Pressure (or power) washers are excellent tools for exterior cleaning of siding, decks, driveways, and other surfaces. They're available for purchase at home improvement stores, or you can check one out from a rental outlet. So if they're out there for use, why should you pay a pro rather than doing it yourself?
Why Hire a Professional Contractor to Power Wash Your Home or Deck?
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Power washing is a wet, dirty business - that's why we suit up in rain gear. This video shows one of our crew power washing the cedar shakes on a home prior to re-staining.
Power washing not only removes dirt, algae, spider webs, and other gunk but it's also great for getting loose paint and old stain off. We will usually power wash a home prior to scraping and sanding to prep for painting or staining. Note this guy is on a ladder - special care must be taken when working with a power washer on a ladder because the wet rungs get slippery. |
There's a wise saying that applies here: Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should Just because this piece of equipment is available for purchase or rental doesn't mean homeowners should attempt to power wash their homes or decks themselves.
Why?
Pressure washers are called 'power washers' with good reason - they pack a lot of power. Although they are marketed as fun and easy to use, in reality this is misleading. They aren't fun, they're potentially dangerous. Some are electric (and most everyone knows water and electricity can be a bad combination), while others run off gas or propane, also a safety issue. And though most of them come with variable pressure, even on the lowest setting they can cause damage if not properly used.
And some surfaces shouldn't be power washed at all. In fact, if your home as LP SmartSide siding, as many homes in the Bellingham area do, power washing can actually void your siding's warranty. LP's warranty states, 'Do not use a pressure washer.' If you've got loose or cracked siding, power washing could make it worse.
Why?
Pressure washers are called 'power washers' with good reason - they pack a lot of power. Although they are marketed as fun and easy to use, in reality this is misleading. They aren't fun, they're potentially dangerous. Some are electric (and most everyone knows water and electricity can be a bad combination), while others run off gas or propane, also a safety issue. And though most of them come with variable pressure, even on the lowest setting they can cause damage if not properly used.
And some surfaces shouldn't be power washed at all. In fact, if your home as LP SmartSide siding, as many homes in the Bellingham area do, power washing can actually void your siding's warranty. LP's warranty states, 'Do not use a pressure washer.' If you've got loose or cracked siding, power washing could make it worse.
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In addition to removing grime, loose paint, algae and mold, as well as other debris, power washers have the damaging potential to remove a thin layer of wood when used improperly on wood decks, siding, fences, etc.
Care must be taken to use the right pressure, at the right distance, in the right application pattern. And that's where a professional power washing contractor comes in. |
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We've been providing pressure washing services for over 25 years, and we know how to avoid causing damage and driving water in where it doesn't belong, like underneath siding.
If you're itching to use a power washer, stick with your driveway or sidewalk. Give us a call for your deck or siding.
If you're itching to use a power washer, stick with your driveway or sidewalk. Give us a call for your deck or siding.
Call us for a free consultation - 360.594.2430
References Available on Request
Providing painting and finishing services in the greater Bellingham area.
Also Ferndale, Blaine, Lynden, Burlington, Mt Vernon & northern Skagit County.
North Pine Painting, LLC, Bellingham WA 98229
Washington General Contractor #NORTHPP881RG