Surfaces To Pressure Wash

Pressure washing is an effective and affordable way to remove all kinds of dirt and grime from around your home and property in Columbus. It uses high-pressure water to remove mud, chewing gum, algae, and other pesky substances from siding, decks, sidewalks, and more. There are a wide variety of surfaces that can benefit from pressure washing, and we'll be talking about them in this article from your trusted pressure washing pros at Ohio House Washing.

What Should I Pressure Wash?

• Fencing: There are many types of fences that are safe to be pressure washed, like metal, brick or stone, and wrought iron fences. A pro knows exactly how much pressure to use on a fence or when to use none at all, like on wood. Wood fences benefit best from soft washing methods so they are not damaged.
• Aluminum siding. This type of siding is tougher than vinyl siding, but, like with all surfaces, it's still important to proceed with caution when cleaning with a method like pressure washing. Using too much pressure can remove paint on the siding or dent it.
• Brick. Brick is a porous surface, meaning substances like algae and mold can soak into it over time. This can cause discoloration, decay, and even crumbling. It's a good idea to soft wash brick surfaces to restore their color and shine.
• Concrete. Just like brick, concrete is absorbent and can soak up dirt and grime over the years, leaving your driveways or sidewalks looking dull and dingy. Pressure washing is a great way to flush those contaminants out and get the concrete looking fresh and new.

What Surfaces Should I Not Pressure Wash?

Now that we've taken a look at the surfaces you can pressure washing, we ask: have you ever wondered what surfaces you shouldn't pressure wash? If you have, you definitely aren't the first to ask! While pressure washing plays an important role in maintenance and keeping your home clean and bright, it's important to not get carried away and make sure you're keeping your exterior surfaces as well as yourself safe.

• Roofing. Any pressure washing professional knows that you should never pressure wash a roof. Shingles are fragile, and using excessive pressure to clean them will shorten their lifespan or damage them permanently. Damaged shingles leave your roof vulnerable to further damage.
• Lead paint. Many homeowners use pressure washing to remove all kinds of paint for staining or to apply new coats. Lead paint is the exception. Blasting lead paint with high-pressure water will break it apart and send it flying into the air in pieces. If inhaled, lead paint can poison you or those around you. There is a safe way to remove lead paint from your home, and it doesn't involve a pressure washer.
• Living things. This might seem self-explanatory, but you should never pressure wash any living thing, from your pets to your plants. Water from a pressure washing machine isn't like water from a hose-- it can penetrate skin or damage your landscaping and shouldn't be used for play.
• Electric panels and meters. These things are meant to survive in a harsh outdoor environment, but pressure washing anything that houses electric elements is a bad idea. Water could make its way into any cracks or crevices in the material and lead to costly repairs.

Remember: pressure washing should be left to experts! Professional pressure washers like our team at Ohio House Washing know what kind of attachments and water pressures to use while cleaning all kinds of surfaces, so you never have to do any guesswork on your own. Any contractor who tries to pressure wash surfaces on our "Do Not Pressure Wash" list should be sent packing! Instead, call on Ohio House Washing. We'll never do work on an unsafe surface, and we'll make sure you're 100% satisfied with your house washing, roof cleaning, or any of the other services we offer.