Pressure Washing Archives - The Paint Manager

Is Your Home’s Exterior Covered In Mildew?

Every Florida homeowner dreads the sight of black spots spreading across their home’s exterior. Mildew has taken up residence and needs to be evicted a.s.a.p. In addition to ruining the curb appeal of your residence, mildew causes significant damage if not removed. If you’re a newcomer to the Sunshine State, you may be wondering what mildew is, how it got there, and what to do about it – as well as steps you can take to prevent regrowth.

What is mildew?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.

While that last part may be too technical, just know that you don’t want mildew around. Causes can include failure to prime a bare wood surface before painting, painting over a surface previously infected with mildew, and excess humidity or other moisture problems. Considering that Florida is known for its humidity, keeping mildew at bay is a constant battle.

Is mildew just cosmetic damage?

Left unchecked, mildew can damage paint, as well as the building material itself. At this stage of neglect, pressure washing the exterior is likely to remove the paint in the process of removing the mildew. Worse yet is when the mildew has worked its way to the siding, shingles, etc., necessitating its replacement. Even when mildew occurs outdoors, it poses a health hazard. Andy Nitkowski – owner of Pro Wash Services, Milford, Del. – elaborates.

“Mold and mildew are the biggest health risks to those with allergies but they can be dangerous to anyone. Not only is it dangerous for people, but it can also cause serious structural damage to your home. It not only affects your siding but can appear on shingles, wood decking, and even concrete.”

In addition to exterior walls, mildew can grow in gutters – which are especially susceptible if they aren’t cleaned on a regular basis. More on that later.

How to get rid of mildew and keep it from returning?

As you may have gathered by now, painting over mildew only conceals the problem – and not for very long. In fact, it will make removal even more difficult. Some homeowners are left dealing with this situation soon after buying a house the previous owner painted for just this reason. However, a professional house painter will inform the homeowner about the problem after evaluating the home to submit a bid and refuse to do the job unless the house is first pressure washed and determined to be mildew-free.

Zapping mildew when it first appears is crucial to preventing it from taking hold. The pros at New Life Painting, Santa Ynez, CA, provide detailed removal methods for a variety of building materials – including wood, vinyl siding, brick, and stone. These methods use typical household cleaners, such as chlorine bleach and laundry detergent – as well as manual scrubbing. However, you may prefer an all-purpose mold and mildew cleaning solution that can be purchased at home improvement centers and hardware stores, and a water hose tool specific for cleaning exteriors. Follow label instructions for cleaners and manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning equipment.

Of course, pressure washing it yourself is an option, if you own a pressure washer or are handy enough to rent one for the job. Our blog post – “Pressure Washing: Should You Hire a Pro or DIY?” – covers the pros and cons of each. If you decide to rent, talk to the rental associate at the home improvement center, describe your house, and get a recommendation on the type of pressure washer and accessories you’ll need. Being upfront about your experience level will result in detailed, helpful advice and instructions that will allow you to do the best job in the safest way. Should you decide to leave it to a pro, call us at The Paint Manager!

Don’t stop with the exterior – clean the deck and porch

Decks and porches are also susceptible to mildew growth. Decks and railings usually remain damp during the rainy season, which makes them prone to mildew. If you have a covered deck or it’s located in a shady area, it is more vulnerable because water can’t evaporate easily. That is why you need to remove mildew as soon as you see it appear.

Of course, prevention is preferable to treatment. To prevent mildew growth, keep plants trimmed back from painted surfaces, and make sure your gutters are free of debris – which is good basic home maintenance, anyway!

Gutters are important because leaves and small twigs collect in them. As this debris decomposes, it can clog your downspouts, causing water to run over the sides of the gutters. The water that drips down your home’s siding spreads mildew to other parts of your exterior. Clean the gutters at least twice a year. An active hurricane/summer thunderstorm season may necessitate more frequent cleanings. If this is a DIY project, make sure you have the right type of equipment and protective gear. If you have any doubt about your ability to safely perform this yourself, hire a professional.

Also, when it’s time to repaint your house, choose a mildew-resistant paint. Google can help you find brands, but if you need advice about which is best for your home’s exterior, the staff at your local paint store, hardware store or home improvement center can provide more specific guidance.

If you’ve already decided to call a pressure washing professional, The Paint Manager is ready! Our team has years of experience in power washing homes of all sizes, construction materials, and ages – as well as concrete surfaces, wood decks, and fences. We use professional-grade equipment and follow OSHA guidelines. We also perform gutter clean-outs, as well as replace them! Contact us for a free estimate!

Pressure Washing: Should You Hire a Pro or DIY?

