6 Costly Misconceptions About Power Washing

Great info

I have read about specialized equipment out there that is used for pressure washing roofs and decks. These are low pressure pumps with specialized nozzles. Were do you get them? Plus looking for the right saftey equipment for safe roof work. what works best?

Thanks

Ryan
Bright water Pressure washing
Seattle, WA
 
Ryan, I just ordered a roof pump system from Paul at PowerWashStore.com, he's got some great options and great prices. Check him out.
 
Great Stuff Barry, hows the holidays treating you?
Here's what I've learned from the SEO firm and web design company that has redone my website. If you want to use someone else's words or content on your site that's fine, but you need to go through it and change it around so its at least 30-50% different than the original. Several reasons why. Number one: just copying and pasting without permission is plagiarizing. Number two: it could raise a red flag with the search engines and they will see it as a duplicate and will penalize you for it. Meaning that page won't rank at all, and you certainly don't want that. Number three: the original author could be a jerk if he wanted and just report you to google. Its not hard and all you have to do is prove to them you had the original content first. They will penalize the copy cat by not allowing any page of their site to ever rank. In this particuliar instance I have reported two sites that I found my stuff on word for word. I proved to them it was mine through my computer files and plus it was on my old website from a couple of years ago. Don't worry it wasn't any of you guys that called or emailed me asking permission. So IMO just take a little time and reword, rewrite, move around some sentences, break out the thesaurus and make it unique compared to the original and then nobody gets hurt.
 
Estimate over the phone or not? Both are correct. It depends on the customer. Some want to meet and greet while others just want it done with little or no human contact. People have various personalities, some just want whatever you say they want. You can have one way of doing it or you can try to get a feel for what the individual wants.

Do whatever works best for you, try new things from time to time.
 
When you think about it...how many cleaning processes are reliant on water alone? Whether it be brushing your teeth, washing your hair or car or doing the dishes, no cleaning process is complete without the right "soap". I find it hard to believe, some companies promote that they don't use any chemicals. This will only result in sub-standard results.
 
When you think about it...how many cleaning processes are reliant on water alone? Whether it be brushing your teeth, washing your hair or car or doing the dishes, no cleaning process is complete without the right "soap". I find it hard to believe, some companies promote that they don't use any chemicals. This will only result in sub-standard results.

I guess some use hot water on recurring concrete maintenance jobs. I haven't found a way to properly clean without soap. If i did, I might not tell. lol
 
When you think about it...how many cleaning processes are reliant on water alone? Whether it be brushing your teeth, washing your hair or car or doing the dishes, no cleaning process is complete without the right "soap". I find it hard to believe, some companies promote that they don't use any chemicals. This will only result in sub-standard results.

I would not say that is entirely true, maybe mostly.

Ultra high pressure machines like from 20,000psi up to 40,000psi do not use any detergents at all, just water and they remove all the contaminants like grease, rust, oil, paint, epoxy, parking lot striping paint, rubber from concrete on airport runways, etc.....

These are specialized equipment, processes and cleaning situations but it proves that sometimes you can clean with just water but not on most everyday cleaning situations.
 
I would not say that is entirely true, maybe mostly.

Ultra high pressure machines like from 20,000psi up to 40,000psi do not use any detergents at all, just water and they remove all the contaminants like grease, rust, oil, paint, epoxy, parking lot striping paint, rubber from concrete on airport runways, etc.....

These are specialized equipment, processes and cleaning situations but it proves that sometimes you can clean with just water but not on most everyday cleaning situations.

Yeah you make a good point, but I didn't get the idea ultra high pressure was part of the discussion. The thought never entered my mind.

The dry ice blasting is neat though, and doesn't even use water.

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk
 
Bump....
6 Costly Misconceptions About Power Washing

Misconception #1
It's Easy Enough That We Can Do It Ourselves. This may be true to some extent but you can easily cause
damage to yourself and your home if your not careful. I don't recommend to anyone to pressure wash from
a ladder, this is very dangerous and should be left to a professional. Washing your vinyl siding from the
ground at an upward angle will force water behind the siding causing water damage. Getting up in the air
and away from the house will allow you to rinse the siding at a flatter angle. This can only be done with the
proper equipment. Another thing is even small consumer grade pressure washing units put out too much
pressure to wash vinyl, asphalt shingles, and pressure treated wood. Having the right equipment allows you
to turn down the pressure, so your not causing damage.

