Whether it’s mildew or mold on the siding, rust stains on the gutters or a buildup of dirt on the deck, exterior house washing services will make your home look bright and new again. But it’s important to know how to use a power washer safely and effectively.
First, choose the right day to pressure wash. Avoid direct sunlight and high winds. And be sure to have a telescoping extension wand for second story areas.
Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is a broad term that encompasses all aspects of a home or commercial property’s exterior appearance. It includes factors like landscaping, driveways, and even the choice of house numbers. In addition, curb appeal is a key aspect of the perceived value of property.
A clean, well-maintained building carries more visual appeal than one that is overgrown with weeds or covered in bird droppings and other grime. This is why exterior house washing services can have such a significant impact on your home’s overall curb appeal.
A professional power wash uses pressurized water to remove contaminants and leave surfaces looking brand new. From concrete patios to wood siding, a proper cleaning can help restore and maintain the beauty of your home’s exterior. This is especially true for windows and gutters, where dirt, mildew, and organic debris can build up over time. A soft wash from a house cleaning service will dissolve silt, sand, residue from acid rain, greasy fingerprints, bird droppings and other debris without the need for high-pressure rinses that can damage the exterior of your home.
Health
The exterior of a building naturally accumulates dirt and grime. When this isn’t regularly cleaned, it can lead to a variety of health and safety issues. Unclean building exteriors can become infested with organic growth such as moss, mildew and mold that can cause different types of allergies, respiratory problems and even structural damage.
Washing a building’s exterior removes all of this build-up and can help prevent future problems. It’s also a must-have before painting, as paint does not adhere well to dirty surfaces.
While both pressure washing and soft washing can be effective, it’s important to hire cleaning professionals that have the experience and qualifications to handle them properly. These pros will know which hose pressure and cleaning agents to use for each surface type, whether it’s vinyl, Hardie siding, brick, stone or Stucco. They will also know how to correctly choose a detergent strength or mixture ratio for each type of material. This can avoid unnecessary damage, especially with delicate materials such as shingles and cloth awnings.
Safety
As a homeowner, you know that washing your home’s exterior is an important part of regular maintenance. This process not only improves the aesthetics of your property, but it also protects it from damage. Dirt, mildew and other debris build up on surfaces, causing them to deteriorate over time. This deterioration can lead to rot, mold and other problems that may not only affect your building’s appearance, but also its structure.
A power washer is an effective tool for removing dirt and grime from surfaces, but it can cause damage when used improperly. It is recommended that you only use a power washer when necessary and follow specific steps to ensure your safety. For example, be sure to turn off any open electrical outlets and cover them with plastic. You should also wear eye protection and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing in the water spray. If you want to be safe and still ensure your home’s surfaces are cleaned properly, consider using a soft wash cleaning solution.
Value
If you’re thinking about selling your house in the future, routine power washing will help you boost its value. Buyers will want to purchase a home that has been wellmaintained. A clean exterior shows that the house is structurally sound and that there are no hidden issues that might come up in an inspection or during the closing process.
A clean home will also look better in listing photos, which are a big part of how potential buyers first see the property. Homes with high-quality photography sell 32 percent faster than those without.
Regular cleanings can help your exterior materials last longer, which will save you money in the long run. For instance, brick homes are prone to dirt and mildew buildup, but a simple wash will keep these surfaces looking good. Pressure washing can also remove loose paint, which will speed up the repainting process and save you money in the long run. Adding a new coat of paint to your brick can also increase your home’s value.
