Homeowners can typically detect the presence of unwanted bacteria by the appearance of black streaks or green patches on the roof. For homeowners considering having their roof cleaned, a recent trend is the use of a ‘soft wash‘ roof cleaning method. Soft wash roof cleaning refers to using a low pressure wash to reduce the amount of wear on the roof! and damage to the shingles, that can occur when washing the roof at a higher pressure. Other exterior surfaces, such as brick, masonry and concrete, can typically withstand higher pressure cleaning.

When using a soft wash roof cleaning method, a cleaning surfactant is used to wash the entire surface of the roof. Depending upon the type of bacteria that is present, a roof cleaning professional will determine whether anti-fungal, anti-algae, anti-mildew or anti-mold agents are necessary to remove current growth and inhibit future growth. The use of proper cleaning detergents is critical to achieve the desired result at a lower water pressure, usually 400 psi or lower, as the soft washing method relies on the cleansing agents to do the work that high water pressure used to accomplish.

While the homeowner’s roof is being cleaned, it is important to close all doors and windows, as well as to keep children and pets inside. Protection of shrubbery and flower beds below the roofline should be discussed with the soft wash professional, who can advise the homeowner if it is necessary to cover them based upon the type of cleaning solutions to be applied.

Homeowners who want to preserve their roof and receive the most return on their investment should consider the soft wash cleaning method. By finding a professional soft wash cleaning company, homeowners can insure that their roof will receive the gentlest cleaning possible.

1. Washing sidewalks. A lot of people don’t realize it, but clean sidewalks can be a determining factor as to whether or not people will patronize your business. Pressure washing can be beneficial here because it is an inexpensive tool to use in order to keep sidewalks free from dust, dirt, pebbles, cigarettes, and other bits of trash. These trashy items simply make a business look tacky.

2. Washing company vehicles. Pressure washing can be useful in order to wash your fleet of vehicles. You put your best face forward if you use a power washer to get the dirt off of your company cars and make them look like new again. You’ll get a lot of positive responses from customers and clients.

3. Washing windows. Power washing windows is great way to keep those clean as well. If dirty sidewalks can sometimes turn people away from a business, then even more people could find dirty windows unprofessional. A power washer will do a great job at removing the grime that accumulates on windows, and the windows will look like they are brand new once again.

4. Blast the dirt off of the business building itself. Buildings just get dirty, and there is no way to prevent it. However, you can use the helpful tool of pressure washing in order to get all of the slime, grime, and dirty messes off of the sides of your business location. The outside will look much more professional, and people are truly attracted to cleanliness. If you surveyed 100 people, you would find that quite a number of them would cite cleanliness as one of the deciding factors for their likelihood of patronizing a business. Power washers can increase your profits because more people will appreciate a clean building.

Pressure washing is a valuable asset that more people should take advantage of. The profits that can be gained by using them are off of the charts, and you don’t know what you’re missing out on by not using pressurized washing tools. Your business will be cleaner and clients will have more to be happy about. Happy clients are what keep the money rolling in, after all.

Roof Has Been Cleaned by Power Washing Houston

When a roof is a little bit brittle, but not old enough for a replacement, the low pressure roof cleaning will do the magic. Low pressure roof washing helps remove fine debris from organic elements such as mildew and green film that have been accumulated over time. If organic matters, such as leaves, are not removed immediately from the roof, it will cause stain and eventually damage the roof with decay.

These stains are forms of living plant that is commonly called “algae” or Gloeocapsa magma. It is feeding on limestone filler used on asphalt shingles. It grows on shaded areas of the roof. Areas that lack sunlight retain moisture from the rain and morning dew, which then creates a perfect ground for algae growth. These algae come with a root system that dislodges the granules that protect and color the roof’s shingles. They shorten the roof’s life.

The process of low pressure roof cleaning will not only eliminate fungal and mold growths that cause dark stains on the roof, but it will also protect the shingles. Keeping the roof free of molds, algae, and mildew provides many benefits. It is also important to understand the importance of low pressure roof washing to ensure best results.

The low pressure roof washing method is performed by applying a cleaning solution and allows it to do the magic. Rinse the unwanted elements on the roof using low water pressure like the one that comes out of a garden hose.

Benefits of Low Pressure roof cleaning by Power Washing Houston

• It eliminates algae that are growing all over the roof, leaving the roof a clean and pleasing new look.

• Keeping the roof clean will not only prolong the life of a roof, but also minimizes energy costs, reduces carbon footprint and saves more money.