Misconception #2
High Pressure Is The Only Way To Get It Clean. Not true at all. Only contractors that use inferior cleaners
have to depend on high pressure to do the job. High pressure can do a lot of damage to your home. To
much pressure will force water to get behind the siding of your home causing mold and mildew problems.
Wood is softer than you might think, and using too much pressure to wash a deck can cut wood and leave
unsightly marks and scars that will show through the sealer. Using too much pressure on asphalt shingles
is a huge mistake. Shingles have small pieces of grit on them, similar to sand, called granules. Excessive
pressure can blow these granules off the shingles, lessening the longevity of your roof. Make sure
contractor grade cleaners and the right amount of pressure are being used.


Misconception #3
The Cleaners Being Used Will Damage Your Plants Or Hurt Your Pets. Quality contractors use only
environmentally safe products that will not harm your pets. But plants are more sensitive and need to be
protected. If a cleaner is allowed to dry on the leaves of a plant it can leave burn spots. Covering plants with
plastic is an option, but that can also be dangerous to the plants on a hot day. A better alternative is to wet
the plants down with water before, during, and after the cleaning process. As long as cleaners are not
allowed to dry on the plants, there should be no damage.


Misconception #4
Your Roof Is Black Or Has Black Streaks On It And Needs Replaced. Not necessarily true. Unsightly black
stains or streaks on asphalt shingles is caused by a hardy type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma. This type
of algae thrives in humid and warm climates and usually appears, first, on the North slope of the roof
where shade is prevalent and moisture tends to accumulate. The algae feeds on the crushed limestone that
is used in asphalt shingles. Rain then spreads the algae down the roof, causing black streaks. As the algae
breaks down the shingles, the granules that protect the shingle are loosened and begin to fall off. This
causes the roof to deteriorate and diminishes the roof's ability to reflect heat rays. If left untreated, the
algae will reduce the life of your roof, diminish your home's curb appeal, and increase your home cooling
cost.


This roof algae can be killed and removed to restore your roofs appearance. But the right cleaners and low
pressure is a must, so that damage is not done to the roof.


Misconception #5
You Should Hire the Company that Offers the Lowest Price. Maybe, but not always. Here are some points
to consider:

(1) The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the low
price they saw advertised lasted only until the contractor did the estimate. Then they were pressured into
paying a lot more for a variety of add-ons .

(2) Some contractors market strategy is to get jobs by being the lowest bidder. The contractor will then cut
corners in order to turn a profit.

(3) Due to low start up costs, many companies come and go. When first starting up, a lot of companies do
not educate themselves, because power washing looks easy and profitable. So, they lack the right
equipment, cleaners, insurance, knowledge, professionalism, and normally, will charge an extremely low
price.


Misconception #6
Any Honest Power Washing Company Should be Able to Give an Estimate Over the Phone. It would be
easier if this were true, but it is not. Honest, reputable power washing companies almost never give a
cleaning estimate over the phone. Most companies charge by the square foot or linear foot. But there are
too many variables that can change that price from one home to another. For instance, different types of
terrain or landscaping can affect the price. What type of wood is your deck? Has it ever been sealed? Is
water accessible at the job site? Maybe your house is not extremely dirty and could be done for less than a
dirty house the same size. The good news is, once an estimate is given by a quality contractor, you know
that that's the price you will pay (no last minute surprises).
 
I can agree with everything but #6. At one time I might would have agreed with it but not anymore. If a contractor knows his/her service area well enough all they should need to know is address and name of sudivison. With goggle maps you can see most houses on the computer. Haven't done an "On-Site" estimate in 3 or 4 years, just don't have the time or gas to ride out to every home.
 
Always a Good one from Russ
6 Costly Misconceptions About Power Washing

Misconception #1
It's Easy Enough That We Can Do It Ourselves. This may be true to some extent but you can easily cause
damage to yourself and your home if your not careful. I don't recommend to anyone to pressure wash from
a ladder, this is very dangerous and should be left to a professional. Washing your vinyl siding from the
ground at an upward angle will force water behind the siding causing water damage. Getting up in the air
and away from the house will allow you to rinse the siding at a flatter angle. This can only be done with the
proper equipment. Another thing is even small consumer grade pressure washing units put out too much
pressure to wash vinyl, asphalt shingles, and pressure treated wood. Having the right equipment allows you
to turn down the pressure, so your not causing damage.

