When the weather turns colder and we start to stay at home more often, our attention naturally turns to long-delayed home improvement projects, and cleaning tasks that we have been putting off for months. One of these is pressure washing outside. During the course of each year, an awful lot of dirt, grease and grime accumulates on the surface of our driveways, along with the other exterior surfaces around our properties. As well all know, the fastest and most convenient way to clean this accumulation from all durable exterior surfaces – driveways, paths, decking, terraces and patios – is with high-quality pressure washer surface cleaners. Unfortunately, however, the winter weather presents a unique set of issues that need to be overcome if you wish to pressure wash exterior surfaces at this time of year, as we discuss below.
Winter Pressure Washing 101: How to Ensure That Nothing Goes Wrong
As you would expect, all of the issues faced by homeowners who want to use pressure washers in the winter are related to the weather or, to be more precise, the ambient outdoor temperature. The colder temperatures that we experience during the winter months can be very hard on equipment as well as people. However, by following our suggestions and taking a careful, methodical approach, you should be able to pressure wash all exterior surfaces this winter, safely and efficiently. Whether you live close to us in Massapequa, somewhere else in Oyster Bay, or even thousands of miles away, our dos and don’ts will work for you.
Pressure Washing “Dos”
Do Increase Water Temperature
The biggest problem you will face when using pressure washers in the wintertime is the risk of freezing. Standing water that freezes on driveways and paths can be a danger to you, due to the risk of slipping and hurting yourself. You also need to consider your equipment: if water freezes inside pipes or jets it could cause considerable damage to your pressure washer. By using warmer water than you would in the summer, you can minimize the possibility of freezing water damaging your pressure washer or creating a slip hazard on exterior surfaces.
Do Take Advantage of the Sun
By focusing on areas that are receiving direct sunlight, you can further minimize the chances of ice affecting you or your equipment when pressure washing in the winter months. This approach will also help to ensure that water left on washed surfaces will evaporate quickly, before it has a chance to freeze.
Do De-Ice Surfaces Before You Start
To make your job much easier and to ensure you do not slip over on icy patches that have already formed on exterior surfaces, you should de-ice before you start. You can do this by applying a standard surface de-icer such as salt, sand or magnesium chloride.
Do Store Your Pressure Washer in a Warm, Dry Location
If you leave your pressure washer outside in the winter, you may find that ice causes problems before you even have a chance to get started. To avoid the possibility of water freezing inside your washer while it is being stored, we recommend keeping it in a dry, warm location. If this is not possible, try to move it to such a location a few hours before you want to use it.
Pressure Washing “Don’ts”
Don’t Forget to Test Your Cleaning Solution
Cleaning chemicals often behave differently at lower temperatures, which means you may need to use them in higher concentrations during the colder months of the year. To see if this is necessary, we suggest washing a small area first and examining the results of your labor carefully. If the results are not as good as anticipated, you will need to adjust the ratios of the chemicals you are using in your cleaning solution.
Don’t Go Outside Unprotected
If you are planning to pressure wash your driveway in the middle of winter, you need to wear suitable clothing. Pressure washing in sub-zero temperatures without dressing for the weather is a big mistake: the combination of freezing temperatures and lots of water makes hypothermia a genuine risk. With this in mind, we recommend wearing the best quality winter clothing you have, including thermal underwear if necessary. You should also wear boots or shoes with excellent grip, just in case you encounter any slippery surfaces before de-icing.
Don’t Tackle the Job if You Have Doubts
If you are not confident in your ability to pressure wash in the wintertime or you’d simply rather have the work performed by a team of professionals, don’t even get your equipment out. Instead, search for “pressure washing near me”, select a reputable company from those that operate in your area, and ask them to come and wash your driveway, paths and decking. If you are really not keen on tackling the job yourself, it will be much safer and more convenient to hire experienced professionals.
Of course, if you are looking for a team that specializes in pressure washing in Massapequa, Oyster Bay, you’re already in the right place. Just pick up your phone and call 631-421-2295 for immediate assistance. As highly experienced and fully insured exterior cleaning specialists, we’re able to undertake all types of residential and commercial pressure washing jobs in this part of the country. Whether your home driveway is in desperate need of attention or you want to spruce up your corporate headquarters, get in touch with us now.