Contractor Tips Blog

Feb
18

Dangers of DIY Pressure Washing

A pressure washer can be a handy tool to have – you can easily clean your vehicles or driveway with this high-powered tool. When it comes to cleaning your outdoor areas, power washing is one of the best options available for removing dirt and grime. However, there are dangers when using a pressure washer that can put you or your property at risk. Here are a few dangers to avoid with DIY pressure washing.

Wood Cleaning

Spraying off your deck or fencing can keep it clean but too much water pressure can damage wood. You need to know the right setting for your wood to reduce the chance of damage. A high-pressured stream can gouge the wood, permanently damaging your expensive deck or fence.

Roof and Gutters

Many homeowners want to save money and decide to pressure wash their gutters and roof themselves. This can be dangerous and damaging. Any time you are off the ground using a pressure washer, there are safety risks. It can be wet and slippery standing on a roof or ladder – it is easy to slip and fall, causing serious injury. Roof cleaning also must be carefully performed – too much pressure can ruin expensive roofing or even cause leaks.

Removing Paint or Damaging Siding

If you want to clean your siding using your pressure washer, be careful. Too much pressure can remove your exterior paint – that is how painters remove old paint before adding a new color. Pressure washing can also damage shingles or siding, especially soft woods like cedar.

When it comes to cleaning high areas, wood or painted structures, you may want to hire a professional power washing service. They can ensure your surfaces are cleaned correctly and safely, avoiding the damage and injuries that are common with DIY pressure washing.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Dec
3

Protect Your Home with Routine Gutter Cleaning

Your home’s gutter system provides a valuable service by directing water run-off from your roof away from your home. When gutters become clogged with debris, they can overflow and retain water under your eaves that can cause serious damage. Routine gutter cleaning helps ensure this system is working correctly to provide the drainage benefits necessary to protect your home from too much water saturation.

When gutters are clogged, water will be prevented from safely draining away from your home. This can cause many issues over time. If the water is flowing down your siding, it can cause mildew and damage to the sides of your home. Water that is retained in gutters can also lead to rot under your eaves. Plus, the water that seeps into the ground around your home can cause soil erosion that can impact your foundation and landscaping. Cleaning your gutters at least once a year is the best way to prevent these types of drainage issues.

Hire a Professional for Safe Gutter Cleaning

While you can clean your gutters yourself, it can be a dangerous job. Standing on a ladder or on your roof while using a pressure washer or removing debris by hand is risky. It is worth the investment to hire a professional that has the right training and equipment to clean your gutters thoroughly while you stay safely on the ground.

Early spring and late fall are usually the most beneficial times to perform gutter cleaning to ensure your system stays clear of debris. It is a wise investment to hire a pressure washing company to perform this task, protecting your home and property from water and drainage issues.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Oct
16

Protect Your Fleet Investment with Pro Cleaning

If you have a fleet of trucks, vans or other vehicles for your business, this represents a large investment. Not only do you want to maintain the engine, brakes, tires and other mechanical components, you want to keep your fleet clean. Not only does dirt, salt, oil and other substances damage your paint and frame, dirty vehicles can tarnish your business’ image. Professional cleaning can protect the investment in your fleet and improve your brand’s image.

Benefits of Routine Fleet Cleaning

If your fleet is on the road day in and day out, it is going to get dirty. While you cannot expect to wash a full fleet every day, routine cleaning should be done at minimum twice a month. When you hire a professional pressure washing company to clean your fleet regularly, you can benefit from this investment. Some benefits include:

  • Protect your fleet’s paint from damage
  • Remove chemicals that can cause rust and premature frame deterioration
  • Your fleet is a rolling advertisement – keeping your vehicles clean improves your brand image
  • Retain value or protect your lease on your fleet vehicles

When you invest in regular fleet maintenance, you are protecting one of your business’ largest assets. Dirty fleet vehicles are not only a stain on your reputation, it can cost you more in lost value or damage to the vehicles. Fleeting cleaning can give you a big return on your investment.

To keep your fleet clean, sign up for ongoing cleaning through a local power washing service. They have the right equipment and expertise to protect your investment in your fleet and cleanup up your business’ image.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Sep
3

Spring Cleaning for Your Outdoor Space

Before you pull out your patio furniture and remove the pool cover to get ready to enjoy summer outside, consider a spring cleaning. Over the months of fall and winter weather, your patio, pool deck and other surfaces may look a little dingy. In one call to a local pressure washing service, you can schedule a thorough cleaning for your yard, home and outdoor living space. Here are a few areas to consider cleaning this spring to start the season off right.

Patios and Decks

Remove mildew, moss and dirt from your patio or deck with a professional power washing. It is easier to do when all your outdoor furniture is still in storage.