• A clean roof increases the home’s energy efficiency by emitting heat, in contrast to a dirty roof that absorbs more heat.

• It is a safe and effective way of maximizing the roof’s curb appeal.

• With all the algae and mold removed, it makes the house a safe environment for the entire family.

Cleaning roofs involved extreme dangers as roofs’ surfaces are slippery most of the time. It is highly recommended to get it done by a qualified and licensed professionals that specialize roof cleaning. Having a roof professionally restored and cleaned, help the roof to last longer, which eventually saves its users from repair and replacements’ costs. Nevertheless, a 25-year roof has to last 25 years!

Man Using Professional Grade Power Washing Equipment

Many homeowners take pride in maintaining their property, from mowing the lawn to landscaping to remodeling. Often, homeowners find that many projects are not DIY friendly. Although homeowners may choose to power wash their home without assistance, it has many considerations.

Even though it seems to be an easy task, properly power washing a home is actually a complicated task. It requires control of four key factors: rate of water flow, heat, pressure and cleaning solutions. If these elements are not properly balanced what seems to be a simple job can easily turn into a nightmare of damage repair.

What are The True Benefits of a Professional Pressure Washing:

1) Professional have state of the art equipment. Sure homeowners can pick up a power washer at a home improvement store. But it won’t likely be the best equipment available. An old power washer accumulating dust in the garage is certainly not state of the art equipment.  Professionals not only have the right equipment for each aspect of the job, they also have the experience to use the equipment efficiently.

2) Professionals avoid causing damage. A power washer is a powerful piece of machinery. It can literally carve marks in concrete. Professionals know which attachments to use and how much pressure is adequate to get the job done without causing property damage.

3) Professionals are insured. Homeowners certainly don’t want to make a claim against their homeowner’s insurance for accidental damage. Any damage that may occur will be covered by the service provider’s insurance.

4) Professionals power washers know how to protect the environment. What many homeowners do not realize or consider is the adverse impact of cleaners on the environment. Professional power washers are up-to-date on the latest EPA guidelines and minimize any environmental impact caused by cleaner run-off. In addition, professionals limit the amount of water use by using wisely.

5) Professionals will save time and hassle. As you can see, power washing requires substantial experience. Homeowners will find that a DIY power washing is no quick task. Tripping hazards abound and not having the right type and balance of cleaner can result in a poor wash job.

Over and above these reasons is a professional can clean shingles, siding, driveways, roofs, eaves and other parts of a home right the first time around. A proper washing can eliminate the need of painting, rid an exterior of mold and revive a home’s natural look.

Take a look at how much better the cross looks after we clean up and stain the fence around it, a total transformation.

This backyard fence went under a complete transformation.

For people who’ve bought a home with a fence or are thinking of building one onto their lot, chances are that maintenance might not always be something they’ve prepared for. Two of the main forms of upkeep are power washing and fence staining. Each is equally useful in making sure your fence looks great and lasts long.

Fences that are not taken care of can rot and fall apart. Replacing segment after segment can become quite expensive, and often times lead to having to replace the entire fence. This large cost can be prevented by routine cleaning and preserving. Power washing cleans deeper and more effectively than a standard garden hose can. With the pressure that comes with power washing, mold and mildew are removed. This leaves the fences pores more open and able to breathe.

Open pores help lead us to the process of fence staining. By applying stain and sealer to your fence, it will be able to withstand all of the elements that are constantly working against it. U.V. rays are constantly beaming down onto your fence, fading its natural color and tone. Fence staining often times includes waterproofing, which is essential in helping to prevent the buildup of harmful grime, dirt and molds. Wind, rain, and dust all can do damage, as can extreme heat and cold. Heat over time can cause wood to warp, while ice and freezing rain can cause cracks or splits in the wood, leaving your fence unsightly and unstable.

Many neighborhoods across America often are part of a Homeowners Association. These associations tend to enforce rules and codes that each home in the neighborhood or tract must adhere to. Where fences are concerned, this could extend anywhere from what type or style of fence is acceptable, to how often it must be cleaned. Appearance can be everything to a Homeowners Association.

These steps need not only apply to wooden fences. Chain link fences also can benefit from a deep high pressure washing during which you can help prevent rust, dirt and other biological agents from building up deep in the cracks that can over time cause your fence to break down. By helping to safeguard your fence with a few routine steps, you’ll be able to preserve, protect and keep your fence healthy and strong.

