PRESSURE WASHING
for the cleaning of wood and general exterior surfaces
Before + After Our Cleaning Process
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Pressure washing is an effective way to remove dirt, grime, discoloration, and other blemishes from wood, mitigating the damage they can do and preparing the wood for the application of a protective finish..
One of the most common mistakes made during a pressure washing is failing to use the correct balance of pressure (PSI) and cleaning solutions. Unlike other surfaces, wood cannot simply be cleaned with brute force. When pressure levels are too high, the wood fibers are irritated, resulting in a fuzzy appearance that can take several months to disappear. The same consequence can be found when cleaning agents are used without enough dilution to avoid the same irritation. Determining which combination of these two elements will effectively clean the entire wood surface while reducing issues is what differentiates average service from true quality. It would be easier to overshoot both factors in the interest of being quick, but we don't believe in cutting corners. Another important aspect is the use of a brightening agent after a cleaning. Most discoloration or blemishes can be reversed with a properly mixed brightening solution - strong enough to have an effect despite any saturation present but not too strong to damage fasteners or nearby property. Ever notices black streaks coming down the nails in a fence's pickets? That is a result of the chemical reaction that occurs when the wood's tannic acids mix with the metal of the fasteners and the atmosphere. The same reaction (without the metal) can cause clean wood to turn slightly grey once dried. Along with several other issues, these can be fixed and prevented from happening again by implementing correct brightening practices into the cleaning process. These are just a few of the many obstacles to maneuver through during the cleaning process. Each obstacle that isn't dealt with - whether a result of laziness or incompetence - will ultimately lessen the quality. The unfortunate truth is that it can be costly to pay attention to these details. Many times, companies will get away with skipping these steps in the interest of moving quickly, and homeowners are often unaware that these cut corners are causing quicker fading finishes and shorter lifespans for the wood. This is why we educate our clients so thoroughly - so that they don't feel left in the dark and know they are never being taken advantage of. |