Power washing is a great way to revitalize surfaces and improve the look of your property. However, it’s not without risks. Do-it-yourself power washing can be a cost-effective option, but it can also cause damage to delicate surfaces.
Hiring a professional service provides safety, superior results and convenience. Read on to learn the pros and cons of commercial vs. DIY power washing.
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Cost
We’ve all seen videos of an expert power washer blasting away decades of dirt from a brick wall or a stubborn stain from an old carpet. This makes property owners wonder whether professional services are worth the cost. However, before deciding, it’s important to understand that not all power-washing companies are created equal.
The type of work you need to do, the location of your property, and the time frame you need the job completed affect how much you will pay for a commercial power washing service. A reputable company has years of experience and uses high-end professional power washers to provide unsurpassed results without damaging the cleaned surface.
In addition, experienced professionals know which chemicals to use and how much water pressure is needed for the best results. These details make all the difference in preventing surface damage and ensuring a thorough cleaning. In contrast, a DIY approach can cause more harm than good by using the wrong pressure settings or applying the incorrect chemical.
Using improper chemicals can also introduce run-off into expensive landscaping or storm sewers, which can have costly consequences. This is why hiring a professional company with experience and insurance is essential to protect property owners against damages. A reputable commercial power wash company will also offer warranties or guarantees on their work, further enhancing their services’ value.
Safety
Professional commercial pressure washing services employ various safety measures to protect employees, customers and the property. These include specialized equipment, trained staff and a safe work environment. This minimizes the risk of accidental damage to surfaces and materials resulting from improper use of power washers.
Aside from the obvious benefit of a clean appearance, commercial power washing also prolongs the lifespan of exterior surfaces. It removes harmful mildew and prevents cracking, rot and premature degradation of surfaces. This can reduce the need for costly repairs and replacements.
While washing some surfaces by hand is possible, it is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In addition, reaching all areas of a building’s exterior is difficult. It can be especially dangerous to scrub high surfaces without proper safety gear. Professionals can easily get to these hard-to-reach places and quickly clean entire buildings in a fraction of the time it would take by hand.
The type of facility and the surface being cleaned greatly impact costs. For example, a storefront glass panel will be much easier to clean than a sidewalk with cracks and discoloration. The last time the surface was cleaned also determines how long it will take to clean. A facility that hasn’t been cleaned for a while may require extra chemicals and cleaning supplies to remove stubborn grime.
Time
Commercial power washing uses water under high pressure to clean surfaces. The water blasts away unwanted dirt, grime, mildew, oil, and grease from exterior buildings, masonry structures, fences, and concrete surfaces. Unlike normal cleaning methods that involve time-consuming scrubbing, the power washer takes little effort and doesn’t require climbing ladders to reach difficult areas.
Commercial power washing also saves money compared to replacing damaged materials because it prevents rot and mildew. It also eliminates harmful chemicals and substances that can cause damage to surfaces. Moreover, commercial power washing improves curb appeal and helps maintain a building’s value.
The cost of commercial power washing depends on the size and scope of the project. The number of stories, access to hard-to-reach places, and the property’s location all affect the price. Additionally, the company’s process, equipment, and skill level are all variables that impact pricing.
Choosing a professional service ensures that the job is done correctly and efficiently. In addition, professionals carry insurance that protects the property owner against accidental damage. Many also offer warranties or guarantees on their work, which adds to the peace of mind of using a professional commercial power washing service.
Convenience
It’s a lot more convenient to hire professional power washing services. No half-day jobs, ladders, or scrubbing – the process is fast and thorough, leaving surfaces clean and ready to use. It’s also a cost-effective way to get your home or business looking like new and boosting curb appeal.
A reputable commercial power washing service will have years of experience with the process and can provide the best results possible with the most thorough cleaning. They’ll know exactly how much pressure to apply, which soaps and detergents are safe for certain surface materials, and how to control the temperature of water to prevent damage and stripping. This type of knowledge can be difficult to find for someone unfamiliar with the process. It’s also important to research before hiring a power washing company. Unfortunately, fly-by-night contractors exist in the industry and many offer services that don’t need to be backed by the right credentials and experience. Be sure to look for a company with insurance to protect customers from injury and property damage. Price should be a factor in the selection process, but don’t avoid being swayed by companies offering incredibly low rates. In the long run, these businesses may charge you more with shoddy work and hidden fees.