Pressure Washing FAQs

Finding The Right Time To Power Wash YOur House When you live in Memphis, TN, you definitely do not have nearly year-round perfect weather. The winters can be harsh with the snow. Summer can be nice. Residents can expect a warm and sunny day, but the warm and humid weather can have a negative impact on the outdoor surfaces that are most exposed to the environment. Mold and mildew can grow quickly on the exterior of your home, and they must be removed to keep the house’s integrity and beauty. Professional power washing companies, such as Southern Power Wash, can assist you in keeping the exterior of your Mempis, TN, home clean and mold-free. why is power washing your house a good idea Pressure washing a house is a great idea because mold and mildew can have serious negative effects on the integrity of your home. Just as you would not want algae and mold growing on the interior of your home, so too would you want to prevent this type of growth on the exterior. Mold spores can grow into a full infestation on the exterior surfaces of your home. Mold can cause black streaks and stains on your roof, concrete surfaces, or walls if not cleaned properly by a professional pressure washer. Mold and mildew can eventually cause severe damage to things like roof shingles, which will require professional repair. Another great reason to consider investing in power washing your home is the allergens and hazards to your family’s health that some mold and mildew around your home can have. If you or a loved one is very sensitive to pollen, dust, or other types of allergens in the air, you can count on them being in the environment when mold or mildew has grown in your home. To prevent any kind of sickness or health issues, be sure to contact our power washing business for a free estimate on your next pressure washing job. Be sure to provide ample time to get the job done just in case the weather turns sour unexpectedly. When Is the Best Time to Power Wash Your Home’s Exterior? One of the most frequently asked questions we get at Southern Power Wash is when is the best time to pressure wash your house in Tennessee. When you should hire a team to power wash your house will depend on the time of year and how long it has been since you had pressure washing done. If your home has been exposed to any particularly harsh conditions or you have seen the development of mold, rot, or deterioration, you will most certainly want to pressure wash your home’s siding and roof sooner rather than later. Be sure to contact a professional power washing company in Memphis, TN to get a free estimate on the service. When is the best season to power wash your home In general, mild weather is the best time to get the ideal power washing results. It is important that the temperature is not too hot or too cold. Obviously, freezing temperatures in the winter season or blistering heat in the middle of summer would not be right for pressure washing. For homes in the Memphis area, our team at Southern Power Wash recommends any time between the months of March and November. If you choose the summertime, we will want to come to your property early to avoid the highest temperatures of the day. the best temperature for power washing your home When our experienced pressure washer arrives at your Memphis, TN, home, we will explain to you when the best temperature for completing the wash is and why. Generally, we recommend mild temperatures to ensure that we are able to reduce mold, mildew, and any other contaminants from staining or damaging your home. When Should You Not Power Wash Your House in Memphis, TN? The worst time to pressure wash your home is during the extreme temperatures that occur throughout the year. The best weather is mild—not too hot or too cold, and we also like to have great daylight visibility. If there is too much cloud coverage, we may end up missing spots that will need to be cleaned again. So, the least ideal times to power wash your home are when the temperature is at its extreme, there is precipitation in the air, or the day is extremely cloudy. Our team at Southern Power Wash can let you know when the perfect time is to complete the job, but we can generally say that fall and spring will usually bring about the best weather. Contact Us to Learn More About the Best Time to Power Wash Your House Your Memphis, Tennessee, home is getting darker or stained because mold or other things are growing there. The warm and humid weather in Tennessee is great for living and doing things outside, but it can do a lot of damage to your house. That’s why it’s important to power wash your home as part of your regular maintenance schedule. When you have just applied a fresh coat of paint to your home, the last thing you want to see is staining from mold growth. If this happens, you will have to have the mold removed and likely put another coat of paint on the surface. As a way of preventing this waste of time and money, our team at Southern Power Wash recommends having pressure washing completed at regular yearly intervals. We highly recommend pressure washing your home before you paint it to help your home’s paint look its best and last a long time.  At Southern Power Wash, our team has the experience, skills, and expertise to get your home pressure washed quickly and effectively. With our pressure washing services in Memphis, TN, you will never have to worry about the growth of any unsightly contaminants or damage that they may cause. When fall or spring rolls around, be sure to give us a call

