When you clean your house, you should not pressure wash anything that you do not want to be touched. This includes painted surfaces, stained wood, insulation and electrical wiring.
Aluminum window frames
Regardless of the type of aluminum window frames you own, there are a few common cleaning procedures you can follow. Whether you own a powder-coated aluminum or an anodized aluminum frame, you’ll need to take care of them to ensure they look as good as new.
The first step in cleaning aluminum window frames is to remove dirt and accumulated debris. You can use a dry scrub brush or a stainless-steel wire brush to remove any grime. It’s also a good idea to vacuum the area with a nozzle attachment.
Next, apply a mixture of water and a mild detergent to the frame. Be sure to rinse it off after a few minutes to remove any leftover dirt.
For stubborn stains, you can also use a commercial cleaner. You can purchase one online or at your local hardware store. However, make sure it’s safe to use on aluminum. If you’re not sure, you can always test it out on a small inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire frame.
Once you’ve wiped the entire frame clean, you can buff it with a soft, lint-free cloth. To protect the powder-coated finish, you can add a layer of wax. This will prevent scratches and abrasion from occurring.
Lastly, you’ll want to check for cracks or hidden areas. This is especially important with powder-coated aluminum.
After you’ve cleaned your aluminum window frame, you can use silicone spray to lubricate the hinges and other hardware. This will help to extend the life of your springs and grooves.
Ideally, you’ll want to set up a regular window cleaning schedule. A professional window cleaner can restore your aluminum windows to a like-new condition.
Stained wood
Using a pressure washer on a stained wood surface is not a good idea. This is because the machine can drive water behind your siding, leaving moisture under the paint. While this is not the end of the world, it will ruin your paint job over time.
The best way to avoid this is to wait until the weather cools off a bit. If your deck or fence is located in a humid climate, give it at least a day to dry out before staining. Also, be sure to use a quality, commercial grade machine. A reputable company will offer a warranty.
The most important part of any cleaning job is to ensure that the wood is properly dry before you do anything. If you don’t do this, your new coat of stain could end up peeling off and leaving a big ugly blotch. To minimize the number of coatings you apply, coat your fence with fence conditioner.
It’s also a good idea to test out a variety of cleaning solutions to find the best combination for your specific deck or fence. Having multiple options means you are less likely to pick the wrong one. You can always go back and try a different solution later, if your first try wasn’t enough.
Having a reputable contractor or company to perform the heavy lifting is also a good idea. Most contractors are happy to assist you, especially if you’re in a hurry. They’ll make sure to show you the best options for your project. Hopefully, you’ll find something you like!
Of course, if you’re not in the market for a brand-new fence, you may want to consider cleaning and sealing it to extend its life. Having a well-sealed, clean, and conditioned wood fence can save you from a costly replacement in the future.
Painted surfaces
If you have painted walls, roofs, or other surfaces you need to be careful not to pressure wash. Pressure washing can ruin your paint job and damage your wood, brick, or metal. Using the wrong tools can cause damage to your painted surfaces and even kill live things.
There are two main types of power washing – soft washing and pressure washing. Soft washing is a low-pressure approach that uses safe, eco-friendly cleaning solutions to remove dirt, grime, and other unwanted elements from your surfaces. It is a much safer method for cleaning your home than using high-pressure water, which can strip paint and leave your car bare.
Pressure washing, on the other hand, is an all-out assault on your paint and can be a nightmare. Using too much power can etch your paint, strip the surface finish, or splinter your wood. Using the right equipment is the first step towards cleaning and protecting your surfaces.
For pressure washing painted wood to be considered successful, it must first be a properly prepared surface. This requires removing debris, old mortar, and loose paint from the surface. In addition to removing dust and debris, the process also cleans the surface so that new paint will adhere properly.
For the best results, a wide-angled nozzle is recommended. A 25-degree nozzle is the optimum for this task. The right angle will not only ensure that the best possible clean is achieved but will also prevent slaking off your paint chips.
Another tip is to use the nozzle at the far end of your hose. You don’t want to have to wiggle the nozzle around as you work. Once you have a few swipes, move away from the surface to ensure the nozzle doesn’t gouge your wood.
Concrete
Concrete should not be pressure washed too often, especially if it is not in the best condition. There are many risks associated with contaminated concrete. Some of the hazards include slip and fall, mold growth, and health problems.
If you power wash a newly poured concrete surface, you may damage the bonds in the concrete and cause it to crumble. Additionally, you will remove the top layer of the concrete. The top layer is what makes the concrete hard. Therefore, you should wait at least a year to power wash a freshly poured concrete surface.
Power washing too frequently can also damage a concrete surface. In addition, the abrasive action of the water will likely scratch away at the surface. To prevent this, you should only power wash the concrete when it is in the best shape.
Before you start, you should make sure you have the right equipment. If you haven’t done this before, it’s a good idea to read the owner’s manual for the equipment. It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing.
Aside from that, you should be aware of the pressure you can apply to the surface. You want to choose a pressure washer that can deliver water with a good amount of force. This will help you to achieve a clean, streak-free finish.
Pressure washing is an effective method of cleaning a wide variety of surfaces. It is often used to clean outdoor furniture and walls. However, it can also be damaging to your property. Moreover, if you are using a ladder, it can be dangerous.
The nozzle you use should also be a good fit for the task at hand. Ideally, a 25-degree nozzle is the best.
Insulation and electrical wiring
When installing insulation around electrical wiring you have a few options. You can go with loose fill, rigid foam, or blankets. Loose-fill is the easiest to install and is most likely to encounter wiring in an unfinished attic ceiling. Rigid foam and blankets can be a bit trickier to fit behind wiring.
The best way to insulate electrical wires is to use a conductive material. This type of insulation can be made from natural materials, such as wood, plastic, and glass. However, the most effective types are usually derived from synthetic materials, like polyurethane.
In addition to being a good insulator, these types of materials are also easy to install and require very little maintenance. Some are even rated to resist electrical short circuits, making them the obvious choice for insulating your home’s electrical system.
The best way to do this is to insulate the area around the wiring in a series of continuous lengths of 15 feet or so. This should be aided by straps no more than four and a half feet apart. Make sure you leave at least a three-inch gap between the insulation and the wiring for optimal airflow.
Using the proper insulation material can not only help you keep energy costs down, but it can also add a layer of protection against the elements. If the weather is a challenge, you can also insulate conductors in flexible tubing. Alternatively, you can insulate the wires using a specialized insulator, such as a foil wrapped insulation board.
One of the best ways to protect your home and family from the hazards associated with the electrical system is to ensure that you adhere to the local electrical code. The code is written to ensure that you are safe from any pitfalls that can be caused by faulty wiring or inadequate maintenance.
