Power washing your home can help you get a deep clean that would be extremely hard to achieve hand washing. Below are three common misconceptions regarding power washing your house.
Misconception #1: High Pressure Works Best
High pressure may seem like the best and fastest way to get the deepest clean. However, this is not necessarily true. Excessive pressure can actually damage your property. High pressure is typically used only when the cleaner is cheap and ineffective. It is also used when you do not know what you are doing.
High pressure can force water behind your siding, which can lead to mold, mildew and rot. Wood can splinter beneath the intensity of high pressure. A wood sealer may not conceal this. It also opens the wood up to rot. A pressure washer on high can also significantly damage shingles. The granules on shingles can be stripped from your roofing when a pressure washer is set to high. This can lead to serious degradation of your roofing material and possible costly repairs.
Misconception #2: Anyone Can Do It
This is true to some extent. Pressure washers can be rented or bought from most hardware stores. However, an inexperienced person with a power washer may cause more damage than expected. Aside from setting the pressure on your power washer too high, you can also use the wrong technique. For example, washing your second floor siding from the ground at an upward angle can push water behind it. If you are interested in doing your own power washing, it is important to invest is a quality machine. Select one that allows you to adjust the pressure; not all models allow this. Also, make sure your power washer has extensions and nozzles that allow you to use the most appropriate angle possible to clean your home. (If you are confused about nozzles, extension wands, or proper pressure – a professional may be your best route. However, there are plenty of Do-It-Yourself videos available on YouTube to help you learn the best way to clean your home.)
Misconception #3: Cheapest Professionals are Best
The cheapest professional is not necessarily the best route. Advertising costs may not be what you actually pay. (Please note: a quality professional will not be able to provide an accurate estimate. Many variables affect cost and an in-person evaluation is very important.) In addition to this, some professionals market themselves lower than their competitors to win business. They may cut corners to ensure they do not lose profits at such low bids. Always search for professionals who are reputable and insured.
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