If your house is scheduled for a pressure washing soon, there are a few things you must do prior to the cleaning. As a homeowner, the last thing you want is to end up damaging the exterior of your property or even harming yourself. Here is how to prepare the house for pressure washing.
Tips to Prepare the House for Pressure Washing Services
Just as wood is primed before painting, your house must undergo certain preparations prior to a pressure washing. It is not just something you can plug and play without considering potential damages. Whether you are hiring a professional or taking the DIY route, preparing your home for pressure washing is a key step to ensure the best results. For the safety of yourself and your house, follow these pressure washing house preparations:
1. Wear Eye Protection
This may not seem necessary to some people, but it is a very important precaution that you need to take. Your eyes are prime targets for flying debris and splinters. You may be lucky enough to walk away with only a scratch or you may be in for something worse.
You need eye protection because you never know what can go wrong. Safety goggles or safety-rated sunglasses will do the trick. This is a very easy step that many people mistakenly avoid, so make sure to protect your eyes before you begin the pressure washing process.
2. Clear the Area
Pressure washing a messy outdoor area is like going through an obstacle course. There are so many things to avoid as you try to maneuver your way around.
Before you start power washing, clear the area of all outdoor furniture, toys, equipment, etc. so that nothing gets in the way. The last thing you want to do is trip and fall over something and potentially injure yourself.
Plants must also be set aside. While pressure washing services typically only use water and eco-friendly cleaning solutions, the kinetic energy released can still cause significant damage. Make sure to also clear the bushes from the bottom part of your property’s siding so that you or pressure washing professionals can reach those areas as well.
3. Turn Off the Outdoor Power
You would be a fool not to know that water and electricity do not go well together. Although pressure washing uses less water for cleaning than a regular garden hose, it still involves a fair amount of water. These can get into sockets and be the cause of great harm.
As such, you must remember to cut off the power to all outdoor electrical outlets. If you leave the electrical system on and water leaks inside, your property’s system could be damaged. As a side note, if your property is connected to an above-ground power line or has power lines running along its edges, be cautious. If you attach an extension to your pressure washing stick, for example, make sure that it does not come into contact with the power line (for obvious reasons).
4. Do Not Use Ladders
Should you decide to pressure wash your house yourself, do not use a ladder. If you use a ladder while pressure washing, the push back from your pressure washing stick could cause you to fall over and injure yourself. Using a ladder adds unnecessary risk and is to be avoided. If you need to reach higher up, try using an extension to your pressure washing stick.
It is better to call on a professional house pressure washing service for help. Professionals have plenty of experience washing high areas or hard-to-reach places. They have the right tools and skills for the job.
5. Know What Areas You Should Avoid
Not all surfaces can take the sheer force of pressure washing. Therefore, you must equip yourself with the proper knowledge prior to carrying out the task yourself.
For instance, when pressure washing your vinyl siding, you need to identify areas you should avoid spraying, such as windows, vents, openings, etc. If you spray these areas, you can potentially damage them. Or, water could very well make its way into the interior of your home.
Of course, you can easily get rid of this problem by hiring a pressure washing service company to do the work for you. Professionals know what kind of treatment each material requires and come ready with the right products.
6. Keep Children and Pets Away
While it is important to clear out any inanimate outdoor objects, you must make sure your children and pets are kept away, as well. Pressure washing can be dangerous, especially with such a high level of force involved. Children and pets do not know any better, so they tend to wander around aimlessly without adult supervision. They are also more curious and are prone to investigating things that are new to them.
7. Seal Openings
Preparing your house before pressure washing means covering up any openings that can allow water to get inside. Water damage is a serious issue among homeowners, and some cases go largely unnoticed until it is much too late. When you prepare a house for pressure washing, make sure to lock your windows and doors.
If you know of any holes around your house, cover them up or let your pressure washing service company know. Remember that prevention is better than a cure.
Pressure Washing House Preparations: The Next Step
Now that you know what to do before you start pressure washing your property, it is now time for you to take action. Follow these tips to prepare a house for pressure washing to avoid damages, injury, and extra expenses. If you plan to pressure wash your home yourself, make sure that you understand the intricacies of the machine. You must also know which methods and products to use for every type of material.
Of course, you can always take the easy and cheaper route by hiring a professional pressure washing service company. Professionals use only the best equipment and come prepared with years of knowledge and experience. If you don’t want to take any chances and want a professional to complete the job, Washh has you covered.
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