Refinishing wood decks: all you need to know A wooden deck is excellent for getting more out of your outdoor space. You can use the area for entertaining purposes, relaxing, or setting up an outdoor kitchen. However, while a wooden deck is a great feature, it comes with some maintenance that some people may find overwhelming. Besides regular cleaning, refinishing your deck is necessary to keep it in good shape. A refinished wood deck not only looks great, but it also protects the wood and extends its life. Of course, you can do it yourself to save on some cash, but it’s always a great idea to bring in professionals for a seamless finish. At Southern Power Wash, we offer professional pressure washing in preparation for your restoration services for all decks. Not only that, we clean and seal the decks on your structure to stretch out its lifespan. Having a well maintained deck is important in increasing the lifespan and integrity of it for years to come. WHY SHOULD I REFINISH MY WOODEN DECK? HOW DOES REFINISHING PROTECT MY DECK? Refinishing a deck helps maintain its nice look and protects it from moisture-related damage, thus prolonging its lifespan. For many homeowners looking to refinish their deck, the question becomes; should I stain, paint or seal? If you’ve had a similar issue, here is a breakdown that may help you decide what you should go for. seal If you want to highlight the deck’s natural wood grain, using a sealant is a great choice. A sealant is a clear protective coating that sits on the wood. It will provide a degree of UV protection to the wood surface. It’s an excellent choice if you’re okay with the look of your wood’s natural color and simply want a layer of protection. Since it is clear, you won’t see flaking and chipping easily against the grain, but sealant does not last very long, either. This is a good option if you like the natural color of your deck. Stain When going for a more natural, but beautiful look, your best bet is to stain your deck. Wood stain partially fills the wood pores and forms a thin layer over the deck that lets the superficial cracks in the wood and the grain pattern seep through the stain giving you an earthy natural look. However, if you’re looking to disguise your deck’s imperfections while maintaining a rustic aesthetic, using a highly pigmented solid stain is a good choice. Paint At Southern Power Wash, we never recommend you paint your wooden deck. Paint isn’t breathable; as your wood swells and shrinks with temperature changes, paint is likely to crack, leaving your wooden deck exposed to the elements. Instead, you can use solid color stains for a look similar to a painted finish.  HOW TO TEST THE WOOD TO SEE IF IT NEEDS TO BE REFINISHED YET? To determine if your wood is ready for refinishing, pour a cup of water over a few areas on your wooden deck. If the wood absorbs the moisture in under ten minutes or it darkens, it’s an indication that it’s time to stain it. On the other hand, if the water beads on the deck surface without being absorbed in 10 minutes, you can wait to apply a new stain or remove the old finish. Decks typically undergo a lot of wear and tear over the years. Be it sun damage from exposure to direct sunlight or a lot of foot traffic; there’s no doubt that your deck will get to a point where you won’t be able to refinish it. It may take a while before you have to replace it, but the need may arrive sooner than you expect. Here are times that refinishing the deck just won’t cut it anymore: Obvious damage to the deck – If you notice any cracks in the wood, holes, or broken board, it’s time to get a wood replacement to make the deck sturdy once again. Rotting – Wood rot can creep up on you and destroy your whole deck. If you notice one rot spot, carefully examine the entire deck and replace the rotten wood with top-quality material. Rusted fixtures – While checking for rot, inspect the fixtures for rusting. If you’ve had your house for a long time, the fixtures and fittings are probably rusted and weakened. Replace them as soon as possible to prevent structural compromise. Expensive refinish costs– If your refinish costs start being almost equal to your replacement costs, it’s time to get rid of the entire deck board. Can My Neglected, Weathered Deck Be Restored? Yes, you can restore your weathered deck to its original glory. Although it’s a project you can undertake on your own, a professional will help you achieve the right results. Don’t hesitate to give Southern Power Wash a call for your deck restoration needs. We want to help breathe life back into your home’s wooden deck. When is the best time to refinish my deck? The best time to restore or refinish your wood deck is the dry season, that is, anytime between May to September. However, if you choose to go into the later months of the year, you need to be careful as it can get extremely cold, and you want to ensure your sealants or strains are cured, which is impossible to be sure of during the cold season. A good rule of thumb is that most decks need to be redone every 2-4 years, depending upon exposure to sunlight and other elements. This is something you do not want to rush.  HOW IS THE WOODEN DECK REFINISHED OR RESTORED? To refinish a wood deck, we first clean it, then strip it of the existing finish. We usually use a hydroxide-based stripper to allow the power washer to cut through any remaining sealants. We then neutralize the wood using a wood brightener to bring it to an acceptable pH, apply the new finish and

