Whether you own a home or business, keeping the exterior clean and well-maintained is important. Beyond just aesthetics, a fresh appearance can have real impacts on value, health, and convenience. Pressure washing has emerged as a versatile and powerful cleaning method that everyone should consider. Let's explore the top reasons why pressure washing should become part of your regular property care routine.
Enhanced Curb Appeal
One of the main benefits of pressure washing is improved curb appeal. A clean exterior creates a good first impression on visitors and customers. Dirt, debris, and stains can really dull the look of siding, brick, and other materials over time. Pressure washing blasts these substances away, restoring surfaces to their natural vibrant colors and textures. This enhanced appearance makes any property, whether residential or commercial, more visually appealing.
Increased Property Value
Maintaining a clean exterior is crucial, especially in regions like Asheville, NC, where the natural beauty of the surroundings sets a high standard for property upkeep. Pressure washing in Asheville NC, not only enhances aesthetic perception but can also significantly boost property value. Studies show that homes and commercial buildings in Asheville with pressure washed siding and trim typically appraise and sell for 1-3% more than comparable properties in similar condition. The process of removing stains, dirt, and grime through pressure washing allows appraisers to value the property higher, based on its perceived upkeep and quality. Additionally, potential buyers or tenants feel more confident making an offer or committing to a lease, knowing that recent cleaning reflects the current owner's or property manager's level of care and maintenance. In Asheville, where the competition in the real estate market can be fierce, the minimal investment in pressure washing services can pay off significantly at resale or leasing time, making it a wise choice for both homeowners and business owners alike.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular pressure washing isn't just cosmetic—it provides valuable preventative maintenance benefits as well. Left uncleaned, mold, mildew, and algae can damage exterior surfaces over time through moisture damage, cracking, peeling and other problems. These organisms also deteriorate caulk, sealants and other building materials by breaking them down. By blasting them away periodically, pressure washing protects the longevity and integrity of a home or building's siding, roofing, decking, fences and more. It removes accumulated dirt that can soak into porous surfaces and cause stains, too. This protective function saves money by avoiding costly repairs down the line.
Health and Safety
Pressure washing also has health and safety advantages. Allergens like pollen and mold spores tend to accumulate on the outside of buildings. When pressure washed away, these triggers are less likely to affect occupants with respiratory sensitivities inside. Additionally, some molds and fungi can produce potentially toxic byproducts in their breakdown. Pressure cleaning regularly minimizes exposure to airborne toxins and makes the surrounding environment healthier for inhabitants and visitors alike.
Time and Labor Savings
While elbow grease can get a property clean, traditional scrubbing and bleaching methods are time-consuming and laborious compared to pressure washing. The high-powered spray neatly accomplishes deep cleaning in a fraction of the time. Many surfaces like house siding, patios, and driveways that would take hours or even days to scrub by hand can be fully pressure washed clean in 30 minutes or less. This rapid results let you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your property, saving both effort and free hours.
Eco-Friendly Option
When using hot water pressure washing alone or combined with bio-degradable, non-toxic cleaning solutions, the process itself can also be more environmentally-friendly than other cleaning methods. Pressure washing produces much less wastewater runoff than hoses since over 90% of the liquid is recycled right back into the machine. As it requires less cleaning product usage overall, it creates less chemical pollution per square footage cleaned too. With hot water, you can avoid harsh chemical reliance altogether for basic cleaning tasks. Pressure washing provides ample cleaning power through mechanical action and temperature alone.
So in summary, not only does it clean better and faster than traditional methods, it can do so in a manner gentler on both your workload and the planet when you utilize eco-friendly practices. This superior effectiveness and sustainability make pressure washing a go-to choice for responsible property owners and facility managers concerned about the environment.
Versatility and Effectiveness
Not only is pressure washing convenient, but it can accomplish cleaning in a wide variety of applications both residential and commercial thanks to adjustable water pressure and wand attachments. It works just as well on small surfaces like railings and patios as larger areas like houses, apartment buildings and big box retailer exteriors. You can use it for vehicles, equipment and furniture too with the right accessories. Industries like construction, event rentals, auto repair and more have adopted pressure washing to get hard surfaces and equipment spic and span before, during and after projects. Its flexibility makes it useful year-round for all kinds of cleaning tasks.
Professional vs DIY Pressure Washing
While a professional service will deliver superior results, for those looking to save costs or tackle basic cleaning duties, pressure washing equipment continues to become more user-friendly for DIY-ers. Compact electric and battery-powered homeowner models are lightweight, simple to operate, and designed with safety features in mind. With protective gear like goggles and waterproof boots, basic techniques like working in sections while pre-treating any stuck-on grime can allow sufficient cleaning for routine maintenance. But be sure to inspect local regulations related to stormwater runoff and hire a pro for difficult jobs involving two-story surfaces or detail-oriented restoration projects. Pro cleanings offer warranties and may be required in some areas.
Maintenance Tips and Best Practices
To keep your pressure washer running smoothly and maximizing its cleaning lifetime, be sure to properly store and maintain it between uses. Proper storage in a covered, climate controlled area prevents moisture and UV damage to components. Check electrical connections, lubricate moving parts per the user manual, and pour RV-antifreeze-type solution into pump/tank when not in use for winter storage. For cleaning, avoid pointing the wand at yourself or others, maintain a safe distance from surfaces being rinsed, and wear protective equipment. Use the lowest PSI/GPM settings needed for the job to prevent damage to surfaces. With regular upkeep and safe practices, pressure washing tools can faithfully serve cleaning needs for years to come.
Summary
Pressure washing offers unbeatable value as a simple way to simultaneously beautify, protect and maintain properties of all kinds. From increased curb appeal to long-term cost savings, the payoffs are immense compared to the relatively small initial and ongoing investment. Whether you hire occasional pro help or handle basic tasks in-house, incorporating pressure washing into your regular home or facility care routine should be a no-brainer for maximizing appearance, value, health and workload efficiency.
To conclude, always remember to:
- Improve curb appeal for better perception and sales potential
- Boost property value through evidence of upkeep
- Safeguard investments through preventative cleaning
- Create a healthier environment by removing pollutants
- Save TIME and EFFORT with faster, easier surface cleaning
- Leverage pressure washing's versatility across applications
- Practice safety and proper equipment maintenance