The Benefits of Pressure Washing

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Sarasota Pressure Washing removes most surfaces’ dirt, mildew, mold, and other debris. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, it’s less harsh on surfaces.

To prevent corrosion-induced damage, the nozzle’s force should be kept at least 10 inches away from electrical components, such as doorbells, security cameras, or backup generator cabinets.

A pressure washer can be a dangerous tool when used improperly. The highly pressurized water can damage wood surfaces such as decking or stucco and injure people if pointed at them. For this reason, it is imperative that you read and follow the instructions and safety manual that comes with your pressure washer.

When using a pressure washer, always stand back at least 12 inches from the surface you are cleaning. You should also avoid holding the spray tip close to your body or touching it with bare skin. The stream of water is powerful enough to penetrate your skin, and this could lead to serious injury.

Always wear eye protection, closed-toe shoes and work gloves while operating a pressure washer. The blast of water can lacerate your feet, and loose debris can hit you in the face or eyes. You should also wear ear protection if you have a gas-powered pressure washer because they can be quite noisy.

Ensure that the power cord, hose and connection to the pressure washer are free from cracks, cuts or kinks. It is also a good idea to use a filter in the water inlet to stop dirt and grit from entering your machine. If you’re planning on applying a detergent to the surface you are cleaning, make sure it is designed for this purpose and is being applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Before starting a job, it’s important to scan your surroundings and remove anything that could be damaged by the high-pressure water spray, such as plants, cars or patio furniture. You should also keep children and pets away from the area you’re working in, as they can get sprayed by the water or be injured by the debris that gets kicked up by the nozzle.

When you’re ready to start, carefully inspect the pressure washer wand, nozzles and attachments for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, you should take the time to make the necessary repairs or replacements before you begin cleaning. Finally, before each use, make sure to fully unwind the hose and thoroughly inspect it for any kinks that may impede water flow.

Environmentally Friendly

Pressure washing is a great way to remove loose paint, grime and mold from surfaces such as walls, roofs, walkways, patios, driveways and paving. It is also a quick and effective method for removing oil, grease, and other chemical contaminants from equipment and surfaces. Regular cleanings can help protect the surface and extend its lifespan, saving money in repairs and replacements.

However, some power washing equipment is not eco-friendly and can harm the environment when used improperly. For example, inexperienced and unscrupulous power washers may use high pressure to apply chemicals that could be harmful to the environment or a person. These chemical compounds can then wash off the surface and flow into natural water bodies, contaminating the environment and posing a threat to wildlife and plants. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly cleaning methods that minimize environmental impact, such as soft washing and eco-friendly pressure washing.

These methods employ lower water pressures and use biodegradable detergents, reducing the risk of damage to the environment and ensuring that all components of the cleaning process are safe for animals, plants and humans. Eco-friendly pressure washing also utilizes low-emission engines and energy efficient pumps, minimizing air pollution and fuel usage.

The most obvious advantage of environmentally friendly pressure washing is its ability to conserve water, especially in regions facing a shortage of this resource. This water is then able to flow into other areas of the community where it is needed more, helping to alleviate drought conditions. Another benefit is that regular cleanings can extend the life of a building’s exterior and other surfaces, reducing the need for costly future repairs.

Dirt, grime and mold build-up not only look unattractive but can wear away at the material of a building’s external surfaces, causing structural damage. Regular cleanings can also help reduce health risks by reducing the presence of bacteria and vermin.

Depending on the region, it is also possible that pressure washing can come under the scrutiny of environmental regulations and stipulations on water usage and disposal. As such, it is important for homeowners and contractors to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure that they are following best practices for minimizing their environmental impact.

Saves Time

It takes a long time to scrub away grime with a sponge mop and a bucket of water. Pressure washing allows you to clean much larger areas in a fraction of the time. It also eliminates the need for harsh chemical cleaners that are bad for the environment and harmful to pets and wild animals that may come into contact with run-off.

A high-quality pressure washer is an investment that saves you a lot of time and effort. It also helps to protect your property from damage. Regularly cleaning your home and commercial buildings with a pressure washer prevents buildup of contaminants like mildew, mold, and debris. This keeps your surfaces looking like new for longer and reduces the risk of potential hazards that can arise from slippery substances.

Professional pressure washers are experienced in treating a variety of materials and can optimize the cleaning process to get the best results. They know appropriate water pressure levels, nozzle distances, and angles to use for different surface types. Inexperienced DIYers can accidentally blast surfaces like wood or brick with too much pressure, causing permanent damage.