Power washing and fence staining are two simple and affordable ways to help you preserve your fence and keep it looking great. Your fences color will be kept strong, while rotting and cracks can be prevented from happening. These routine treatments are neither expensive nor time consuming, leaving you more time for family, work and fun.

The Home Itself

Pressure washers make quick work of cleaning the exterior of a house, and can even be used on most types of siding: vinyl, metal, and certain types of masonry siding. Because homes can begin to look dilapidated when exposed to the elements, regular pressure washing is recommended.

Pressure washers are also excellent at preparing a house for a new coat of paint. The pressure washer can be used to remove the residue paints, particularly latex paints, can leave behind. Using the pressure washer to clean off the old paint residue leaves a house or building ready to accept a new coat of paint, keeping it looking clean and fresh longer.

Decks and Fences

Wooden decks and fences look beautiful when they’re brand new. As time goes by, they can begin to look dirty and grimy. By regularly pressure washing it, the dirty and neglected look of a weather-worn deck or fence can be avoided. The best part of using a pressure washer on a deck or fence is that it can help save home owners money! The small preventative measure of regularly pressure washing a deck can keep the wood from rotting or becoming weakened.

Driveways and Vehicles

Driveways can become very dirty very easily, especially if kids are around. Dirt, mud, mold and even pieces of bubble gum can stain a driveway and give it an unsightly appearance. Depending on the severity of the stains, detergents are sometimes needed to completely clean the surface.

Pressure washers are great for cleaning the concrete driveways, but they can also be used to clean a car. When using a pressure washer on a car, it is very important to have the proper flow, and avoid spraying directly on the glass. The amount of force a pressure washer yields can be enough to break glass, so exercise caution when using one on a vehicle.

Graffiti

Graffiti, wherever it appears, can usually be removed by a pressure washer. Sometimes detergents or other pressure washer chemicals are needed to do the job, but often the pressure alone is enough to soften and remove the unsightly graffiti.

Before beginning use of a pressure washer, it is important to read through the owner’s manual and be well informed of all safety precautions. Pressure washers, when used incorrectly, can cause injury, so it’s advised never direct one at a person or animal. When used properly, pressure washers are highly effective at cleaning a variety of things, and can do it much more quickly than the garden hose alternative.

dirty brick home in Houston TX

Brick homes are absolutely beautiful to look at, and as an added bonus, brick homes are very durable and can last for years. The downside to the long lifespan of brick is that dirt and grime will begin to accumulate, diminishing the lovely appearance of the house. Nobody wants to look at a grimy house, so here are some tips on how to restore it to its former glory. Power washing a brick home is a great way to make quick work of a tedious and time consuming job.

The first step in power washing a home is to carefully look around the outside of the house for any damaged mortar joints. These damaged spots must be patched before the pressure washing begins, to prevent water leaking behind the brick. Allow plenty of time for the mortar to dry, one full week is recommended.

clean brick home in Houston TX

After fixing any damaged areas and allowing it to dry, the next step is to beginpressure washing the house. For those who have never used a pressure washer before, it is advised to become familiar with how to set up and use a pressure washer, and even to learn how to use various cleaning solutions, before beginning.

Using a low spray, completely cover the brick in clean water. Due to brick’s porous nature, liquids are quickly absorbed. By coating the bricks with water first, the bricks will not absorb the detergent, which can cause damage.

When beginning the actual power washing process with detergent, stand several feet away from the house. This will help to reduce the amount of force the bricks take. Start at the bottom and work up to the top of the structure. Work systematically, applying the detergent to one section of brick at a time, always working from the bottom to the top. If any areas begin to dry out, re-wet them as needed. Allow approximately five to ten minutes for the detergent to work, and continue re-wetting any dry areas. In areas that are especially dirty, a rotating scrub attachment can be used to gently clean the dirt away.

Between five and ten minutes after applying the detergent, depending on how dirty the structure is, rinsing can begin. For rinsing, it is best to use a low pressure spray pattern, just as what was used in the beginning. In an unnoticeable area, rinse off all detergent and check to see if the brick is clean. If it is, the rest of the house can be rinsed off as well. In the rinsing process, it is important to work from top to bottom instead of bottom to top. Rinse several rows of bricks at a time, and be sure to make gentle, sweeping passes. It may be necessary to make several passes over the house, to ensure all detergent is gone.

It may sound complicated, but power washing is a great way to clean a home. Using these steps on a regular basis will keep any home looking wonderful all year and help maintain the value of your property.  If you’re looking for a company that can help you with this process then contact us via our contact form or call us for a quote at (832) 766-5811.