Pressure Washing Older Homes
For many homeowners, the goal of maintaining your house so it can last for generations to come is easily attainable with pressure washing your exterior surfaces. But what about those who have come to own an older house, or those who have succeeded in keeping their house in good condition for decades, but aren't ready to replace their siding or shingles?
In instances like these, a professional pressure washing company that knows their stuff would recommend soft washing instead of the regular high pressure washing one normally receives through pressure washing services.
What Is Soft Washing
Soft washing is a method of pressure washing that differs from the traditional high-pressure method. While regular pressure washing uses high pressure levels often ranging from 3000 to 4000 psi, soft washing uses a more gentle approach with a pressure that is comparable to a very strong garden hose instead. In addition, soft washing typically uses detergents and chemical treatments to do a lot of the heavy lifting.
This method is most commonly used in roof cleaning, but can also be used for wood, windows, painted surfaces, and siding. That said, one can easily see how soft washing is an excellent choice for those with older houses or outdoor structures.
How Do I Know If My Property Is Considered "Old"
This varies between the structure you are talking about, so let's go over them one by one.
- House vinyl siding. An older house's siding will typically be discolored or slightly warped as a result of sun exposure for a long period of time, which is a good indication it is old and needs special treatment.
- Roof shingles. Shingles are very similar to siding, in that they will be discolored from the sun, there might also be "bald spots" in the granules of your shingles. This is a trickier topic, as shingles should be replaced when they are that old. In fact, old roof shingles can increase your energy consumption and cause higher electric or gas bills.
- Decks. Most decks are wooden or painted, which can typically call for soft washing anyway. But if the wood is starting to warp and break off at the ends of each board, it will need an extra gentle touch.
- Driveways, sidewalks, and patios. These paved surfaces usually aren't as delicate as the aforementioned structures. That being said, even if there is some cracks or fading in your pavement, it is usually okay to use a regular pressure level on them.
If you think your property needs the extra gentle soft washing touch or pressure washing professional, don't hesitate to call Veteran Pro Power Washing LLC today.