Pressure Wash Your House Every Year, Here Are 8 Reasons Why
Pressure washing your house offers numerous benefits and can be an excellent investment for homeowners. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider pressure washing your house:
- Enhances curb appeal: Over time, dirt, grime, mildew, salt, and other pollutants can build up on the exterior of your home. These types of gunk can make your home appear not cared for and unattractive. An annual pressure wash effectively removes these contaminants, revealing the original beauty of your home and boosting its curb appeal. Not to mention your neighbors, guests, and in some cases, renters will appreciate you for maintaining your home. If you are a renter, this can mean more money in your pocket and better reviews too.
- Extends the lifespan of your investment: Here in the Florida Keys, the salty air, humidity, high winds, and intense sun put stress on all surfaces. They also deteriorate coatings and surfaces, eventually leading to costly repairs and replacements. A regular pressure wash helps to remove these harmful substances, preventing long-term damage and extending the lifespan of your paint job including your home’s siding, deck, driveway, and other surfaces.
- Keeping your family safe: Mold, mildew, and algae growth can not only damage the appearance of your house but, can also present health risks. These contaminants can trigger allergies, respiratory problems, and other health issues. Additionally, build-up on floor surfaces makes floors slippery, making them unsafe to walk on when wet, creating a safety hazard. Pressure washing removes these potential health hazards, resulting in a cleaner and safer environment for you and your family.
- Surface preparation: Pressure washing is essential to prepare surfaces for painting or staining. This is especially important when it comes to the exterior of your home. Thorough removal of dirt, peeling paint, and other debris will ensure proper adhesion of paints and primers as well as even the application of stains. Pressure washing is the first step in preparing a surface, ensuring a better bond and a more long-lasting finish for your new paint or stain.
- Increases property value: Ask any realtor or property manager and they will tell you that a clean and well-maintained house has a higher market value. An annual pressure wash is an affordable way to instantly improve the look of your property. A well-maintained home will also be more attractive to your seasonal renters. Potential buyers will be willing to pay top dollar if they decide to sell in the future.
- Saves time and effort: Cleaning large exterior surfaces manually can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task. Pressure washing provides a quick and efficient solution, allowing you to cover larger areas in less time and with minimal effort.
- There’s a nozzle for that: Pressure washing is not limited to just your house’s exterior. It can also be used to clean other outdoor surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, fences, decks, patios, and roofs. With different nozzle attachments and adjustable pressure settings, you can adapt the pressure washer to suit various cleaning needs.
- Eco-friendly cleaning: Pressure washing utilizes high-pressure water to clean surfaces, minimizing the need for harsh chemicals and detergents. This makes it an environmentally friendly cleaning method that reduces chemical runoff into the soil and water systems.
Remember to follow safety guidelines when operating a pressure washer. The most efficient pressure washers use gas to power them and that can be dangerous. These machines have large motors and can become very hot, so use caution when you pressure wash your home.
Be cautious around delicate and deteriorated surfaces. Previously damaged and delicate surfaces can become loose and break, causing further damage. Rotting material, small openings, and cracks are invitations for water intrusion that can result in possible water damage. Areas to look for are loose stucco, rotting wood, and around windows to name a few. To minimize damage, it is important to know how to point the spray nozzle and the amount of pressure that is appropriate for a given surface.
Lastly, be aware of areas where water intrusion could be an issue. If you’re unsure or have concerns, it’s best to consult a professional pressure washing service or painting contractor.