Misconception #2
High Pressure Is The Only Way To Get It Clean. Not true at all. Only contractors that use inferior cleaners
have to depend on high pressure to do the job. High pressure can do a lot of damage to your home. To
much pressure will force water to get behind the siding of your home causing mold and mildew problems.
Wood is softer than you might think, and using too much pressure to wash a deck can cut wood and leave
unsightly marks and scars that will show through the sealer. Using too much pressure on asphalt shingles
is a huge mistake. Shingles have small pieces of grit on them, similar to sand, called granules. Excessive
pressure can blow these granules off the shingles, lessening the longevity of your roof. Make sure
contractor grade cleaners and the right amount of pressure are being used.


Misconception #3
The Cleaners Being Used Will Damage Your Plants Or Hurt Your Pets. Quality contractors use only
environmentally safe products that will not harm your pets. But plants are more sensitive and need to be
protected. If a cleaner is allowed to dry on the leaves of a plant it can leave burn spots. Covering plants with
plastic is an option, but that can also be dangerous to the plants on a hot day. A better alternative is to wet
the plants down with water before, during, and after the cleaning process. As long as cleaners are not
allowed to dry on the plants, there should be no damage.


Misconception #4
Your Roof Is Black Or Has Black Streaks On It And Needs Replaced. Not necessarily true. Unsightly black
stains or streaks on asphalt shingles is caused by a hardy type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma. This type
of algae thrives in humid and warm climates and usually appears, first, on the North slope of the roof
where shade is prevalent and moisture tends to accumulate. The algae feeds on the crushed limestone that
is used in asphalt shingles. Rain then spreads the algae down the roof, causing black streaks. As the algae
breaks down the shingles, the granules that protect the shingle are loosened and begin to fall off. This
causes the roof to deteriorate and diminishes the roof's ability to reflect heat rays. If left untreated, the
algae will reduce the life of your roof, diminish your home's curb appeal, and increase your home cooling
cost.


This roof algae can be killed and removed to restore your roofs appearance. But the right cleaners and low
pressure is a must, so that damage is not done to the roof.


Misconception #5
You Should Hire the Company that Offers the Lowest Price. Maybe, but not always. Here are some points
to consider:

(1) The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the low
price they saw advertised lasted only until the contractor did the estimate. Then they were pressured into
paying a lot more for a variety of add-ons .

(2) Some contractors market strategy is to get jobs by being the lowest bidder. The contractor will then cut
corners in order to turn a profit.

(3) Due to low start up costs, many companies come and go. When first starting up, a lot of companies do
not educate themselves, because power washing looks easy and profitable. So, they lack the right
equipment, cleaners, insurance, knowledge, professionalism, and normally, will charge an extremely low
price.


Misconception #6
Any Honest Power Washing Company Should be Able to Give an Estimate Over the Phone. It would be
easier if this were true, but it is not. Honest, reputable power washing companies almost never give a
cleaning estimate over the phone. Most companies charge by the square foot or linear foot. But there are
too many variables that can change that price from one home to another. For instance, different types of
terrain or landscaping can affect the price. What type of wood is your deck? Has it ever been sealed? Is
water accessible at the job site? Maybe your house is not extremely dirty and could be done for less than a
dirty house the same size. The good news is, once an estimate is given by a quality contractor, you know
that that's the price you will pay (no last minute surprises).
 
bumpppppp
6 Costly Misconceptions About Power Washing

Misconception #1
It's Easy Enough That We Can Do It Ourselves. This may be true to some extent but you can easily cause
damage to yourself and your home if your not careful. I don't recommend to anyone to pressure wash from
a ladder, this is very dangerous and should be left to a professional. Washing your vinyl siding from the
ground at an upward angle will force water behind the siding causing water damage. Getting up in the air
and away from the house will allow you to rinse the siding at a flatter angle. This can only be done with the
proper equipment. Another thing is even small consumer grade pressure washing units put out too much
pressure to wash vinyl, asphalt shingles, and pressure treated wood. Having the right equipment allows you
to turn down the pressure, so your not causing damage.

