A huge range in quality can be found in Howard County pressure washing services from experienced, properly trained cleaners to handymen with little or no experience. To make sure you get the best rates and quality of care:
Why the Right Equipment is Important
Choosing the right pressure washing equipment is critical to handle every type of surface and every type of stain. Top brands like Apache, Blue Clean and Brave Pro make electric washers that are great for the homeowner with small jobs and gas powered washers are better for heavy duty pressure washing in Howard County. Make sure the machine you get is strong enough for the job and the PSI (pounds of pressure per square inch) is adjustable. For pressure washing a deck in Columbia, Ellicott City, Woodstock and Woodbine you will want to start at 2,000 PSI, but for removing rust or oil stains on concrete you will need to start with a PSI of at least 3,000. Can the machine dispense cleaning solution as well as water? Are there multiple nozzle heads, or adjustable nozzles that allow you to clean both concrete and more delicate surfaces? If you are washing the side of house you will need an extended 10 or 12 foot wand.
*Do not use a ladder while power washing in Howard County it is a serious safety hazard.
Avoiding Surface Damage
Even though it is just water, you must respect it’s power. Used too aggressively a pressure washer can damage nearly any type of surface. Be most careful on corners, around grout, painted or stained surfaces, and wood. Start low on your PSI then work your way up until the gunk and grime is removed.
Start spraying with the widest spray your tip will allow (usually 25 degrees but up to 40), and then narrow as needed. This will allow you to gauge the strength of the spray and see its effect.
*Warning - Avoid using equipment around pets and other people. Dogs will sometimes mistake the sprayer for a toy and can be injured before you even realize they have run into the spray.
Final tip from the pros: select a small patch of surface as a test spot. It can be any place that is less visible where you can test building up the PSI to make sure paint doesn't start to peel, wood grain gets too worn down, or brick starts to chip away.
Power Washing Decks in Howard County
The average deck cleaning service in Howard County will cost you roughly $300 as long as the job can be completed by machine and does not require hand scrubbing.
If you want to try your hand at pressure washing a deck in Howard County on your own you will want to use a fan tip with a 40 to 60 degree output and a 700 to 1200 PSI. Always start slow and ramp up the PSI only as needed. With a straight arm sweep back and forth in smooth, consistent strokes. Start with a PSI of 600 about 12 inches from the deck, keeping an eye on the deck so that you know when to adjust.
Low Pressure Cleaning For Home Siding/Stucco
It is critical that your provider use soft, low pressure cleaning for the sides of your home whether it is stucco, vinyl siding or wood. All surfaces are prone to peel and damage easily, particularly where the siding meets trim, doors and windows.
Pressure Washing Driveways/Sidewalk/Parking Lots
Driveways and sidewalks can require heavy duty power washing as oil stains and tire tracks are difficult to remove. It usually takes a 1/4 inch nozzle with a minimum 2,500 to 3,000 PSI to completely clean walkways. Commercial buildings, banks, malls and restaurants typically use quarterly or bi-monthly power washing services in Howard County from large truck mounted sprayers to clean everything from parking lots, retaining walls, curbs, gutters, store fronts and more.
How often should I have my home pressure washed?
Most pros recommend every 12 to 14 months. However, for people with lightly colored surfaces leaves and dirt tend to blow onto them regularly, then every 6 months will keep a home looking great year round.
Do I need to be home?
No. However if this is your first time getting power washing in Howard County then we recommend that you be present to make sure that all areas you want cleaned are covered, and to set expectations.
Does water get into cracks in siding and other porous surfaces of my home?
If you hire an amateur to wash your siding then they may use higher pressure to get the job done more quickly or they may just not know any better. Skilled cleaners will use low pressure settings, work carefully around seams and make sure that whenever possible the water spray will be directed at an angle that does not allow penetration into the surface.
Do you guarantee your work?
You want to only work with someone who will stand by their work and make sure their clients expectations are met. Money back guarantees are great but they can be tough to enforce. The best pressure washing companies in Howard County will come back and re-wash specific areas that you think are not quite clean.
Can you give a quote over the phone?
For many simple jobs like washing a driveway in front of a 2 or 3 car garage, yes you can get pricing over the phone. For more complex surfaces like decks, or walkways with brick and other style accents, it is best to have an on-site quote. You will avoid up charges once the cleaner shows up.
Is your cleaning solution environmentally friendly?
Make sure that cleaning solutions used are not just biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but that they are safe for your pets and plants.
Aptera professionals are ready today to help you clean any surface for your home or business so get started now.
