Pressure washing is used on many surfaces and has lots of benefits. As useless as it may seem to just scrape off the surface of dirt and mold with water, it actually provides lots of benefits and can save you lots of money in the long run. However, this doesn’t mean that EVERYTHING can be pressure washed in Miami to preserve or extend its value it.
With that being said, I’m going to get into why pressure cleaning is critical for extending a roof’s longevity, but if you’re interested in pressure cleaning in Miami, give us a call for a free, digital estimate.
5 Areas That Shouldn’t Be Pressure Washed (at least not without experience)
Here are common household objects and surfaces that people have asked to get pressure cleaned in Miami. Getting these surfaces or objects pressure cleaned can result in expensive damages and long-term problems for the property or the people living in it.
Windows
This should be obvious. Windows can crack and shatter very easily. The power of a pressure washing machine in Miami can crack and break windows easily.
This can cost you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Instead of a regular pressure washer, for windows, it is recommended to use a soft pressure washing job from a professional. Professional pressure washers will know the strength of their machines and be able to give you the service you need without the guesswork.
The trick when it comes to pressure washing windows is being mindful of the type of window ( impact windows can obviously withstand much more pressure). But, you also have to be careful that the pressure washer that you’re using has either adjustable PSI, or projects water at a PSI that the window can withstand.
In general, if you’re going to be pressure washing your windows- keep the nozzle at around 40 degrees, and stay a reasonable distance away from the windows. Definitely don’t get the nozzle right up against the window, because then you’re going to have some glass to clean up (and a new window to buy).
Electric Panels
Electric panels are delicate and filled with wires, cracks, and crevices. The water can get in between the cracks and crevices of the panels and damage the internal wiring. Not only can the pressure washer (if strong enough) cut or fray the wires in the panels, but the water that leaks inside can cause the wires to malfunction. In addition, electric panels are closed off from the sun and accumulate mold, mildew, and dirt because of the humidity in Miami. This extra dirt can make the damage already caused by the water much worse.
Air Conditioning Systems
A pressure washing job that is too strong can damage the air conditioning system too. For air conditioning jobs, it is recommended to get a vacuum and a gentle water stream. Air conditioning systems can get damaged in the fins, filter, and panels of the inside. The water pressure of a pressure cleaning machine is so strong, it can do more harm than good.
Cars and Trucks
Cars and trucks should be the last thing on your mind when using a pressure washing system. Pressure washers that are meant to scrape off mold, mildew, and dirt from your driveway, sidewalk, or even your roof should not be used on your vehicles. Cars and trucks have delicate pieces like windows and lights. Cars and trucks also have lots of little cracks and crevices that are not 100% waterproof.
Although cars and trucks are watertight enough to hold off intense rain, the concentration of water in a pressure washing machine can leak through the cracks and crevices. This can cause damage to the inside of the car and cost you more money in the long run. In addition, the paint of the car or truck can get peeled by the pressure washing machine. This paint job can cost you thousands of dollars to paint again, in addition to the internal damage that your car can suffer from the pressure cleaning machine.
Asphalt Shingles
Have shingles that need pressure cleaning? You can wash them- but you need to be very careful. Also, be careful with bleach, because even though you can wash asphalt shingles with bleach, you need to make sure to do it properly.
Pressure cleaning your roof should always be done by a professional. Not only is standing on the top of your house very dangerous, but the pressure cleaning job itself also is not as easy as it looks. It is not as simple as just shooting down a stream of water on your roof. The pressure of the water has to be just right. You have to know how powerful the pressure cleaning machine will be.
You must also be careful where you step, how powerful you will set the setting to, and more factors to keep in mind. Using the wrong setting, tools, or doing the job without any knowledge can cause damage to the roof and water to leak through improperly, resulting in additional costs to repair the damage from pressure cleaning.
Why It’s Important To Hire A Professional Pressure Cleaning Company
Clearly, pressure cleaning something incorrectly can lead to unexpected damages and cost in repairs. While most things require a certain degree of awareness and expertise to pressure wash, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be pressure washed. As long as you’re minding the pressure, angle, and distance that you’re washing things with- then you should be okay to pressure wash most of the areas around your house.
The risk comes in having the experience to adjust accordingly because making mistakes can cause damages that are much more expensive to repair than pressure cleaning would have otherwise been.
Don’t risk this for yourself, and hire a professional pressure cleaning company with years of experience and many 5 star reviews on Google.
Picazzo Painting and Pressure Cleaning has been serving all of Miami-Dade County for over 25 years with excellent service. We’re true professionals with experience in pressure cleaning even the most delicate of surfaces.
Plus! Every painting job comes with our 5-year workmanship warranty!
If you’re pressure cleaning your house, or driveway, then chances are that these areas can benefit from an extra coat of paint. A fresh coat of paint can add years of durability to your concrete, stucco, drywall, or roof.
Call us today if you’re interested in a free, no-commitment quote in Miami, Florida.
(305) 796- 2443
