Pressure washing is the perfect way to boost curb appeal of your home or commercial property- fast. However, do not make the mistake of thinking that every surface is safe and suited to the extreme pressure and heat involved in the pressure washing process.

Industry professionals identify 9 things that should never be pressure washed:

Asphalt Shingles

You should avoid pressure washing asphalt shingles on the roof as it can damage and remove the protective granules. Plus, the pressure of the water can knock shingles off from your roof, creating vulnerable spots where moisture can get inside.

Stained Wood

Stained wood surfaces, like outdoor furniture, does not hold up well to the pressure and heat of pressure washing. In fact, pressure washing these surfaces can pull the stain from the surfaces, leaving them lackluster and drab.

Lead Paint

Never pressure wash surfaces painted with lead paint. The paint can chip, crack, or strip away, creating particles and dust that becomes airborne. Exposure to lead paint debris can cause significant health risk over time.

Old Mortar

Aged and weathered brick walls, or other mortared surfaces, can be easily damaged by pressure washing. The water can strip away and loosen the porous material, compromising it and causing damage likely in the future.

Vehicle

Do not try to pressure wash your vehicle. Pressure washing any vehicle can cause small dents and chip the paint, making the surface more susceptible to rust.

Windows

Using the kind of pressure involved in pressure washing can crack, break, and even shatter windows or glass. Avoid windows when pressure washing a home, business, or other building.

Gutters

You should not use high pressure to clean and wash your gutters as it can damage your fascia and even knock off your gutter segments! The pressure may loosen the connection between gutter troughs or segments, causing leaks, sags, and inevitable damage later. Gutters need a gentler cleaning process, such as soft washing. Talk to your pressure washing professional to learn more.

AC Units

Be careful not to apply pressure washing to your air conditioning (AC) or HVAC units, too. Pressure washing AC units can destroy the fins which can compromise the air flow- causing water to seep into the unit and potentially damage the electrical circuits. Furthermore, trapped moisture can rust the unit, damage trim around window units, or create unhealthy air with mildew or algae growth.

Living Things

It may seem obvious, but never pressure wash a living thing, including humans, pets, and plants. The extreme pressure used to effectively clean surfaces can penetrate and lacerate the skin, while the heat used in the cleaning process can cause nasty burns. Pressure washing gardens or landscaping can destroy your plants.

Hire A Professional Today!

Top Down Exterior Cleaning is fully trained and insured, using only the latest pressure washing technology to protect your property, surfaces, and investment. For pressure washing in Lakeland FL that guarantees the customer’s satisfaction, call today for a free estimate.