Pressure washing your home can be a cost-effective way to increase curb appeal and overall value.
But before the pressure washing team you hired arrives, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your home—and yourself!
Here are five top tips to prepare your home for pressure washing.
Five things to do to prepare for pressure washing
#1 – Bring in the pros
Hire a professional pressure washing company -OR- learn and employ proper, safe pressure washing techniques before attempting to wash on your own.
A professional pressure washing company ensures your home is washed properly and no one (including objects or surfaces) gets harmed.
#2 – Add a layer of protection
Before the day arrives for your pressure washing service, make sure you take steps to protect plant life and decorative items.
You can do this by moving them from areas being washed or covering them temporarily. Keep in mind, however, that you can’t cover them too long as plants can die from being covered – even for a short time, especially on warm, sunny days. At the very least, rinse your plants frequently.
#3 – Shut those windows
While this one should go without saying, it’s easy to forget to check all the windows in your home before pressure washing.
Canvas the entire property to ensure windows are closed tightly near washing areas.
#4 – Check your exterior electrical outlets for gaps and/or failing foam gaskets
Outside electrical outlets, if older, may have gaps between the outlet plate and wall where water could infiltrate. This could potentially cause the outlet to short-circuit, leaving you with a temporary power outage and a possible electrician bill exceeding $100.
If you find gaps between the outlet plate and wall, you may want to cover the gaps with tape or plastic before washing (and if hiring someone – notify them of your findings).
#5 – Stay out of danger
While we always recommend using a professional pressure washing company, you may be tempted to test your pressure washing skills.
If this is the case and you choose to wash your property, avoid washing from heights, ladders, or other areas where falling is a possibility.
Pressure washing, if done properly, can create a pristine environment for you and your family.
But, if you fail to take the right precautions, it can also lead to serious injuries. So, let the pros handle it.
#6 – Use the right amount of pressure
Whether power washing or pressure washing, you can easily cause permanent damage to most surfaces if you don’t know what you’re doing.
If you use too much pressure, bad things can happen.
So, again, we recommend at least consulting with a professional pressure washer before doing the pressure washing yourself.
Final thoughts on prepping for pressure washing
Preparation is key when it comes to pressure washing your home.
By hiring a professional, covering screens and vents, or closing those windows, you can help ensure that the job is done right—and that your home stays in good shape for years to come.
If you’re ready to start your pressure washing journey, call us at +1 (717) 533-2240 or contact us to set up a free consultation.