Read this before renting a power washer - Common DIY mistakes to avoid

   Those in the Greater Akron area enjoy the fresh, clean look that power washing can provide to their homes and properties. Many rental companies have power and pressure washing equipment for rent at affordable prices, which may entice some to approach power washing with a do-it-yourself mentality.  At JCpowerwashing Akron, we have seen too many horror stories to recommend this approach.  Consider this: an Akron local has rented a power washer, and accidently applied too much pressure, now the wood in their porch is scored and dented, or their vinyl siding is cracked.  Would this cost more than hiring a professional in the first place?  Of course, the answer is yes!  And some damage, like in the case of home siding, can lead to other problems that all should have been avoided in the first place.

Too much pressure

The number one DIY mistake is applying too much pressure for the surface required.  Its easy to do, just attach the incorrect nozzle.  Too much pressure can, and will, damage the surface that its supposed to be cleaning.  Instead of merely blasting away dirt and debris, a water jet with too much pressure will cut into surfaces like a knife, leaving deep gouges in wood, removing paint or stain from a surface, causing broken windows, or denting metal and vinyl.  As you can imagine these can be costly to replace and an eyesore to live around.  Its often cheaper, faster, and gives better results to hire a professional like JCpowerwashing Akron from the get go.

No Cleaning Agent

  Not using any cleaning agent is another common mistake that we often see. Surfectants decrease the surface tension between a liquid and another substance in gas, liquid, or solid form. It helps soap to mix with water, and helps soap to penetrate into insoluble soils so that they can be swept away by the stream of water. Those that forget, or choose to not use a cleaning solution will often ramp up the pressure to make up for the lack of cleaning, which will often only cause damage instead. Don't skip the soap, it is an integral part of the power and pressure washing process. If you're concerned about harsh chemicals, Eco-Friendly cleaning agents are available on request that are biodegradeable, non-toxic, and are safe for landscaping.

Electrical Hazard

  Power washers come with two types of power source, a gasoline engine or an electric motor. Gasoline engines have a choke, throttle, use a pull cord to start. Electric motors merely plug in to an outlet and use a switch to start. While electric motors are easier to start, when used incorrectly or in an unsafe manner, there is a risk of electric shock and fire hazard to consider. Use care and follow all manufacturer instructions to avoid personal and property damage from power washers.

Personal Injury

  We touched on the hazards of mixing water and electricity in the last paragraph but power and pressure washers can cause serious injury to exposed skin as well. Personal Protective Equipment is highly recommended, as well as fully closed-toe shoes. 'Medium-duty' Power and pressure washers spray water starting at 2800 PSI (pounds per square inch) and 2 GPM (Gallons per minute), whereas professional machines start at 3200 PSI, which is like an American Bison standing with all its weight on a space the size of a quarter. This amount of pressure can cut into skin and can remove limbs. Always treat a power washer with the caution that it deserves and be aware of who and what is in the area.

With JCpowerwashing Akron, Hiring a pro is not as expensive as you may think

The cost of hiring a professional power washing company like JCpowerwashing Akron, is not as much as you might think...or may have been quoted for in the past. We boast that we are 'Akron's Most Affordable Power Washing Service' and we mean it, costing up to half the price of the 'Big Guys'. Not only do we power wash buildings, windows, and rooftops, we also clean and seal concrete, to protect your investment from rough Ohio winters where salts and melting snow do big damage to concrete. The price of these services depends on the amount of property to be power washed, but we offer FREE QUOTES! Its risk free and the price, will surprise you. 

If you want your home, building, or commercial property power washed, call JCpowerwashing Akron at 330-800-4910 or send us a message 24/7 to have a representative get back with you