In Central Florida, spring and fall are the best seasons for exterior home maintenance. With the extreme heat behind us and hurricane season to end soon, this is the ideal time to pay attention to outdoor projects. Pressure washing your home’s exterior, patio, deck, fence, driveway or walkways may be on your list. If so, the big question is probably whether you should you hire a professional service for the job, or do it yourself.

As covered in our November 2018 blog post – “Why You (or a Pro) Should Pressure Wash Your House” – pressure washing (also known as power washing) is the only way to effectively clean siding, concrete and wood surfaces. Ignoring built-up grime, mildew, road dust (if you live on an unpaved street) and bird droppings not only creates a dingy appearance, but can actually damage your home and pose a health hazard.

What is pressure washing?

Pressure washing is the use of high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, chewing gum and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces.

Pressure washer pumps have two connection points for low and high pressure. The low-pressure connection is threaded to accept a standard garden hose. The high-pressure connection accepts a pressure washer hose that connects to a hand-held pressure washer wand.

Cleaning power is measured by psi (pounds per square inch) and gpm (gallons per minute) ratings. The psi rating helps you determine how powerful the water stream will be. The gpm measures the volume of water delivered through the pressure washer. This number will help you determine how fast the pressure washer will clean, and how effectively it will rinse away debris. Gas-powered models typically put out 2,000 to 2,800 psi of pressure, compared with 1,300 to 1,700 psi for electric models.

Preparing to do it yourself?

As we noted in our earlier blog post, pressure washing is one of those jobs that inexperienced, yet physically sturdy people often think they can take on themselves and save money. Yet just because you may be able to handle the equipment, it can be hazardous if you aren’t familiar with how to operate a pressure washer. Dangers include using too much pressure or the wrong nozzle – which can damage surfaces (such as siding, mortar and wood), break windows and even cause injury.

Improper use can also blast paint off. Unless this is your intention, you’ll be repainting long before you planned. When it comes to safe, successful pressure washing, brain is as important as brawn.

If you decide to buy, Popular Mechanics offers a helpful guide on selecting the right pressure washer for the type of job(s) you want to use it for, as well as choosing between a gas or electric model. Gas is recommended for heavy-duty jobs, while electric models suffice for chores like cleaning patio furniture, small deck areas and vehicle tires.

If you decide to rent, talk to the rental associate at the home improvement center, describe your house and get a recommendation on the type of pressure washer and accessories you’ll need. Being upfront about your experience level will result in the detailed, helpful advice and instructions that will allow you to do the best job in the safest way.

The good people at ImproveNet offer the following quick instructions to pressure wash your siding:

Pre-treat mildewed areas. Mix a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water and spray in a pump-up sprayer. Avoid contact with skin and eyes; follow warnings on product label. Allow to remain on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse using a garden hose. Or buy a brand-name mildewcide product, available at home improvement centers. Again, follow use instructions and warnings on the label.
Cover nearby plants with a plastic drop cloth.
To add detergent to the flow, hook the siphon tube to the pump with the filter end in the detergent container.
Apply the detergent at low pressure. Work from the bottom up and allow the solution to stand for several minutes.
Do not spray upward, under the flashing and siding laps. Also, make sure that you don’t get too close to the gutters.
Do not spray directly at doors, windows and vents.

Safety first

Improper use of a pressure washer puts you at risk for serious personal injury. Water at such a high pressure is powerful enough to tear off skin and even cause blindness. Never goof around with the equipment to spray a friend or use it to “rinse” your hands or feet.

Bob Vila offers the following precautions.

Wear proper protection – Wear safety glasses. High water pressure can fling dirt and debris in every direction, including your face. To prevent the washer from slipping out of your hands, you should also wear gloves that provide a solid grip. Wear protective shoes (never flip-flops). Almost all gas-powered pressure washers are loud enough to require ear protection.

Take note of your surroundings – Any electricity sources are a serious risk. Before you start pressure washing, close or cover outdoor outlets. Similarly, cover vents. Take stock of any overhead power lines. If you are using an extension wand, you should be very careful to avoid them.

Never use a ladder – This common mistake can lead to injuries and fatalities. If you find it necessary to access a high area (as in the case of a two-story home), use scaffolding. Recoil from the washer is strong enough to pull you off a ladder, or pull a ladder over, even with someone holding the base. If you can’t rent scaffolding, hire a professional pressure washing service.

Clean up the space – Any tripping hazards should be cleared prior to cleaning. This includes toys, lawn furniture and/or vehicles.

Check for lead and asbestos – Both of these materials can be found in homes built prior to the 1970s. Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used in paint. It can cause a range of health problems, such as damage to the brain and other vital organs, like the kidneys, nerves and blood. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung disease and lung cancer. Pressure washing can dislodge lead and asbestos, allowing them to be inhaled. If you are concerned that either may have been used in your home, contact a professional before power washing. Removing either substance is NOT a DIY job. The Paint Manager is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for lead paint removal.