Misconception #2
High Pressure Is The Only Way To Get It Clean. Not true at all. Only contractors that use inferior cleaners
have to depend on high pressure to do the job. High pressure can do a lot of damage to your home. To
much pressure will force water to get behind the siding of your home causing mold and mildew problems.
Wood is softer than you might think, and using too much pressure to wash a deck can cut wood and leave
unsightly marks and scars that will show through the sealer. Using too much pressure on asphalt shingles
is a huge mistake. Shingles have small pieces of grit on them, similar to sand, called granules. Excessive
pressure can blow these granules off the shingles, lessening the longevity of your roof. Make sure
contractor grade cleaners and the right amount of pressure are being used.


Misconception #3
The Cleaners Being Used Will Damage Your Plants Or Hurt Your Pets. Quality contractors use only
environmentally safe products that will not harm your pets. But plants are more sensitive and need to be
protected. If a cleaner is allowed to dry on the leaves of a plant it can leave burn spots. Covering plants with
plastic is an option, but that can also be dangerous to the plants on a hot day. A better alternative is to wet
the plants down with water before, during, and after the cleaning process. As long as cleaners are not
allowed to dry on the plants, there should be no damage.


Misconception #4
Your Roof Is Black Or Has Black Streaks On It And Needs Replaced. Not necessarily true. Unsightly black
stains or streaks on asphalt shingles is caused by a hardy type of algae called Gloeocapsa magma. This type
of algae thrives in humid and warm climates and usually appears, first, on the North slope of the roof
where shade is prevalent and moisture tends to accumulate. The algae feeds on the crushed limestone that
is used in asphalt shingles. Rain then spreads the algae down the roof, causing black streaks. As the algae
breaks down the shingles, the granules that protect the shingle are loosened and begin to fall off. This
causes the roof to deteriorate and diminishes the roof's ability to reflect heat rays. If left untreated, the
algae will reduce the life of your roof, diminish your home's curb appeal, and increase your home cooling
cost.


This roof algae can be killed and removed to restore your roofs appearance. But the right cleaners and low
pressure is a must, so that damage is not done to the roof.


Misconception #5
You Should Hire the Company that Offers the Lowest Price. Maybe, but not always. Here are some points
to consider:

(1) The price you see advertised may not be the price you pay. Many homeowners have learned that the low
price they saw advertised lasted only until the contractor did the estimate. Then they were pressured into
paying a lot more for a variety of add-ons .

(2) Some contractors market strategy is to get jobs by being the lowest bidder. The contractor will then cut
corners in order to turn a profit.

(3) Due to low start up costs, many companies come and go. When first starting up, a lot of companies do
not educate themselves, because power washing looks easy and profitable. So, they lack the right
equipment, cleaners, insurance, knowledge, professionalism, and normally, will charge an extremely low
price.


Misconception #6
Any Honest Power Washing Company Should be Able to Give an Estimate Over the Phone. It would be
easier if this were true, but it is not. Honest, reputable power washing companies almost never give a
cleaning estimate over the phone. Most companies charge by the square foot or linear foot. But there are
too many variables that can change that price from one home to another. For instance, different types of
terrain or landscaping can affect the price. What type of wood is your deck? Has it ever been sealed? Is
water accessible at the job site? Maybe your house is not extremely dirty and could be done for less than a
dirty house the same size. The good news is, once an estimate is given by a quality contractor, you know
that that's the price you will pay (no last minute surprises).
 
Barry Still around ?
Here's what I've learned from the SEO firm and web design company that has redone my website. If you want to use someone else's words or content on your site that's fine, but you need to go through it and change it around so its at least 30-50% different than the original. Several reasons why. Number one: just copying and pasting without permission is plagiarizing. Number two: it could raise a red flag with the search engines and they will see it as a duplicate and will penalize you for it. Meaning that page won't rank at all, and you certainly don't want that. Number three: the original author could be a jerk if he wanted and just report you to google. Its not hard and all you have to do is prove to them you had the original content first. They will penalize the copy cat by not allowing any page of their site to ever rank. In this particuliar instance I have reported two sites that I found my stuff on word for word. I proved to them it was mine through my computer files and plus it was on my old website from a couple of years ago. Don't worry it wasn't any of you guys that called or emailed me asking permission. So IMO just take a little time and reword, rewrite, move around some sentences, break out the thesaurus and make it unique compared to the original and then nobody gets hurt.
 
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