Pressure washing is an almost $300 billion industry that continues to grow. That is because it is a safe, effective, and relatively economical way to clean most outdoor surfaces.

Most people have heard of pressure washing but do not know how it works or its different uses. If you are looking for pressure washing in Clarksville, TN, you may have some questions about the process and its applications.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about pressure washing. This information will help you understand the different benefits of pressure washing and how they might apply to your particular project.

Pressure washing can return surfaces to their original state and optimize curb appeal. Keep reading to find out how it can help you get your home or business looking like new.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing is the use of high-pressure water to clean surfaces. Pressure washers have water intake ports and a power source–usually an electrical supply or gas-powered engine–that pressurizes the water. It is then sprayed through a nozzle. 

Many pressure washers allow you to add cleaning chemicals to the water output. Soaking particularly dirty surfaces with these treatments can expedite the cleaning process. However, one of the big advantages of pressure washing is that it can be highly effective without the use of chemicals.

Pressure washers come in a range of abilities. These capacities have a lot to do with the effectiveness of the machine.

Basic pressure washers will produce between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure. They also can use between one and 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM) of water. Professional-grade pressure washers can produce 70,000 PSI or more with a 10 GPM output.

What Is Pressure Washing Used For?

Pressure washing is mainly used for removing grime from outdoor surfaces. Common ones include concrete driveways or patios, wood decks, and siding. You can also pressure wash windows, brick, and almost any surface that needs cleaning.

One of the biggest advantages of pressure washing is that you can adjust the pressure for particular surfaces. This allows you to optimize cleaning potential without damaging the surface.

Pressure washing is especially useful for hard-to-reach places. It is ideal for surfaces that would otherwise be difficult to clean using traditional methods.

Power Wash vs Pressure Wash

Often, the terms “power washing” and “pressure washing” are used interchangeably. That is because they are very similar techniques, with one distinction: temperature.

Power washing uses hot water. This can be effective at removing tough stains on concrete, siding, or other surfaces. It is especially useful for cleaning mildew, grease, or salt. Pressure washing uses the same high-pressure water but at cooler temperatures.

Power washing is unnecessary in many applications where pressure washing will suffice. Also, some surfaces can become damaged from the high heat. 

How Often Should I Schedule Pressure Washing?

How often you should pressure wash depends on where you live and the level of use and types of activities on the surface. Warmer, wetter climates may see more rapid mold or mildew growth than cooler ones. If you have a sidewalk that sees a lot of foot traffic or is in a lower-lying area where mud can accumulate during rains, this may warrant more frequent treatment.

A good rule of thumb is that you should perform pressure washing in Clarksville, TN, at least once a year. Also, if it has been a long time since a surface has been cleaned, you may not realize how bad things have gotten.

Can You Only Do Pressure Washing During the Summer?

You may notice people having their homes or businesses pressure washed more often during the summer. There is a good reason for this. Pressure washing can use a lot of water, and warmer temperatures help dry surfaces and surrounding areas out more quickly.

However, there is no rule that says you cannot have pressure washing done during other times of the year. In fact, if you live in a warmer climate, it is suitable to have pressure washing done anytime.

Can I Perform Pressure Washing Myself?

You may have come across some inexpensive pressure washers at your local home improvement store or some DIY videos on the internet. There are some very good reasons to think twice about taking on a large pressure washing job yourself.

First, those cheap pressure washers are good for cleaning up isolated spills (when a larger application is not necessary), washing your car, or giving a surface a basic wash. However, they lack the power needed to do a deep clean. Professional pressure washers have industrial-strength equipment that can remove almost any stain on any surface.

Another reason is time. Since they lack the power of professional washers, it would take you days to adequately wash the siding on your home or a large, dirty driveway with a cheap pressure washer (if it is achievable at all). Professionals can knock the job out in a single day at most.

Finally, there is a safety aspect to consider. If you have a two-story home or a single-story one with dormers, chimneys, or high gables that need cleaning, you are going to need to access the roof. This means climbing up on a high ladder and working on uneven surfaces.

This also means running electricity and water to the washer while trying to navigate those surfaces. This is a huge hassle and can be extremely dangerous. Professional technicians are trained to work in these environments and will take all necessary safety precautions.

DIY pressure washing is possible but usually not a good idea. It is better to leave it up to the pros. They will have your surface gleaming in a fraction of the time.

Find Pressure Washing in Clarksville, TN

Now that you have some answers to commonly asked pressure washing questions, you can line up service today. An experienced contractor can further advise you on the best methods and products for cleaning your surface.

Brian’s Pressure Washing and More provides the highest quality pressure washing in Clarksville, TN. We leverage decades of public service and exterior cleaning experience and pride ourselves on exemplary customer service. Get a free quote today.