How to Use a Pressure Washer to Clean a Deck
When most people think of Pressure Washing a Deck, what comes to mind is usually basic information that’s not particularly interesting or beneficial. But there’s a lot more to Pressure Washing a Deck than just the basics.
Your deck is an extension of your home. Using a pressure washer is a very efficient way of maintaining a beautiful deck for years to come. A pressure washing company can also profit greatly from pressure cleaning decks. Think of how many homes you know of with a deck, and all of them will need to be cleaned at some point in time.
Pressure Washer Tip: Gas Powered pressure washers are normally more powerful than electric powered pressure washers. High water pressure levels are ideal for cleaning large areas and removing tough stains. They are typically very portable, and therefore commonly found in industrial settings. Gas-powered pressure washers must only be used outdoors due to carbon monoxide emissions.
Not everyone will want to do this themselves, for those that do, a pressure washer is still the only way to go.
Over time your deck will begin to show age from the weather, tracked on dirt, and even grease and food from your BBQ grill. All of these elements can make your deck look old in a hurry. Depending on the type of stains you are trying to remove from your deck you will want to pick appropriate chemicals.
A general house wash chemical will usually handle most all deck applications.
Pressure Washer Tip: Electric Powered pressure washers are lightweight and conveniently used around the home, or for light industrial projects. They are limited in cleaning power production, but are very safe and extremely efficient. They are ideal for cleaning patio furniture and cars. Electric powered pressure washers can be used either indoors or outdoors and are extremely quiet. Electric powered pressure washers are designed for occasional use, typically about 2 hours per week.
Bleach is never recommended for any wood surface, it will cause the wood to swell and loose color, the swelling will keep sealers from penetrating into the wood.
The more authentic information about Pressure Washing a Deck you know, the more likely people are to consider you a Pressure Washing a Deck expert. Read on for even more Pressure Washing a Deck facts that you can share.
The recommended pressure for your deck will be between 1500 – 2000 psi, too much pressure can gouge or splinter you deck.
Pressure Washer Tip: How do pressure washers work? Pressure washers connect to a standard garden hose (or another water source). Their engine, high pressure hose, and nozzle all work together to create an accelerated water stream which can be about 50 times more powerful than a garden hose.
You may want to take aim at a few old boards to test how the deck will respond to pressure washing before beginning your deck restoration.
Start by connecting you pressure washer to the appropriate water supply, then turn your machine on. Using the black spray tip apply your chemical to the area you are working on, being sure to follow all the directions. For larger decks you may want to work in sections. After you have allowed the chemical to work, start cleaning by holding your wand at a 90 degree angle to the deck keeping your tip constantly moving.
Pressure Washer Tip: How much horsepower do I need? If you are unsure about choosing the right sized engine for your pressure washer, just keep this in mind: a higher horsepower engine is required to produce higher PSI and higher GPM, resulting in more CPU.
Once you have finished washing your deck you will need to give it 24 – 48 hours to dry before adding a sealer. When washing around corners you will want to use added caution to not damage the wood.
Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what’s important about Pressure Washing a Deck.
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