Pressure Washing Safety Tips

Summerville Pressure Washing Pros are a great way to remove grime and dirt from your home’s exterior. However, it is important to remember that highly pressurized water can damage your home’s surface if not used properly.

Rather than scrubbing the siding of your home by hand or standing on scaffolding to reach high areas, consider a power wash using a pressure washer between 1,000 and 3,000 psi.

Many real estate agents will tell you that curb appeal is one of the most important aspects of a home or commercial property when trying to sell it. This is because a property that has good curb appeal is more likely to attract potential buyers who will tour the interior of the building. Many things can improve the overall curb appeal of a property, from adding a fresh coat of paint to cleaning up landscaping and even replacing light fixtures or old numbers on a mailbox. These are relatively inexpensive projects that will have a significant impact on the overall appearance of a home or commercial property.

Pressure washing is also a great way to boost your curb appeal. It can remove dirt, grime, and road salt from the exterior of your home or commercial building. This can be especially useful if you have stucco or brick that has been discolored by these elements. In addition, it can also be used to clean your roof, deck, and other exterior surfaces. Pressure washing is a safe and effective method for cleaning these types of surfaces and can be performed by a professional company.

Besides cleaning the exterior of a home or business, a pressure wash can also help clean windows. Dirt, cobwebs, and wasp or bee nests that may have built up on a window can obstruct the natural light in a home. This can be a major turnoff for potential buyers who want a bright and airy home. Pressure washing the windows can remove these obstructions and allow plenty of natural light to enter a home.

Another easy and cost-effective way to improve your home’s or business’s curb appeal is by planting trees. This is a project that can be completed in just a day or two and will add both beauty and value to a property. It can also make a property more appealing to wildlife, such as birds and butterflies.

Aside from adding plants, there are other things that can be done to improve your curb appeal, such as adding window shutters or a bird feeder. These are also simple projects that can be completed in just a few hours or over the weekend.

Health

While pressure washing may seem like a discretionary task that’s only used to make the outside of your home look better, it’s actually an essential part of many important home maintenance and repair jobs. When you read the labels on paint cans, sealant tubes, and stain bottles, they all indicate that a clean surface is required before applying these substances. If you skip the pressure washing step, your finished project will be less durable.

However, the high-powered water jets of a pressure washer can cause serious injuries when not operated correctly. It’s important to follow the safety instructions included with your unit and never aim the nozzle directly at people or animals. Wounds sustained from the force of the spray can appear minor at first but can lead to infection, disability, and even amputation if not treated immediately. The fast, strong spray of a pressure washer can also throw objects that strike and injure people who are close by. Electric shock can also occur if the washer is not properly grounded or wired, and it’s important to inspect the machine regularly for any signs of damage that might compromise your health.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a risk for anyone using a gasoline-powered pressure washer, so it’s important to keep the equipment outdoors as much as possible when in use. If it must be located proximal to an indoor or partially enclosed space, workers should wear respirators.

Another potential hazard of pressure washing is falling. A steeply inclined roof can be especially dangerous for those working on it, so it’s crucial to cover any skylights and other roof openings to prevent someone from falling. Anti-fall devices such as safety belts and lanyards can also help reduce this risk, and it’s important to always have a spotter available when working on a roof.

Ladders are often used to reach higher parts of the house when pressure washing, and they can be hazardous if not properly inspected and used with caution. It’s also a good idea to cover the ladder with plastic tarps and remove any loose materials that could fall and get caught in the rungs.

Safety

Pressure washing, or power cleaning, uses highly pressurized water to clean surfaces such as sidewalks and buildings. This tool is widely used by homeowners, businesses, and professional cleaners, but it can be dangerous if improperly used. A few simple safety tips can help reduce the risk of injury when using a pressure washer.

The most common injuries caused by a pressure washer are lacerations. The high-pressure water can cause deep wounds that may require stitches and medical attention. “Even a small cut can lead to a serious bacterial infection,” warns Consumer Reports.

Other potential injuries include punctures and bruises. Pressure washers can blast objects such as wood deck boards, glass windows, and concrete patios, but they can also damage delicate items such as shade sails and insulated-glass door frames. The blast of a pressure washer can also launch hazardous chemicals into the air, which can be inhaled by those nearby.

While it is important to read and understand a pressure washer’s owner’s manual, it is equally important to pay attention to your surroundings while you are using the tool. Pay special attention to children, pets, slippery surfaces, electrical wires, and utility meters. It is a good idea to wear protective gear, such as heavy-duty work gloves and eye protection. Wearing rubber boots can protect your feet in case the spray accidentally hits them.

A gas pressure washer emits carbon monoxide, which can poison those inside a building or other partially enclosed space. It is therefore vital to never use a gasoline-powered pressure washer indoors, even with windows open. It is also a good idea to wear ear protection because of the loud noise of the gas engine.

Before turning on a pressure washer, make sure the handle has been locked into place to prevent accidental starting. Check the nozzles on the end of the hose to ensure that they are not red or yellow. These nozzles create a narrower angle of spray, making them more likely to damage surfaces. Green and white nozzles are safer because they have a wider angle of spray that is less likely to damage surfaces.

Environment

In general, pressure washing is an eco-friendly way to clean. It doesn’t rely on chemicals to work and is a much faster cleaning method than traditional methods. It also cuts down on the amount of materials needed to complete cleaning jobs, as well as reducing energy usage. This helps reduce pollution caused by the manufacturing and use of raw materials.

It is important to keep in mind that some areas need special care when using a pressure washer, like around electrical outlets and exterior lights, as well as being careful with the direction of the spray. It is also essential to always follow best management practices when it comes to containing washwater. This includes setting up tarps and berms, as well as establishing a plan for storm drain containment in case it rains during or after the cleaning.

The fact is, pressure washing is one of the most, if not the most, effective ways to clean and remove grime from driveways, patios, walkways, and decks, as well as siding, awnings, and roofs. If left unattended, the dirt and debris that build up on these surfaces can lead to decay and ruin the appearance of your home or commercial property. By regularly using a pressure washer to keep your property clean, you can avoid these problems and save yourself the cost of repairing or replacing damaged materials.

Pressure washing eliminates the need for chemical cleaners, which can be dangerous to humans and animals. It also removes mildew, mold, algae, and fungi, which are all harmful to the health of those who come into contact with them. This helps keep your family, employees, customers, and tenants safe from these potentially toxic substances.

It also helps to preserve the lifespan of your building’s exterior materials, which can significantly extend their usefulness and reduce the need for replacements. Over time, materials like concrete, wood, vinyl, and shingle will become worn out and discolored. With regular use of a pressure washer and the right detergents, however, you can make these materials look as good as new.