At first glance, pressure washing might seem like a simple weekend chore, but its complexities run quite deep. With over a decade of experience working with Vancouver’s homeowners and businesses, we’ve picked up a few facts everyone should know when looking for a professional pressure washing service.
1. More Power Is Not Better
Pressure washing power is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI for short. The most common machines are somewhere between 1,000-3,000 PSI. While having a machine with 3x the power might be appealing to some, more power is not always better.
If you use too much power on the surface you’re trying to clean, you’ll end up causing quite a bit of damage. It’s common to see splintered wood patios, cars with stripped paint, or home exteriors with dents caused by inexperienced pressure washer users. The key is to use only the right amount of power to get the job done. No more, no less.
2. A Number Of Factors Affect Cleaning Potential
While power does play a major role in a pressure washer’s ability to clean, there are a number of other factors that can affect the final result.
Nozzle Selection
Nozzles change the direction of the pressure washing stream. They can tightly focus it for power, or fan out the stream for softer surfaces. Nozzles typically come with a 0º, 15º, 25º, and 40º head. IMAGINE also has a range of extension attachments to get into those hard-to-reach areas. Selecting the right nozzle and attachment helps safely clear away gunk and debris without damaging the cleaning surface.
Distance From Surface
The closer the nozzle is to the surface, the more focused and powerful the stream. Even with the 40º nozzle, standing too close to some surfaces (like softwood patios) can cause damage. Our years of expertise have helped us learn the right combination of nozzle attachment, distance, and cleaning surface material to give you the best clean.
Cleaning Agents
Some of those tough grease or paint stains won’t come out without the correct cleaning agents. After identifying the stain, we can add the best cleaning agent to our pressure washers to get rid of just about any kind of built-up grime.
3. Pressure Washing Was Invented By Accident
Just like safety glass, the Slinky, and inkjet printers, pressure washing was discovered accidentally. In 1926, Frank W. Ofeldt II learned the wonders of pressure washing while working on his whisky stills. Frank noticed one day that when the wet steam coming out of his whisky still hit his garage floor, it started removing the grease stains. This spurred him into action to create a pressure washing device.
4. Pressure Washing Injuries Send Approximately 6,000 People To The E.R. Every Year
The stream from a pressure washer can cut through shoes, clothes, and even your skin. There has even been a strong motion to remove the 0º nozzle head from circulation due to the injuries it causes. When operating a pressure washer it’s vital to wear the right safety equipment and operate the machine properly. Never point the nozzle at someone else, and be very careful when aiming the spray downwards. You wouldn’t want to accidentally hit your toes with the jet stream.
Our staff are fully trained in using all of our pressure washing equipment safely and know the right time to use high pressure.
5. Certain Attachments Suit Certain Surfaces
Maybe you’ve seen us around Vancouver cleaning up the sidewalks with our surface cleaner. This large, circular pressure washing machine destroys the dirt and stains packed into our sidewalks by millions of walking feet. It also eliminates any grease or oil stains created on driveways and garage floors.
IMAGINE also has all the attachments to reach the second story of your home without a ladder, the cleaning agents for any job, and every type of nozzle for any surface.
At IMAGINE, we have the right combination of equipment, cleaning agents, and experience to deliver excellent pressure washing results. If you’re interested in a professional pressure washing service, contact us for a free quote. We’ll do what it takes to make it better outside. Because for us, it’s not just a service from our cleaning crew: it’s a service from one life to another.