Boosts Your Curb Appeal

A dirty home or commercial building gives the impression that you don’t care about your property and aren’t invested in your property’s appearance or maintenance. Regularly cleaning your property with a pressure washer will help to reaffirm that you take pride in your property and care about it’s appearance. This will increase your curb appeal and make a great first impression on any guests or customers that visit.

Improves the Value of Your Property

Dirty siding, a stained driveway, or an overgrown backyard can give the impression that your property is in poor condition and not worth much money. By regularly using a pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants from your property, you can keep it in good shape and increase its value when it’s time to sell. This is especially important if you’re planning on selling your property in the near future.

Reduces Risk

Pressure washing is not just about restoring surfaces to their original appearance; it’s also about preventing damage that can lead to expensive repairs and replacements. When dirt, moss, mildew and other contaminants build up on structures like buildings, roofs, walkways and patios, they can cause structural damage, lead to rot and weaken the foundation. Over time, they can even weaken the materials in and around windows, doors and other building components. Regular cleanings, especially with a high-pressure washer, prevent these issues by removing the problem before it gets out of hand.

In addition, cleaning and sanitizing the surfaces of a building helps to improve indoor air quality. Mold, mildew, rust, and other unsightly stains leave behind odors that can make the interior of a building unpleasant to work or live in. Pressure washing helps to remove these odors, making a building healthier and more pleasant for people to spend time in.

Another way that a pressure wash can improve indoor air quality is by reducing allergens. Dust, dirt and pet dander can cause respiratory problems for people with allergies, and cleaning these particles from surfaces can help alleviate those symptoms. Pressurized washing also removes pollen from surfaces, which can be beneficial for anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies.

Many surfaces benefit from a periodic pressure wash, including asphalt, concrete, wood and vinyl siding. However, it is important to choose the correct pressure setting and use the proper technique for each surface type to avoid damage. It is also essential to select the right cleaning solution for each surface. For example, a wood cleaner should be used for wooden surfaces, while a vinyl cleaner is ideal for vinyl siding. It is also important to keep the nozzle at a safe distance from the surface and to move consistently to prevent focusing on one area for too long.

Adding pressure washing to your routine maintenance schedule is an inexpensive and effective way to help protect the value of your property, both residential and commercial. A well-maintained building is always more appealing to potential buyers, and it can be a great selling point.

Mold Removal – What Is Mold Removal and Why Is It Necessary?

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Mold Removal is the process of removing, cleaning and disinfecting any infected materials. This includes drywall, flooring and even furniture.

There are a few different products that can be used to kill and remove mold. Bleach is a popular choice, especially when mixed with old-fashioned hard scrubbing.

Vinegar is also a good option. Simply mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar, apply it to the affected area and scrub with a brush.

Do I Need to Have Mold Remediation?

If your property is affected by mold and you suspect that the mold can cause health issues for yourself, family members, guests or pets, it’s important to have the issue addressed immediately. Mold can have a variety of effects, including allergy-like symptoms, asthma flare ups, fungal infections and even fatal toxicity. The best way to ensure that the mold is properly removed and won’t return is to hire a professional certified mold remediation specialist.

During a mold remediation project, a number of steps are taken to address the mold and to correct the conditions that allow for its growth. The first step is to conduct a mold and moisture assessment. This involves locating the source of the mold and the moisture, what materials are affected and how much and where the mold is present. This allows for the creation of a remediation plan that outlines what needs to be done, when it needs to be completed and if any permits are required for the work to be performed.

Mold removal is the next step. During this process, the technicians use a combination of traditional and modern techniques to clean the infected materials. These include area wipe downs with a biocide such as RMR (Sodium Hypochlorite), wet mopping with an antimicrobial solution such as a mixture of water and distilled vinegar, chemical blasting with dry ice or sand, ozone, UV light, structural pasteurization with heat and enzymes. Client health and safety concerns are always taken into consideration when choosing the method for removing any contaminated material.

Often times, when mold grows in a home it’s because there is a source of moisture that has not been addressed. Attempting to remove the mold without addressing and fixing the moisture problem will just result in the mold returning. Mold guarantees are frequently tied to a guarantee that the molds will remain within normal ecological levels if the moisture problems are corrected and managed.

During the mold remediation process, it is common for contents that are salvageable to be packed out and cleaned off site. This includes textiles, clothes, hard goods, photos, electronics and more.

Do I Need to Remove the Mold?

Mold growth is a problem because of both the cosmetic damage it causes and the health risks associated with it. The best course of action is to prevent the mold from growing in the first place by fixing any leaks or damp problems as soon as possible and making sure all items are completely dry, especially porous materials like drywall. Then, keep an eye out and routinely inspect for mold and clean it up when you see it, using the tips and techniques described here.

