Believe it or not, there is a right way to wash a metal building that will effectively remove dirt, prevent rust, and minimize damage at the same time. While traditional methods can produce satisfactory results, a pressure washer is far more efficient and powerful. It is important to learn how to properly use a pressure washer to clean a metal building to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Why Should You Wash a Metal Building?
Just like any other structure, a metal building requires care and maintenance. Apart from frequent inspections and preventive adjustments, regular cleaning is a surefire way to ensure the longevity of a metal building. Here are the top benefits of washing a metal building.
1. Improved Appearance
Perhaps the most apparent benefit of washing a metal building is its improved appearance. A dirt-ridden and grime-covered building can be an eyesore — a blemish on a street lined with pristine structures. It can drive away potential customers or clients and lower the morale of workers. Above all else, this diminished curb appeal can hurt the resale value of the property.
2. Defense Against Corrosion
The number one problem with metal buildings is corrosion or rust. Metal buildings are constantly exposed to air, moisture, and chemicals. Over time, this exposure will lead to corrosion and rusting, thereby affecting both the appearance of the building as well as its structural integrity.
Regular cleaning offers increased protection against rust and corrosion, as it helps eliminate elements contributing to deterioration.
3. Save Money on Extensive Repairs
With corrosion and rusting comes damage, and with damage comes repairs. Regular washing is an excellent place to start if you want to make the most of your investment and save money on costly repairs. After all, washing a metal building is significantly more affordable than repairing or replacing the components of the structure.
4. Prolonged Lifespan
Cleaning your metal building regularly can also help extend its lifespan by protecting materials such as aluminum and galvanized steel. Any wise investor would want to preserve the useful life of an asset. This way, you can maintain its property value and earn a higher return on your investment.
Can You Clean a Metal Building With a Pressure Washer?
In a word, yes. You can pressure wash a metal building. A pressure washer is an infinitely more effective and efficient cleaning method than traditional alternatives. Pressure washers can effortlessly blast away dirt, grime, and other contaminants. Pressure washers have an excellent reach thanks to how they are built.
Of course, when misused, pressure washers can inflict damage on a metal building. As such, using the correct pressure level, nozzle tip, cleaning solution, and technique is essential.
How to Pressure Wash a Metal Building
Here are the step-by-step instructions for pressure washing a metal building.
Turn off all power to the building. This is a safety precaution that should not be skipped.
Shut all the doors and windows to the building, including any small gaps or openings. The last thing you want is to force water into the building, flooding the interior and destroying the objects inside.
Even with the power shut off, you should make sure to cover all lights and outlets. This is to prevent electrocution as well as fires.
Remove any movable objects or items surrounding the area. Clearing the immediate space in the area will help prevent accidents.
Sweep away any dirt, dust, and loose debris from the metal building. This gives you a cleaner canvas to work with.
Using only water, wet the surface of the metal building. You can do this with the help of a pressure washer set to the lowest setting and maintaining a distance of 3 feet from the metal surface. Alternatively, you can use a hose with a spray nozzle.
Meanwhile, in a bucket, combine 1/4 cup of detergent or soap with a gallon of water.
Using a pressure washer in a low setting and a fan nozzle, apply the detergent mixture to the surface of the building. Alternatively, you can use a soft cloth or brush.
Scrub down the surfaces surrounding the doors and windows. Then, work your way to other sections, such as walls and roofs. A soft cloth or brush works well, though you will likely need several passes to completely remove the contaminants. Make sure to adjust your force to avoid damaging the surface.
Working from the top down and in sections, rinse away all the soap and detergent with clean water. You can use a pressure washer set to low.
Is Power Washing a Metal Building Recommended?
It is okay to power wash a metal building. Power washing may be better since it works better against oil and grease. Power washing uses heated water to clean surfaces, whereas pressure washing does not.
How to Power Wash a Metal Building
To power wash a metal building, follow the same steps as pressure washing. However, since power washers use heated water, it is vital to take extra precautions. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can You Soft Wash a Metal Building?
Yes, you can soft wash a metal building. Soft washing is a method used to clean surfaces using low-pressure water. It mainly relies on chemicals or cleaning solutions to get rid of dirt, grime, mildew, algae, and other contaminants.
How to Soft Wash a Metal Building
To soft wash a metal building, follow the same steps as pressure washing. This time, though, you should use a low-pressure sprayer. Additionally, you may need to use a more powerful but metal-safe cleaning solution if there are stubborn stains.
How Often Should You Wash a Metal Building?
Washing a metal building at least once a year is generally a good idea. However, you will have better results when you do it twice a year.
If your building is located in an area with heavy industrial traffic, it is best to wash it thrice a year. Moreover, buildings that sit in or near coastal areas need more frequent washing, as these are more vulnerable to the negative effects of saltwater.
The best time to clean a metal building is right after autumn, removing dead leaves and twigs that may have accumulated on the roof. Then, rewash the building during spring to eliminate winter residue.
A Professional’s Touch
It is difficult to pressure wash a metal building without damage or risk of injury, significantly taller buildings or those located in industrial areas. Property owners and maintenance managers should rely on professional services for the best results.
Washh offers residential and commercial pressure washing. Call us today at 704.321.8000 or contact us online to learn more about us!
