray tip.
3. Stucco-Concrete: If you have solid-sound surfaces using a pressure washer should not be a problem here. Although if you have cracks or pitting you are going to want to be a little more cautious around these areas. Water will get into the smallest crack on stucco and that leads to breakdown. It is best to use a garden hose if you have surfaces that fit the poor condition criteria. Hitting it with a hose is much less pressure and if you grab a stiff bristle brush you'll be in business to get it done. A lot of times the combination of a garden hose, stiff bristle brush and the proper cleaning solution will be all you need. It's better to error on the side of caution with your stucco because unseen damage caused by the pressured water can show up as soon as we have a freeze and you notice a section of concrete on the ground.
Before you start washing familiarize yourself with the three or four spray tips you have. You can do this safely by trying each tip size out and watching the fan pattern being shot out of the orifice. They will range from 0- straight shot capable of putting holes in just about anything to 4-with a 2 foot fan span and more of a mist. Practice a bit first on something you don't care about and then have at it. Practice makes prefect. Good luck and don't shoot your eye out.
Bill Donigan
Donigan Painting
Syracuse, NY 13208
315-313-3254
http://doniganpainting.webstarts.com/
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