If the area of mold is small, like less than 10 square feet, you may be able to remove it yourself, says Apfelbaum. You’ll need a N95 mask, personal protective equipment and cleaning items, such as soap and water, plus disposal gear.

For larger areas, you’ll need to call a professional, he says. “If you suspect hidden mold—as in behind cabinets or in your insulation—or if you see mold on porous surfaces like carpets, it’s definitely time to call a professional.”

Trying to kill the mold and then leaving it alone could lead to it returning. Mold spores float in the air and can get into other parts of your home, where it can grow and colonize, he says. Mold is a chronic problem, he adds, because once it starts growing you need to eliminate the moisture that allows it to do so.

The best way to do this is to make sure crawl spaces are well ventilated and to route basement water away from the foundation, he says. Keeping things dry in damp rooms, such as bathrooms and outside in shady areas, is another good prevention measure. Paints with mildewcide are also helpful for controlling surface mold in damp rooms.

If you find that the mold has grown into drywall, a professional will need to take out and replace it, says Apfelbaum. However, if it is only a small area of the drywall, and not much more than a couple of inches, you might be able to replace it yourself. Just make sure you section off the work area with plastic sheeting and keep it closed off, and that it’s sprayed and scrubbed with a mold-killing solution before you attempt it.

Do I Need to Clean the Mold?

Mold spores can spread easily, from one area to another via air and water. Those that become airborne can cause respiratory problems, and can aggravate existing conditions like asthma. While not all types of mold produce toxins, any type that does can be harmful to humans. The CDC recommends that any mold growth be removed as soon as it’s noticed, and before the spores are able to disperse into uninfected areas of your home.

How you clean the affected area will depend on what type of mold you have and how extensive the damage is. If the mold is only on a small surface, like a cabinet or a piece of furniture, it can be cleaned with normal household cleaning products. If the mold is on drywall or other porous materials, those surfaces will need to be replaced. If the mold has spread to rugs, curtains, or other soft furnishings, they may have to be discarded.

Professional mold remediation involves the use of specialized equipment and techniques. Remediators seal off the work area with plastic sheeting and zippered doors, and they use filtration systems to keep spores from becoming airborne during the cleanup. They also set out dehumidifiers and fans to dry the area, and they’ll usually re-paint walls with a latex paint that contains mildewcide to help prevent future mold.

The biggest benefit of hiring a professional is that they know where to look for hidden mold and can remove it more thoroughly. They’ll typically use antifungal cleaners and disinfectants to get at the deepest areas of the problem, which over-the-counter kits can’t always detect. If the spores are re-growing, they’ll also use a special air fogger that produces UV light to kill them. They’ll also replace any damaged drywall or wood, and they’ll use dehumidifiers to dry the space before they leave. While it is possible to hire a professional mold remediation company yourself, the EPA and CDC both suggest that you only try DIY if the affected area is less than 10 square feet and you don’t have respiratory issues.

Do I Need to Hire a Professional?

While it is possible to remove mold yourself, this should only be done when the problem is small and you have experience with cleaning. Otherwise, you should hire a professional. This is not only because a professional has the proper equipment to handle mold removal, but also because they understand how to safely and effectively treat the affected areas of your home.

Professionals also know how to identify the various types of mold and what treatment methods are best for each. They can also help you with any structural damage that may have occurred due to the mold. This includes repairing the damaged area, preventing further moisture intrusion, and replacing any affected materials.

Mold professionals will also address the underlying cause of the mold, which can include improving ventilation, reducing humidity levels, addressing leaks and other water issues, and removing organic material that can provide places for mold to grow. Taking this approach can significantly reduce the risk of future mold growth and ensure that your house is healthy and safe for you and your family.

One of the biggest problems with unchecked mold is that it can aggravate breathing issues. This is especially true for people with chronic respiratory conditions, such as COPD, asthma, or allergies. It can also exacerbate symptoms in children and the elderly. If you or any members of your family have these health conditions, then it is important to have the mold removed and treated immediately.

When you hire a mold remediation company, the price will vary depending on how much of the home needs to be remediated and the type of mold involved. However, a good company will be honest and up front about the cost of their services, won’t push unnecessary testing, and have the tools necessary to access hard-to-reach spaces like crawlspaces.

If you are looking for a trustworthy company to clean up your home’s mold problem, look no further than SERVPRO. We offer a variety of services, including inspection and testing, cleanup, and even insurance assistance to help you navigate the process smoothly. Contact us today to get started!