Powerwashing entails much more than simply renting or purchasing a machine then finding something to clean. Powerwashing is a science, incorporating physics, hydraulics and chemistry. It requires ample training to clean correctly and efficiently while not damaging property. Then use proper cleaning methods, as well as attention to areas that require extra caution with a certain amount of expertise and experience... So hire a professional. 

More Information:

What is Powerwashing?

 Why Powerwash?

 Too Far Gone

Concrete Wash

Contact PPW

Do-it-yourself?

Educate Yourself!

Powerwashing or pressure washing is the application of high pressure water spray that will vary from 600 to 10,000 lbs, depending on the requirements. This pressure is produced by specially designed pumps, either electric or gas powered units. The spray from these washing machines is obviously hundreds of time more powerful than the typical garden hose. On concrete it can be used to remove unsightly mold, bubble gum and other dirt stains. Wood decks and fences can be returned to the look of new wood, void of graying and fatigued finishes.

The powerwash machine consists of a pump, a power source (typically a gas engine or electric motor), a pressure hose with a wand handle and nozzle on the end to direct and consolidate the spray. A standard garden hose is used to supply the unit with water to be pressurized. The spray is directed at the area to be cleaned and surface is "blasted" with the high pressure water at practiced angles for best penetration. A pre-soak, or the additions of cleaning chemicals previous to wash time can assist the cleaning action. The type of cleaning agent that can be used will vary depending on the surface to be cleaned. The material you would use for a clean a concrete driveway and than a wood deck or fence would be different. 

Without appropriate care, the picture above shows what can happen to your wood deck or fence. This can be prevented with routine powerwash maintenance cleanings and routine sealings. Once a deck or fence has been neglected for too many seasons, the only remedy may be to replace it. So consider the alternative - Powerwashing.

Dirt, Mold and Mildew

Not only is mold and mildew an unsightly plague on your wood surfaces, it does damage by retaining moisture which leads to rot. Dirt and debris between joints holds in mold and rot far longer than simple rain, snow and ice. By keeping joints and cracks clear of dirt, old leaves and other debris, and then regular sealing of the surfaces you can decrease the rot that occurs. Some rot is inevitable, all surfaces exposed to the weather extremes of planet earth with break down. Some wood projects are designed with some flaws which create an environment that never dries out or drain weather away. At this point cleaning won't help the rot issue, but we one can try to rebuild these areas to route away water or eliminate them entirely.

Proper maintenance and upkeep is key to long use and enjoyment of your wood structures in and around your home.

Types of Powerwash jobs to consider:

High Pressure Deep Powerwash

This process will blast out trapped dirt, mold and debris caught in cracks as well as loose stains and paint. Cleaning products and pre-soaks are usually required here. This treatment is primarily for decks and wood areas that have been neglected for long periods or if have been exposed to harsh weather conditions. This process, if used repeatedly can and will damage the wood surface. It's only recommended for extreme cases and in certain areas for treatment.

Low pressure - Powerwash Maintenance Cleaning

Done at lower pressures for well maintained decks. This process will wash away loose surface dirt and debris from between the wood planks that can trap mold and mildew. This process takes about half the time as a Deep Powerwash Cleaning. The maintenance refers to just that... routinely keep your wood areas clean from dirt and mold, then apply sealants as needed, your wood surfaces can last for decades. 

Too Far Gone

Every once in a while I come across a deck or fence that is too far gone. I refuse the job, as I'll just be wasting money for the customer. In these cases the wood surfaces and structure should probably be torn out and replaced. An opportunity to upgrade a redesign. Then once you have built your new deck, fence or outdoor project, take care of it! 

Plan yearly maintenance for your wood desk and fences, just like you would for cleaning the cutters at your roof each fall (you do that right?) Spring time is powerwashing time! 

New Decks and Fences are expensive - routine maintenance is more than worth the effort to take care of this added value and investment to your home or business.

Concrete

Powerwashing can blast away mold stains and trapped dirt from your concrete driveways and walkways. Large area surfaces can be cleaned uniformly with proper equipment and technique. With addition of chemical washing solutions some oil and grease stains can be improved. I say improved, not necessarily removed. Long term oil and grease stains from vehicles may never come out, it may be simply down too deep. Steam or hot water pressure washers can help here, it is a more pricey remedy, but then sometimes the only remedy. Again, clean and seal is the message here. Powerwashing is only part of the solution in your maintenance routines. There are numerous sealing products for concrete, when applied to manufactures specs do a good job of help protecting your concrete areas. 

A couple of things to consider for new projects you may have planned:

I have one customer that has a extremely rough surface concrete drive that he had installed to keep his travel trailer on, he also added some surrounding walkways. The rough surface was installed into the surface during construction, it was intended to keep the surface non-slip. It works very well, even in icy conditions... however - the surface may be a little too rough, as it collects a lot of dust and dirt, which in turn collects mold build-up, especially in the damp corners. The only cleaning solution is a time-intensive, high pressure powerwashing every two or three years. Once powerwashed,  the difference is amazing and it looks anew every time. But in this case no amount of sealing could make a difference. This was also a colored concrete job, if not for the color built into the concrete throughout, it could not withstand the constant cleaning and maintain it's color.

Do-it-yourself?

Ok, if after reading all the above and you still want to tackle powerwashing yourself. You must do your best to educate yourself. That's right... you have to read a book or actually do the work, this ain't the Matrix. There are two resources listed below. Once you do that, research even more and purchase your equipment. If you want to do anything more that wash mud off your pick-up truck, you'll need a substantial unit capable of at least 2500 to 3000 lbs. 

Here's a list for cold water washing:

1. A 2500 to 4000 lb Powerwasher unit - Get a Honda engine or a similar commercial unit

2. A Good heavy duty wand handle - a good one may come with your washer unit

3. 50 to 150 ft of high pressure hose - 50 ft sections with quick connectors

4. A dedicated garden hose - a big 75 ft industrial type (rubber)

5. Numerous spray tips - Stream to a Wide Fan

6. Special Tip - Rotary Type for doing brick and stone and tough stuff

I strictly advise you not to get cheap. I am not saying not to shop wise, but always go one bigger and better than you think you need and you won't be sorry. Even if you only intend on using your equipment a couple times a year, you'll want it to be dependable year after year and you'll want to do bigger jobs as they arise. If you come across used equipment, beware, you don't how it was used it or how it was maintained.

OK... now that you committed yourself. Start small with low pressures and be patient! Just because what ever your cleaning doesn't blast off on the first past does not mean you crank that puppy of full throttle and go to the rotary tip. Practice, Practice, Practice!

I still advise for the big projects like your new $10,000 redwood deck, hire a professional!

A quick word about bleach.

Bleach destroys wood fibers (yes really) and can stain other surfaces. If you must use it - Dilute it! then wash it down - rinse, rinse and rinse some more. Never let the bleach solution set on wood surfaces for long periods. If it's going to work, it will work right away.