Pool Decks

If you have a pool, you want to ensure the surrounding tile, stone or concrete on your pool deck is sparkling. This can help protect the surface as well as improve the appearance of your pool area.

Fencing

Vinyl and wooden fencing need routine cleanings. Wood especially will tend to turn gray and dull if not cleaned routinely. Wood can be damaged by too much water pressure so it is a good idea to have it cleaned by a professional.

Roof, Gutters and Siding

Your home can be dirty after a long winter. Not only can debris, moss and mildew detract from the beauty of your home, they can cause damage. Have a thorough cleaning from roof to foundation to restore your home’s appearance.

A spring cleaning for your outdoor surfaces can make your home and outdoor areas look new again. Schedule your spring power washing with a local professional to ensure your home is ready for the summer ahead.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Jun
24

Pressure Wash Before Your Open House

If you are putting your home on the market, you want to make the best first impression on potential buyers. More than likely, your realtor will discuss small improvements that can be made to help you get the most value from your home. One of the least expensive and quickest ways to make any home more desirable is to clean up the outside surfaces. Scheduling a pressure washing service can help make your home shine during your open house.

Outdoor Surfaces to Pressure Wash

A thorough cleaning can make any surface look better. While you may not want to invest any more money fixing surfaces in a home you are selling, deep cleaning can make them look new again. Here are some surfaces that should be included in your pre-open house power washing:

  • Driveways – this can remove any stains or mildew
  • Fencing – wash away mildew stains or bring out the natural beauty of your wood fencing with power washing
  • Patios, decks, porches and pool decks can be cleaned thoroughly
  • Siding – remove dirt and stains from vinyl or other types of siding to make it look new again
  • Sidewalks and walkways – power washing can remove weeds and dirt from cracks

When outdoor surfaces are clean, it helps improve your home’s curb appeal and increases the value. In just a few hours, your home can be vastly improved with pressure washing. However, the last thing you want before an open house is damage to any surface. Make sure to use a professional pressure washing service to ensure the cleaning is done right – it is worth the investment to help to make your home more enticing to potential buyers.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Jun
5

Pressure Washing Service: A Property Manager’s Secret Weapon

Any property manager knows that there are hundreds of small and large tasks that must be done to keep a building and the outdoor areas maintained. From repairing plumbing and maintaining the roof to parking lot repairs and driveway cleaning, there is always something that needs to be done. One way to take several of these maintenance items off the to-do list is to hire a pressure washing service, a property manager’s secret weapon for keeping their property or properties looking beautiful and well-maintained.

Pressure Washing for Property Management

If you manage an apartment complex, several rental properties or a large commercial facility, keeping up with ongoing outdoor maintenance can be difficult. One way to keep up with the exterior cleaning and maintenance is to hire a quality pressure washing service. Even if you have your own maintenance crews for repairs and cleaning, a pressure washing service is mobile and can go wherever you need them while your crew works on other tasks. Some maintenance services to subcontract to a pressure washing service includes:

  • Exterior walls and surfaces
  • Sidewalks and pathways
  • Parking lots and driveways
  • Roofing
  • Fencing and gates
  • Gutter cleaning
  • Pool decks and patios
  • Dumpster areas
  • Vehicle fleets

Many commercial pressure washing services offer maintenance plans, helping you stay on top of your property maintenance and reducing the work for your staff. You know the job will be done right and you will not need to worry about maintaining pressure washing equipment or providing training for this specialized skill.

Make your job easier as a property manager by finding an experienced pressure washing company to become your outdoor maintenance secret weapon.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

May
9

Make Mold and Mildew Disappear with Pressure Washing

The exterior surfaces of a home or business are exposed to many wet elements. While siding, roofs, fencing and paved surfaces are made to withstand the rain and snow, they are not impervious to mold and mildew. These fungal spores tend to grow on almost any surface, creating black and green slime that can detract from the beauty of your property. To make your surfaces look like new again, use pressure washing to clear away accumulated mold and mildew.

Risks of Mold and Mildew

The black streaks on your siding or green slime on your roof is more than just an eyesore. Fungal growths can cause damage to surfaces, especially those that are organic. Wood and shingles can rot under the covering of mold, moss or mildew as the fungal spores take root on the surface. Plus, leaving these spores in place can stain your surfaces.

Use Professional Pressure Washing

Pressure washing can remove most types of fungal growths and leave your surface looking like new again. However, it is important to know how to carefully remove mold and mildew without damaging the surface underneath. Professional pressure washing services have the training to clean various surfaces to remove dirt, mildew and algae growth without harming the structure. The last thing you want is to cause more damage to your structure by accidentally using too much water pressure on a surface.

