Winter is finally here, and as most of the country grapples with freezing temperatures and harsh winter conditions, the mild Baton Rouge winter can be a preferable time to tackle pressure washing projects instead of in the heat of the summer. Winter pressure washing can also prevent the buildup of grime and mildew on surfaces that thrive in cooler, damp climates. Here are some tips for cleaning different surfaces this winter:
Use the Correct Pressure to Wash Brick and Concrete
Pair Baton Rouge's damp climate with cooler winter temperatures and you get the perfect conditions for mildew to build on brick and concrete surfaces. It’s best if you primarily focus on surfaces that spend most of the winter in the shade or out of direct sunlight.
It is imperative to choose the correct pressure washer tip and solution for your surface to avoid causing damage. The older the surface, the more porous and fragile it can be, so make sure you test an area on the lowest setting and gradually increase until you find one that is effective.
When cleaning brick or concrete surfaces, hold the tip about two feet from the surface and use a consistent sweeping motion that will evenly apply the spray. An even application will help minimize streaking and prevent damage. You can also further protect your brick or concrete surfaces by keeping the spray at a slight angle.
NOTE: Stucco and Roofs are best cleaned with the Soft Wash Method. Soft Wash is a process the uses High Volume (4 to 8 gpm) and Low Pressure (100 – 250 psi) combined with a Surfactant (soap) and High Concentrated Bleach (usually 10% to 12.5%). The proper mixture of chemicals to the volume of water is important and also reduces the chances for problems. NEVER use a power washer to clean a roof or stucco. It does not take much pressure to damage either surface. Sometimes these projects are best performed by professionals who have the proper equipment and experience.
Give Bozeman a call before you try to wash your roof or clean your stucco. The time you spend with us discussing your project will probably save you many dollars and many hours of grief trying to correct your problems.
Test-Clean Areas Before Pressure Washing Wood
People often wonder what the safest pressure washer setting is for wood surfaces, and the answer is that it depends on your particular surface. It is best to begin any wood pressure washing project with the lowest, yet still effective, pressure setting and test it out in a small, inconspicuous area of your wood deck or walkway. Then gradually increase the setting until you find one that will help you achieve your desired results without damaging the wood surface.
It is important to remember that in the winter, wood surfaces are tighter from the cold and may require more pressure to loosen dirt and stains from the wood's pores. Be careful not to overdo it to protect the integrity of the surface.
As you clean your wood surface with a pressure washer, make sure to work with the wood's grain and spray evenly in a sweeping motion. This will prevent visible cleaning marks and give your deck or other wood surfaces a uniform, clean look.
Check for Cracks or Chips Before Pressure Washing Stucco
While stucco is a popular alternative to other standard materials, it is also notorious for accumulating grime and mildew over time. This is especially true during the cool, damp winter months in Baton Rouge. Pressure washing stucco can also be more time consuming than other surfaces, so winter may be the best time for a project like this because it is not as hot outside.
It is important to first examine your stucco for chips or cracks where water from the pressure washer can seep in. These areas should be repaired before washing or avoided to prevent damage.
Because stucco is more fragile than other surfaces, it is important to hold the pressure washer nozzle a minimum of two feet away as you clean. With a low-pressure setting, spray the stucco at an angle to protect the surface.
You will need to treat each section of stucco with the proper detergent before washing. This is why you should clean your stucco in overlapping sections to avoid missing anything and prevent the detergent from drying.
Get Custom Equipment
The most essential step in tackling the pressuring washing of any of these surfaces in the winter in Baton Rouge is buying the best equipment. Bozeman uses only the highest-quality components and equipment that can be custom-built to meet the specifications and needs of your home or business. Having the best equipment will make all the difference in your pressure washing projects this winter.
For over 50 years Bozeman Distributors has been helping the Baton Rouge area with their pressure and power washing needs. Bozeman builds and services custom pressure washers that are perfect for keeping your home and business clean.