Pressure washing or electric pressure washing is the simple application of high-pressured water at high force to remove dirt, loose paint, grease, mud, debris, chewing gum and other contaminants from concrete surfaces and items like metal structures, cars and buildings. When applied to concrete, it acts similar to detergents for cleaning purposes because it contains high concentrations of water and high temperatures. Imperium Building Services can be used on all types of concrete surfaces like interlocking concrete slabs, block walls, pavers, bricks, floors, tarps, docks, asphalt and tar, Concrete toppings, pool decks, porches, decking, patios, deck tiles and porcelain tiles. The pressure washer consists of a tank with a water supply, nozzle, wand, hose, pressure tank, cleaning cloth and cleaning agent. It’s quite easy to use and most people have at least a basic knowledge of how to operate one.
Pressure washing is an excellent method for getting rid of all kinds of tough stains, grease and grime that builds up over time on your garage floors, house exteriors, pool decks, porches, patios, deck tiles, walkways and driveways. Pressure washing can also be used to clean all kinds of hard surfaces like brick, granite, tiles, stone and marble. It’s especially effective on concrete, granite, brick, asphalt, paving, concrete toppings and older porcelain tiles. The product gets rid of all kinds of dirt, grease, oil, dust, mold, mildew, pollen, algae, fungus, mildew, tar and rust. Pressure washing is especially helpful for removing grease buildup, oil stains, algae, snow and ice buildup, graffiti, mildew, and algae growth on your swimming pool deck and patio liners.
A variety of chemical cleaners is available for power washing, but remember to select the right one for the right job. Keep in mind that harsh chemicals may also cause surface damage, especially when used repeatedly on non-porous surfaces like vinyl, rubber and plastic. For best results, only use cleaners formulated for surfaces with high traffic and that are formulated to dissolve heavy contaminants and protect the environment. Also, before starting a power washing session, do a thorough water test to make sure there are no standing water sources on your surfaces, such as puddles from overflowing water gutters.
Before starting your power washing session, remove all items from their immediate location, and make sure they are not in the way of the water pressure washer’s nozzle. Pour at least one gallon of hot water into your pressure washer’s tank. If needed, increase the amount of water added throughout your cleaning process. For surfaces that will be treated with more than one coat of paint, you will probably need a separate hot water tank. Always pre-test the surfaces you intend to paint with a hidden camera before you begin.
The next step is to choose the correct pressure setting for your machine. Usually the PWasp button located on the top of the machine is pressed while the water begins to fill up inside the drum. Once the water begins to fill up inside the drum, the pressure washing nozzle begins to rise. It is advisable to be careful when working with hot or high-pressure water; remember it can be very dangerous. For surfaces that are too soft to be easily cleaned using a hard spray, you may want to consider using a pre-soft wash cycle before beginning your power washing session to make sure the surface can be safely pre-softened.
Once your pressure washing session has successfully completed its task, you can then return your vehicle to the road. When washing driveways, it is important to work on both sides of the driveway to ensure the driveways are fully protected. A pre-driveway rinse and an exterior downspout rinse are recommended to help keep your driveway sealant fresh and prevent damage to your exterior. Remember to always wear rubber gloves when pressure washing hard surfaces, and apply a non-skid coating to prevent any accidents when you’re moving heavy equipment. If you have any questions regarding your pressure washing services, contact your local professional pressure washing company.