If your home or building has evidence of mold or mildew on the exterior surfaces, contact a professional power washing service. In just a few hours, your building and surfaces can be free of discoloration and protected from the risks of fungal growths.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Apr
16

Protect Paved Areas with Routine Pressure Washing

Your paved driveway, patios, pool decks and sidewalks all need routine care to keep them looking beautiful. Sweeping away debris and blowing away grass or leaves can help keep your property neat. However, to protect these paved surfaces, you need to remove the deeper layers of dirt and liquid substances. Pressure washing is the best way to protect those paved areas and extend the life of your asphalt, pavers and concrete.

Driveway Maintenance

Driveways are prone to spills of chemicals which can harm the asphalt or concrete. Gas, oils and other substances that leak from vehicles can deteriorate the surface of your driveway. Pressure washing can safely remove these chemical and help minimize damage to the surface. This can help prevent cracking, crumbling and water deterioration.

Patio and Pool Deck Protection

If you have a concrete or paver pool deck or patio, keep it looking beautiful and protect it from wear with routine pressure washing. The chemicals used in your pool and accumulated dirt can wear on the surface. Extend the life of your outdoor living spaces with a quick pool deck pressure washing service once or twice a year.

Sidewalks and Walkways

Concrete slab sidewalks and paver walkways can be prone to weeds and slippery substances. Keep them beautiful and safe with regular pressure washing. This helps with the outdoor aesthetics of your home and also prevent slips or falls on your property that can be a liability.

In most cases, pressure washing your paved surfaces twice a year is sufficient to help keep them clean and protect them from premature deterioration. Contact a local pressure washing service to maintain your paved surfaces and protect your investment in your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Feb
26

Protect Your Brand with Fleet Truck Washing

How much did you spend to add your logo and colors for your business to your fleet trucks? If you own a business that delivers products or services, your fleet trucks are moving billboards for your business. They can reach thousands of potential customers while out serving your existing client base, making them an excellent way to advertise. However, if the image of your brand and business is hidden under a layer of dirt and grime, you could be tarnishing your image. Make a positive impact by investing in fleet truck washing for your business.

Polish Your Brand

It doesn’t matter whether you have a pizza delivery business or plumbing is your game, if you have vehicles that represent your business, they need to be maintained. Dirt and grime are a constant occurrence on the roads, dulling the appearance of your fleet vehicles and your brand. Fleet pressure washing on a regular basis can help keep one of your best representations of your business clean and professional.

While many businesses will undergo fleet washing every few months, this is not enough to keep your vehicles pristine. Consider finding a fleet truck washing service that will regularly come and clean your vehicles, rain or shine. Ongoing maintenance on a set basis can ensure your vehicles and brand are kept clean and presentable, improving the impression you make on potential customers in your community.

Contact a local pressure washing service that offers fleet truck washing to find out about commercial contracts for routine cleaning for your vehicles. It is a wise investment in your business and brand to keep a professional image rolling down the streets of your city.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

Jan
25

5 Surfaces that Can be Damaged from Pressure Washing

The first time you use a pressure washer to clean up your outdoor areas, it can seem like magic. Dirt, mildew and grime just disappear without chemicals, just a high-pressured stream of water. While having or renting a pressure washer to maintain your home can seem like a great idea, you need to know where it is safe to use it. Here are five surfaces that can be damaged from pressure washers if you use the wrong pressure or technique.

  1. Wood. Many types of wood are soft and can be splintered under high pressured water. This can harm your deck or fencing, even wood shingles, if done incorrectly.
  2. Windows. Glass and the casings around windows need to be carefully cleaned when using a pressure washer. The wrong technique can cause leaks and damage your expensive windows.
  3. Roofing. Pressure washing is a common way to clean roofs, but it can also lead to expensive damage if not performed with the right method. It can lift shingles and create leaks, leading to costly roof repairs.
  4. Stucco. The texture of stucco makes it difficult to clean with a pressure washer unless you know the exact nozzle and water pressure to use.
  5. Siding. Etching is a common problem when pressure washing siding,  leaving permanent indention or lines on your home. Use the wrong pressure on painted siding and you can remove the paint.

Many DIY homeowners have caused expensive damage to their homes cleaning these surfaces with pressure washing. However, all these surfaces can be cleaned by low-pressure or professional power washing. Using the right equipment and techniques can ensure these surfaces are cleaned without any damage. While you can clean most driveways or patios with your pressure washer, leave the more vulnerable surfaces to the professionals to prevent damage.

Posted on behalf of:
Impact Pressure Washing
105 Commerce Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214
(678) 697-7127

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