Basic Information About Power Washing
Pressure washing is a method used to remove hard surface contaminants from commercial and industrial materials such as concrete, asphalt and wooden floors. Imperium Building Services is often performed to improve the appearance of commercial and industrial building materials by blasting away loose dirt, grease, rust, dirt, algae and other surface contaminants. Pressure washing is sometimes combined with mechanical cleaning to help reduce the costs associated with mechanical cleaning. It is also used to preserve the materials that are washed such as sandstone, granite, cement, stone and tiles.
What can be cleaned with pressure washing? Any porous material that can absorb water can be targeted for cleaning. These items include: fiberglass, aluminum, vinyl, concrete, pavers, bricks, rocks, timber, asphalt, decking, mulch, leaves, grass, bark, shrubbery and weeds. Pressure washing can also be used on driveways and walkways to keep them clean and ensure they remain free of moss, algae, fungus, mildew and mold.
Is there a way to prevent the formation of mildew and mold? Yes! You can prevent mildew and mold by controlling the amount of moisture in your property, by eliminating possible air circulatory problems by venting out gasses exuded from heating and cooling systems and by regularly cleaning out your drains. Regular cleaning with a pressure washer will also help eliminate odors by removing dirt, grease and mildew from the air. When regular maintenance is done along with pressure washing, you can help protect your investment and beautify your property.
What are some of the dangers of pressure washing? When using high pressure equipment, it is important to wear protective eye and ear gear. High-powered machines tend to generate a lot of heat that can cause burns and temporary blindness. Wearing thick rubber gloves is an easy solution to that problem. Other potential problems include electrical problems caused by overload or short-circuits, power surges, and being electrocuted.
Is there a way to reduce some of the risks inherent in power washing? Yes, you can purchase equipment that allows you to lower the blast away temperature by adjusting the setting on your power washing machine. The safety flap on the front panel of your pressure washing unit can be adjusted to provide a lower blast away temperature. Of course, it would be best to check with the manufacturer to confirm that your equipment has the capability of operating at lower blast away temperatures. Lower temperatures will cut down on the amount of heat generated and thus the amount of drying time required to remove the water-damaged areas of your property.
How much water will I be able to wash? Depending on the circumstances, you may need to use more water when you perform a normal washing. For example, if you have badly stained drywall or damaged carpeting, you will not be able to wash those areas with a normal strength detergent. Your best bet is to use a very powerful pressure wash system to remove the stains from those areas. Otherwise, you could possibly ruin the materials or even damage your skin by undergoing a pressure wash without the proper equipment.