A Go-To Guide on High Pressure Washing a Building Exterior

A Go-To Guide on High Pressure Washing a Building Exterior

Farmhouses are critically-acclaimed for their simple, functional and practical designs. They offer farmers and farm owners a peaceful place to call home.

Despite being built-to-last, farmhouses require regular cleaning. Cleaning helps improve their aesthetic value and resale price.

Pressure washers are among the cleaning tools that you can use to clean the exteriors of your farmhouse.

Here's how to carry out a pressure washing endeavor on these sections of your building.

Pressure Washing the Siding

In this section, you’ll learn how to pressure wash your siding using different tools and materials.

You’ll discover how to prevent yourself from injuries or your property from physical damage.

Which Type of Pressure Washer Should You Use?

Pressure washers can either run on electric current or natural gas. Get a gas-powered pressure washer to clean your building’s exteriors. Gas-powered ones have a flow rate that’s two to three times faster than the electric ones.

Accessories and Materials

Your pressure washer should have at least 2,600 PSI and 2.3 GPM for this endeavor. You may choose to rent or buy the power cleaner if you don't have one.

If you consider renting, you may need the machine for up to three days to complete the job. If you consider buying the equipment, choose one that’s gas-powered with 2,600 PSI and 2.3 GPM.

The power cleaner should feature a soaping nozzle that can hold detergent. The device should come with an extension wand to allow you to clean areas you can’t reach with your hand. You should keep it 3-feet from the siding when using it.

The detergent helps you remove stains from your siding. Without it, the high-pressure water can damage your siding when trying to remove dirt.

Get eco-friendly detergent for this work. You may get a brush attachment as an accessory for scrubbing the grime and mildew of the wall.

What Are the Safety Precautions to Observe?

An exterior pressure washing endeavor may expose your building to damage. You risk getting injured in the process too.

You need to complete this exercise in the same physical state you were when you started it. Consider getting the taking the following precautions.

Clear the Surrounding Areas

Debris and tools found on your lawn can make you trip when cleaning your property’s exterior. Transfer these items to a secure place to avoid exposing them to moisture.

Take time to trim the bushes on crawling on your siding. You'll likely notice that there's a speck of dirt hidden behind those bushes.

Get Personal Protective Gear

Protective gear for this work includes gloves, eye protection, and rubber boots. Eye protection prevents your eyes from the collision between pressure washing and painting. Get glasses with a safety rating. Use gloves and boots made of rubber.

Be Cautious of the Power Lines

Your house may have power lines passing across the edge or above the ground. You risk electrocution if you touch a live wire. Use the extension wand at a safe distance to avoid contact with the cables.

Switch off all outdoor electrical outlets to prevent water exposure.

Use the Right Ladder

Ladders can help you access the top sections of your house. But you need to choose the right ladder for the job, as there are many types of ladders manufactured for different uses.

Choosing the wrong ladder may expose you to the risk of trips or falls from height.

What Does the Outside House Cleaning Work Entail?

Start the work by attaching a garden hose to your gas-powered pressure water.

Switch the device on and then insert a siphon tube into a soap mixed with water. Proceed with connecting the soaping nozzle to the equipment.

Use a bottom-up approach when applying detergent to your siding. Such a strategy helps minimize soap and dirt flowing to the dry spots of the wall. Leave the detergent for up to 10 minutes before spraying it away with the pressure washer nozzle set at 25 to 40 degrees.

Apply the soap again and rinse the siding from the top to the bottom side.

The wand should always be at a 90-degree angle to your farmhouse siding. Allow your property to dry once the wall appears to be clean. Remember to have damaged parts of your siding repaired before cleaning them.

Pressure Washing Your Gutters

Gutters make it easier for rainwater to pass from the roof into your water storage system. You can count on them to secure adequate water for your agricultural needs.

You need to pressure clean them to remove any accumulated debris that could cause flooding your yard.

Begin the work by wearing protective gear for safety measures. You’ll need a gutter cleaner, which takes the shape of a hook and is attached at the end of your extension wand. A gutter cleaner helps push out debris lying on your gutter.

Switch on the power cleaner after connecting the garden hose to it. Point the water jet into the gutters to initiate the cleaning exercise. Water coming from the nozzle helps disperse dirt from the gutters.

Repeat the exercise until you see clear water flowing from the gutters to the attached pipes.

Is Pressure Washing Worth Trying?

Pressure washing helps you get your farmhouse ready for resale or painting. Failing to remove the dirt from your siding and gutters can make the paint fade sooner than expected.

Both electric and gas-powered power cleaners are quite simple to operate. However, consider wearing safety gear when conducting a power washing house exercise.

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Speak to one of our representatives today to learn how our products can help you and your farm.