A New Jersey Homeowners' Guide to Power Washing

What Are Our Power Washing Services?

A form of exterior cleaning, this tool uses high-powered pressurized water jets to blast dirt, grime, mud, moss, mildew, loose paint, and other unwelcome substances off your outdoor surfaces. The "pressure" factor is what really sets it apart from cleaning with just a regular, non-pressurized hose. Power washer machines produce pressures that range between 750 to 3,000 psi (pound-force per square inch), which is strong enough to cut through some materials. And, remove built-up grime that simply can't be budged with other methods. For comparison, a faucet usually produces pressures of about 40 to 60 psi.

While pressure washing sounds like a basic service that you could accomplish yourself with a garden hose and some elbow grease, it’s actually much more than just spraying water on outdoor surfaces. Pressure washing, which is also called power washing, differs greatly when it comes to equipment, technique and—most importantly—results. It can transform your exterior surfaces to make them look brand-new again, even ones that were installed decades ago.

This guide will explain what power cleaning can be used for, and why it's so beneficial to your property when completed by professionals such as the experienced team at Mr. Handyman of S Orange/Westfield/Scotch Plains and Metuchen.

What Can Be Power Washed?

Most exterior surfaces can benefit from power washing services, though it obviously can't be used for items that shouldn't get wet. This tool also shouldn't be applied to soft surfaces or delicate items. However, most other outdoor surfaces around your property can be made spotlessly clean with pressure washing—even the ones that have been caked with dirt, moss, and grime for decades.

• Stone, Brick, and Vinyl Siding - Power cleaning vinyl siding, masonry, or stone veneers removes dirt, lichen, and mildew. It also stops build-up from deteriorating surfaces and causing serious damage to your home's exterior.

• Decks, Porches, and Fences - When wooden structures become slick with algae growth and mud, it's a sign that wood rot is not far behind—not to mention a slippery hazard for your friends and family to avoid. Pressure washing is a powerful preventative maintenance tool for wood surfaces, and it works just as well on metal and composite materials.

• Driveways, Walkways, & Patios - Have you ever seen those viral YouTube videos of patio cleaning in which old, moss-covered bricks are restored to a like-new condition in a matter of minutes? It's fascinating to see the drastic change. If you have surfaces that have never been cleaned, you may not even know what color they truly are until they get a good wash. Pressure cleaning can remove unwanted plant growth between paving stones, and tough substances such as oil stains and mold on driveways.

• Sports and Play Equipment - If the playhouse or swing set is too grimy even for kids, we'll get it spotlessly clean and ready for play time again. Pressure washing can also be used on bicycles and other equipment, such as basketball poles and grills.

• Commercial Properties - Business owners know how important it is for their commercial building to have a clean presentation to impress clients and customers. Commercial power washing services can be applied to the same areas as residential services, and then some. It's a great solution for anything from parking lot cleaning to washing fleets of service vehicles.

What are the Benefits of Power Washing?

Aside from the advantage of removing dirt, harmful bacteria, and other unwanted substances that can erode surfaces and leave them vulnerable to further damage, there are other notable perks to power cleaning.

• Boost Curb Appeal - Appearance isn't everything, but it is important. You may be thinking pressure washing is not really worth it for a small change to your house’s aesthetic, but it's not a small change. It's a highly noticeable difference that will dramatically improve the appearance of your property, and have your neighbors asking what you did to get your house in such great shape.
• Increase Property Value - If you're planning to sell your house in the near future and are looking for ways to increase your property value, pressure cleaning should be at the top of your list. A clean, new-looking house will be more attractive to prospective buyers. Power washing also offers an excellent return on investment—you may be surprised to learn that using this tool can add as much as $10,000 to $15,000 on to your sale price.
• Prime Surfaces for Renovation - When you're working on projects such as wood deck restoration and it's time for a new coat of paint or wood stain, pressure cleaning is the ideal paint preparation method. It can remove loose paint or stain far faster and more effectively than sanding, leaving behind a clean, smooth surface to work with. Not up to the task of painting and staining? No problem—Mr. Handyman offers experienced deck staining services and other refinishing options.

Can Power Washing Cause Damage?

Power cleaning can cause a lot of damage in the hands of an inexperienced amateur, from broken windows and missing roof shingles to serious injuries. It's not just a matter of aiming the nozzle. It takes training and experience to know the correct pressure settings for any given surface, as well as the technique needed to keep your property undamaged and everyone nearby unharmed. That's why it's not something you should try to do yourself. The professionals at Mr. Handyman have the skill and expertise to use this tool safely.

If you are in North Central New Jersey—whether in Berkeley Heights, Cranford or New Vernon—you can count on Mr. Handyman of S Orange/Westfield/Scotch Plains and Metuchen to complete your power washing service using proper techniques and providing quality workmanship.

Give us a call today at 908-386-4301 or request service online to transform your home, or to learn more about our other home improvement services.