If you’re planning on power washing your commercial building, there are a few things to plan ahead of time.
Power washing your commercial building is an important part of keeping your property looking its best. While normal cleaning processes are usually enough, every so often you need a deep clean to remove accumulated grime — especially on your building’s exterior. Power washing can be tricky, especially if you’ve never done it before.
In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps necessary to power wash a commercial building safely and effectively. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to get the job done quickly and without any damage to your property!
1. Decide What Surfaces Need Pressure Washing and Safely Do So
Not all surfaces can take the sheer force of pressure washing. Therefore, you must determine which surfaces need attention, and how to properly carry out the task yourself. You may want to solely wash your parking lot or your walkways, or maybe you’re more interested in focusing on your building’s walls. Whether you want to wash asphalt, concrete, or siding will determine what products you’ll need to obtain, so take a good look around to get started.
After determining which areas to focus on, identify areas to avoid. For example, when pressure washing your vinyl siding, you need to determine areas you should avoid spraying, such as windows, vents, opening, etc. If you spray these areas, you can potentially damage them, or, water could very well make its way into the interior of your home.
If you plan to wash grime off of painted or stained-wood surfaces, you may be able to do so safely if you get the right equipment. However, even with proper care, power washing is meant to be a forceful way to clean, and it may scrub off the paint or the stain from your surface. It is important to use the right size nozzle for the job. There are several choices of spray nozzles that have different spray angles and pressures that work best for your cleaning task.
2. Use/Wear the Proper Equipment
Make sure you have the correct washing unit ready to go and the correct accessories and attachments for your particular set up. Confirm with the manufacturer that the model and pressure you are using will work with your commercial building and walls. It is likely that for a commercial building that is two story or more, then you’ll need a pressure washing extension for your wand so that you can safely reach the higher up areas of your home. You’ll also want to make sure whatever cleaning solution you are using is safe for your walls and your paint.
It’s almost important to wear the proper safety equipment and utilize safe operating practices. Eye protections like safety goggles or glasses are recommended. Ear protection is needed as the machines can be loud when operating. You should always stand on the stable ground and use both hands while operating the machine and it is not recommended to use a pressure washer while on a ladder, or during periods of high wind. If your pressure or power washing unit is electric, make sure all electrical connections stay dry and off the ground.
3. Move and Cover Items
Once you have the right equipment and are ready to get started, begin by moving or covering anything that could get in the way or become damaged:
- Remove extra items from the area. This includes potted plants, vehicles, trash cans, and outdoor furniture. Make sure to move them a good distance away so the runoff doesn’t affect them.
- Cover water and electrical outlets. Not only do you not want to damage these outlets, but you also need to stay safe. Spraying water at an open electrical outlet could be a safety hazard.
- Close and lock windows and doors. If you know that any of your windows or doors are drafty or don’t seal right, consider fixing them before you get started. At the very least, note which ones are a problem so you can take care around them, and take precautions on the inside of your building, such as moving anything that could be damaged from water coming in away from those areas.
Why Your Building Needs Power Washing
Power washing is essential for preventive maintenance of exterior surfaces. When it’s done professionally, commercial power washing extends the lifespan of your property. Thus, it prevents rotting, decaying, and premature falling of loose materials by eliminating contaminants from surfaces. Grandmother’s Touch can help you with your commercial needs deep cleaning. Our team of experts is committed to providing our clients friendly, detail-oriented service.
Contact us for a quote today.
