Safety and Durability of Pressure Washing Equipment
Power washing or pressure washing is a great way to remove loose paint and grime from surfaces. The high-pressure spray can also remove mud and other stains. This cleaning technique can be effective for home or business exteriors, as well as for industrial settings. However, some homeowners are concerned about the safety of using high-pressure water to clean their properties. This article will discuss some of the safety considerations and how to use pressure washing equipment to make sure your home or business is ready for a new coat of paint.
Power washing vs. pressure washing
There are many advantages to using power washing to clean a building or property. It can remove thick buildup and heavy grime. It is also faster and easier to do than other cleaning methods. The water used in power washing is heated to get rid of tough stains and grime. However, it should be noted that pressure washing is more expensive. Regardless of the difference, it is still better for some surfaces. If you’re looking to make your home look brand new again, consider the advantages of power washing.
The process of pressure washing utilizes highly pressurized water. The resulting high pressure can damage loose material, so make sure to keep air conditioners and plants out of the way of the spray. In addition, it’s important to know the recommended frequency of power/pressure washing. While you don’t need to wash your home every few months, it’s a good idea to have it done at least once every eight to ten years. This depends on the condition of your paint and any mildew-preventing additives you may have.
Psi vs. GPM
When comparing PSI vs. GPM for pressure washing, remember that the higher the PSI, the faster the water will flow. However, this formula will only work if the GPM is greater than PSI. In reality, doubling the GPM won’t make much of a difference. It may just waste water, especially if the surface is not difficult to clean.
The difference between PSI and GPM is the amount of water that is released per minute. A 2.3-hp motor will release 2.1 gallons per minute when operating at 1600 PSI, and a 2.6-hp motor will release 3.0 gallons per minute at 11OO PSI. The volume of water is directly proportional to the cleaning power of a pressure washer.
Safety precautions
When you use a pressure washer, it is important to take some safety precautions. The first thing to remember is that you need to keep the nozzle of the pressure washer at least two feet away from any surface it is cleaning. If you don’t, you may end up damaging the surface and causing an electrical shock. You also don’t want to spray straight at walls or stucco. The force of the water can easily penetrate cracks and damage your walls. Taking these precautions will significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident and ensure your safety.
Another thing to consider is the safety of others. Pressure washers produce high amounts of kickback pressure, which can easily cause an injury. If you are working from a ladder, you should use an extended wand for higher areas. Also, you should always keep your feet on the ground while pressure washing. Pressure washing is also dangerous if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the bottle, and remember that safety is always first.
Durability
When it comes to the durability of pressure washing equipment, there are several things you should know. The first thing is the type of surface you’re pressure washing. Brick, concrete, and other harder surfaces are often more durable than vinyl or wood siding. However, if you’re cleaning soft materials, such as vinyl siding, you may want to avoid pressure washing them. The stream from a pressure washer can damage soft materials like insulating glass windows and shade sails.
Cost
The cost of pressure washing a home or building can vary greatly, depending on the size and the type of property. Some companies charge by the hour, while others charge by the square footage of the job. In general, the more square footage a property has, the cheaper the per square foot rate will be. However, keep in mind that not all pressure washing companies charge the same. Make sure to ask about the price differences before selecting a service. Many companies charge by the square footage of a property, so be sure to ask about pricing for a specific service.
Another important factor to consider is the type of surface to be cleaned. Certain surfaces, such as fiber cement siding, shouldn’t be pressure-washed because it may invalidate the warranty. Additionally, pressure washing may damage plants and landscaping, so it’s best to use a service that uses detergents that are free of chemicals. You may also want to choose a service with a guarantee for their work. You can find these companies easily by asking for a quote from them.
