Whether you hire someone or DIY, you need to take some precautions when power washing in Somerset NJ. These precautions will keep people safe and prevent damage to your property while you refresh your curb appeal.
Your home’s exterior is exposed to dirt, bird droppings, etc. that can ruin its look if not taken care of. It’s why you need to invest in power washing in Somerset NJ to clean the exterior and boost your home’s curb appeal.
But whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, you need to take some precautions to get the job done right. A pressure washer releases water with a high force that could damage roofings or cause injury. Taking these precautions will help you avoid such issues and make the most of your investment.
Dos Of Power Washing
- Hire A Company
DIY might seem cheaper at first glance since you cut the labor cost, but you’ll still need to pay for the equipment and transport. You’ll also need to maintain the tools that you’ll probably use once every year. It’s more convenient to call a company for power washing in Somerset. This way you don’t have to worry about storing and transporting the tools.
Another reason to hire a company is to avoid injuring someone or damaging the property. Pressure washers can be harmful in untrained hands. Better to let trained professionals handle it.
- Check Water Supply
If you don’t have a fast water supply, then your pressure washer might not be as effective. You should check the water supply before low pressure house washing in NJ by checking how long it takes your hose to fill a five-gallon bucket. If it takes less than two minutes, then you’re good to go, else you need to do something about the flow.
Once you take care of the water flow, clean the washer’s inlet and outlet before connecting the hose to it.
- Wear Protective Gear
Dirt and debris tend to fly around even during a low-pressure house washing in NJ. You need protection from them to prevent injuries. Protective gear during power washing generally includes safety glasses/goggles, steel toe gumboots, safety gloves, ear protection for noise cancellation and heavy-duty clothes that can stand some dirt.
You must keep the safety gear on until the job is over no matter how humid or uncomfortable it feels.
- Cover/Disconnect Electrical Components
Outdoor electrical components like the AC’s condenser unit, lighting, power outlets, etc. can be hazardous when it comes in contact with water. You should cut the electrical supply to them and cover them before power washing in Somerset NJ.
- Protect Foliage
Detergents used during the washing process can harm the plants. You should cover them with plastic drop-cloths and wet them thoroughly to prevent damage.
- Start From Bottom
You should start from the bottom when first applying detergent for a low-pressure house washing in NJ and work your way up. Do it in small areas to prevent the detergent from drying up. Use sweeping horizontal strokes to prevent streaks from the runoff. Allow the detergent to rest for a few minutes before rinsing from top to down.
This also applies to the pressure settings. You should start from the lowest setting before working your way up.
- Practice
You need some time to get used to the pressure. Practice in a safe location to get used to it. Start by practicing the motions. Test the washer on a spot to see how it etches the surface.
Don’ts Of Power Washing
- Pointing In The Wrong Direction
You must never aim the nozzle at people, animals, plants or any object that you don’t want to wash during a low pressure deck and fence cleaning in NJ. You should also not point it upwards because the water may chip the paint or the material itself. Always point the nozzle downwards or perpendicular to the grimy surface you want to wash.
- Using A Ladder
A ladder is unstable, the pushback from the washer could cause it to topple. Always wash from the ground or a stable platform.
- Getting Too Close
Power washing from within 1 to 2 feet could damage the object. You should maintain that distance to avoid damage. Experts recommend standing 10 feet from the object before getting closer during a low-pressure washing deck and fence cleaning in NJ to ease into the process.
- Using One Nozzle
The washer usually comes with different types of nozzles for different ranges. Use a nozzle that matches the area you want to wash for best results.
- Staying In One Spot
Do not aim at one spot during power washing in Somerset NJ for too long. You might dent the surface by doing so. Use sweeping motions to avoid applying continuous pressure on one spot.
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