Power washing is one of the best techniques used by homeowners, especially for surfaces. It can therefore be used to clean your fence and house. Before you purchase, borrow, or rent the equipment to clean such areas, you need to have a good understanding of the technique differences you need to use for the distinct areas. Both tasks that you will perform entail removing dirt, debris, and grime. However, the materials used to make a fence and a house vary a lot. This article explores the distinct technique differences that you need to be aware of when cleaning these two areas.
Pressure Level
The pressure level is a critical factor that you have to pay attention to when evaluating the technique differences. When cleaning a fence, especially a wooden one, you have to use a lower pressure configuration of around 500-800 PSI is recommended to reduce instances of potentially damaging the wood.
Power washing a house
High pressure can cause the wood to warp, splinter, or gouge. On the other hand, cleaning a house generally allows for more pressure level of between 1500 and 3000 PSI. The setting you decide to settle on should depend on the material used in your house. For instance, concrete and brick can handle high pressures. However, vinyl and painted siding may require moderate settings.
- Nozzle Type
The choice of the nozzle type is also quite important because it affects the effectiveness and safety of the process. For fences, especially wooden ones, a wider nozzle with a 25 to 40-degree angle is preferred. This spray pattern distributes the pressure evenly, minimizing the risk of damaging or gouging the wooden fibers. On the other hand, cleaning a house requires a narrower spray nozzle with a 15 to 25-degree angle, especially for tougher materials like brick and concrete. The concentrated spray provides the needed force to remove dirt and grime effectively. However, for delicate materials, a wider nozzle may still be needed to prevent possible destruction.
- Distance
Maintaining an appropriate distance between the nozzle and the area to be cleaned is crucial to prevent destruction and achieve effective results. For a fence, it is a good idea to keep a good distance, say between 12 and 18 inches. This assists to avoid stripping away the wood. It also prevents splintering due to the concentrated force of water. On the other hand, when cleaning a house, the distance will vary depending on the material. For tougher places, a closer distance of between 6 and 12 inches can do a great job of removing the debris and grime. For delicate materials, a larger distance of between 12 and 24 inches can do a great job.
- Angle
The angle you decide to hold the machine plays a crucial role in safely and effectively cleaning different areas. When cleaning your fence, it is important that you spray at a slight angle towards the area, usually around 45 degrees. This prevents the pressure from driving into the wood, a situation that can cause warping, swelling, or splintering. On the other hand, when cleaning a house, the angle should be downward, especially when cleaning siding. Doing this prevents water from being forced into the siding, which causes destruction, structural issues, or mold growth. Using this angle also ensures that dirt and debris are effectively washed away.
- Cleaning Solution
Selecting the right solution is also crucial to ensure that no destruction is caused. If are cleaning a wooden fence, then you need to use a mild solution that is specifically made for wood. Such a cleaner helps remove dirt, mold, and other debris without stripping away the natural oils or damaging the wood fibers. On the other hand, when cleaning a house, the solution used should be tailored to the exterior material. For instance, vinyl siding can benefit from a general-purpose exterior cleaner that removes grime, mold, and mildew. Other materials like stucco and brick can benefit from a more robust agent.
As you have seen, this method is a very effective method for different areas. However, if you want to enjoy its full benefits, you need a proper comprehension of the settings to use, especially in distinct areas. This article has given the different techniques to use when cleaning a fence vs when cleaning a house. The information given should help you make use of your machine in the right way. If it is too overwhelming, you might want to reach out to experts for assistance.
