While the idea of using water to clean a sidewalk might seem redundant, it has more benefits than you think. Nobody likes looking at mildew and mold growth. Walls, sidewalks, courtyards and other outdoor surfaces are prone to nasty patches of green, brown and black grime. Not only does it look unappealing, but this kind of gunk also has a repelling smell and can be so slick that it causes slips and falls.
Winter is not the only time of year where slipping is predictable. As soon as the ice melts, there are new problems that arise. Damp, moist, and dirty environments cause mold, so when the weather warms and ice turns to water, funguses start to sprout. Shady areas are particularly prone to fungi spore development. So, the combination of dirt, debris, and moist surfaces is the culprit and pressure washing becomes the obvious solution. With the ability to remove the dirt and debris, pressure washing prevents initial mold multiplication from happening at all. It can also help to fix a mold problem that has gotten out of hand.
When to Pressure Wash
Slippery Surface
Have you walked toward your workplace in the spring, summer or fall, and noticed that the sidewalks feel slick? If you are having trouble walking safely on sidewalks, outdoor walkways or courtyard paths, consider pressure washing. If it is challenging to stand without slipping, then it is a more serious problem. As time goes on, mold builds up quickly, so it is important to address the problem as fast as possible to prevent potential slippages. Falling is one of the most common causes of injury and it can be the cause of serious injury or even fatality.
Strange Colors or Growths
Mold comes in a variety of colors from black to white, brown to purple, orange to red and pink to yellow. Black or greenish-black mold can be particularly dangerous to human health and is notorious for being known as toxic black mold. You may think that mold far away, such as high up on a building where no human will interact with it, has no negative impact. However, mold can eat away at structures of all material (even concrete), causing damage to everything it touches. Pressure washing preserves your building for years to come.
Smells
Sometimes mildew merely smells musty, but it can also smell rotten. Inhaling mold has been known to cause health issues with many claiming headaches, fatigue, and nausea, but it is widely inconclusive. Some types of mold seem to cause allergic reactions or breathing problems. Overall, the risks of mold to humans and structures are high and should not be overlooked.
Pressure Washing Benefits
Water Speed
According to Pressure Washr, the speed of water out of a pressure washer with orifice size, 0.052 inches, is about 243 mph. Pressured water comes out of the nozzle rapidly, which allows for a quick, effective surface clean.
Exterior Painting
Re-painting or touching up an exterior surface with paint is a lot of work. To prep surfaces for paint, they need to be cleaned. This may seem like an impossible task without the assistance of pressure washing. Pressure washing is much faster and more efficient than using buckets and rags on an entire structure. It requires less labor and time. In addition, exterior walls can be challenging to clean by hand not just because of size, but because they are often textured, which makes it more difficult to clean every nook and cranny.
What Can Pressure Washing Remove?
Pressure washing is a multi-tool for exterior removals of all kinds. Mold and mildew are the most obvious problems pressure washing can take care of, but there are more things pressure washers can remove. Oil, grease, old paint, stains, gum and graffiti; pressure washers can handle all these common problems and more.
Common Misconceptions
Pressure Washing Can be Used on Everything
Be careful to avoid damaging lackluster walls and vinyl panels. As mentioned, pressured water is fast, which means it can be damaging if used improperly. Experts know whether a surface is right for the job, so it is best to consult professionals before going for it yourself.
Pressure Washing Will Remove Every Discoloration
Although powerful, some stains can withstand the strength of pressure washers. Paint touchups can fix that problem, but do not expect pressure washing to be the only solution to moldy growth. Pressure washing cannot rebuild damage either. If growths eat away at a wall, more work will be needed to completely rectify the issue.
Pressure Washing is Expensive
Pressure washing is an affordable option because it cleans up dirt and grime quickly and prevents further damage which could cost far more than an annual pressure wash. However, it may be a bit more costly if buildings are tall enough to require a lift. There are a variety of special needs for every structure and MSNW’s experts can help with specific needs. We offer pressure washing to boost worker health and make facilities stand out as clean and kempt places of business.