When you should hire a pro?

As you’ve gathered, pressure washing properly and safely requires the right equipment, knowledge and physical capability. Be aware of your limitations. You may be at the point in life when physical tasks you could once perform easily are now more difficult. Don’t risk injury – or worse – by attempting to prove something to yourself or others.

Also, consider the time factor. Preparing the area to be cleaned, setting up the equipment, doing the work, taking the equipment apart, cleaning it and storing it can take the better part of a day, at least. Add additional time if you’re renting the equipment.

Regardless of your ability level or schedule, Angie’s List recommends leaving most pressure washing jobs to the pros.

“They have the right equipment for hard-to-reach areas and the experience to do so without falling. They also know how to clean specific areas, such as the roof, without causing damage.”

If you’ve already decided to call a pressure washing professional, The Paint Manager is ready! Our team has years of experience in power washing homes of all sizes, construction materials and ages – as well as concrete surfaces, wood decks and fences. We use professional-grade equipment and follow OSHA guidelines. Contact us for a free estimate!

Why You (or a Pro) Should Pressure Wash Your House

Ah, the joys of fall in Central Florida! As we ease away from worrying about hurricane season, temperatures begin to drop to the double-digits – making this the perfect time to get back to outdoor chores and home improvement projects before the thermometer dips even lower and it gets too cold for our thin Florida skin. Pressure washing (also called power washing) your house should be at, or near, the top of this list. Not only does a sparkling-clean abode show a sense of pride about yourself and your status in the neighborhood, it’s also a necessity to maximize curb appeal if you’re planning to sell, and to properly prep your house if you’re planning to paint.

If you can’t remember the last time you pressure washed your house, it probably could benefit from a good cleaning, no matter what your plans. It’s typical to not look at your home’s exterior closely, unless a problem becomes obvious. However, ignoring built-up grime, mildew, road dust (if you live on an unpaved street) and bird droppings not only creates a dingy appearance, but can actually damage your home and pose a health hazard. As noted by New Life Painting, mildew and mold continue to grow if left unchecked – and mold can grow within walls, meaning your home’s interior could be affected.

Do you dare DIY?

Pressure washing is one of those jobs that inexperienced, yet physically sturdy people often think they can take on themselves and save money. Of course, only you can judge your own capability to handle the equipment. Yet just because you may be able to wield the wand with ease, keep in mind that it can be hazardous if you aren’t familiar with how to work a pressure washer. Dangers include using too much pressure or the wrong nozzle – which can damage surfaces (such as siding, mortar and wood), break windows, and even cause injury. Improper use can also blast paint off, which means you’ll be repainting long before you intended. When it comes to safe, successful pressure washing, brain is as important as brawn.

Of course, hardcore DIY types probably already own a pressure washer, and therefore probably aren’t reading this. But if you’re generally handy with home maintenance and confident in your ability to tackle the task, renting the equipment at a home center is a good option. The advantage is in being able to talk to the rental associate, describe your house and get a recommendation on the type of pressure washer and accessories you’ll need. Being upfront with the associate about your experience level will result in the detailed, helpful advice and instructions that will allow you do to the best job in the safest way.

Once you’re set up and ready to start, become familiar with the wand or spray gun to work out the most effective spray pattern. You should use both arms to prevent fatigue. It is recommended to wash with the wand aimed downward, but there may be times you’ll have to aim it slightly up. As a general rule, work from the top down, and don’t spray water directly into cracks and gaps.

Safety first

Before getting underway, be sure you know how to use the pressure washer safely. Industrial equipment manufacturer Mi-T-M Corp. offers this helpful video of safety tips. Highlights include the following:

Read and heed all safety instructions on the equipment.
Wear safety goggles and closed-toe shoes.
If using an electric pressure washer, plug into a properly grounded GFCI outlet.
Place the pressure washer on a flat surface before starting.
Never point the nozzle at a person or animal; never come directly in line of the spray yourself.
Make sure the work area is clear of children and pets.
When not in use, hold the nozzle or gun assembly properly, so that water doesn’t accidentally spray.
When you turn off the pressure washer, release the pressure by squeezing the trigger before detaching hoses and nozzles.
Be careful before moving the pressure washer from one place to another, as the engine can get very hot.

Leaving it to the pros

If you’ve already decided that pressure washing is best left to the pros, The Paint Manager is ready! Our team has years of experience in power washing homes of all sizes, construction materials and ages to provide the best possible results. You can also contact us for innovative ideas on painting and repainting your home’s interiors and exteriors. We offer free estimates on all projects, and will be happy to help you take your home improvement plans to reality!