Power Washing Has it been a long time since you last cleaned the exterior of your home? All you need is power washing. It makes all the difference. You will be amazed by what it can do for you. It will get rid of dirt and grime from your property to ensure that it is squeaky clean. If you have not hired power wash services in the past, you are missing out as it can make all the difference. The fact is that you cannot expect to take on the work on your own. Besides, it is not recommended to use harsh chemicals to scrub the surface. It is due to this reason that most homeowners tend to look up “power washing companies near me”. Here’s everything you need to know about it. Do You Need to Pressure Wash a Property Before a Paint Job? When it comes to painting your property, it is recommended to hire a power washing/ pressure washing service. Through a power wash, you get to eliminate loose paint, dirt, debris, and grime. It ensures that you get a clean and dry surface to get paint on. With power washing, you can expect to get an amazing paint job done. Hence, it is the way to go. What Makes Pressure Washing Difference from Soft Washing? As the main suggests, soft washing uses lower pressure and a high volume of water along with a cleaning solution to clean a surface such as a roof. On the other hand, pressure washing uses high pressure and does not require as much water or detergent. Pressure washing is best suited for removing tough stains from exterior surfaces. As for soft washing, it works best when cleaning delicate surfaces such as vinyl and wood siding. This is why a soft wash is performed for maintaining the paint, whereas, a pressure wash is suggested before the paint job. Why Is Pressure Washing Recommended? The truth is that painting the exterior of your house can be costly. It has to be done right to avoid mistakes. If you are unable to clean the surface, the grime would cause a great deal of trouble. Besides, if you paint over a dirty surface, it would decrease the life of the paint. By preparing the surface, you get to make sure that you get a long-lasting paint job. A professional pressure wash is recommended before the paint job as it would help clean the surface and eliminate the oxidation layer. Thus, you can expect the new paint coating to be able to stick to the surface more easily. Is It Possible to Paint Over Dirty Siding? Why It Is Not A Good Idea To Paint Over Dirty Siding? When anyone applies paint over dirty siding, it would be difficult for the paint to stick. This is why you have to ensure that the surface is perfectly clean if you want the new paint to adhere properly. If you fail to do so, the paint would be unable to penetrate into the siding which would only lead to premature peeling. What Would Happen If You Paint Your Home Without First Pressure Washing It? Since your house is likely to be dirty, you will have to get it pressure washed in order for it to get painted. The reason behind this is that you would be unable to achieve a thorough bond between the exterior materials if the surface has dirt, oxidation, or contamination. Even if the paint looks decent initially, it would quickly crack and peel within a short period of time. Then, you would have to spend money on repainting the property which would prove inconvenient and rather expensive. This is why you have to consider power washing services. How Long Can Exterior Paint Last? There is no exact lifespan of exterior paint. However, you can expect it to last anywhere from 5 to 25 years. It all comes down to the substrate and maintenance. Unlike vinyl or aluminum which can last up to 20 years, wood siding only lasts for 5 years. But, it is worth keeping in mind that regular soft washing can help protect the paint and ensure that it lasts longer. Should You Power Wash Your Painted Property? If you have freshly painted your home, it is not recommended that you get it power washed as the high pressure would cause the paint to peel, crack, or bubble. Instead, it is best that you opt for a soft wash to ensure that your property remains clean and the paint lasts longer. When it comes to the soft wash, the detergents used would help break down algae, mold, mildew, and other harmful contaminants. Besides, it is biodegradable. Hence, you have nothing to worry about. In order to prepare for the soft wash, all you have to do is close all of the windows and the professional power washing company would take care of everything. How Long Should You Wait After A Power Wash To Paint Your Home? Generally, you should be able to paint your property the next day. It is advised that you first perform a touch test for making sure that the surface is in fact dry. Now, you must not wait for a month or two to paint your property after a power wash as it would accumulate some dirt and grime which would make it more difficult to get the results that you desire. What Are The Advantages of Getting a Professional Power Wash? There are a number of benefits of a professional power wash as mentioned below. 1. Maintain the Exterior One of the main benefits of a professional power wash is that you get to maintain the exterior. The fact is that the home exteriors should be able to combat all sorts of weather elements such as rain, sun, and hail. With time, the exterior of your property would oxidize, discolor, and degrade which would affect the value of your home. Therefore, a power wash should

Power Wash Vs Pressure Wash Is there any grime or dirt on your driveway that must be cleaned? If a sponge and soapy solution cannot get the job done, you must opt for something stronger. It is the only way that you can get the results that you are looking for. To thoroughly clean your home, you have two cleaning methods available. You can either go for a power wash or a pressure wash. Although the two techniques might have a similar name, you must understand that they have their fair share of differences. To help you make up your mind about which method to go with, we have prepared the ultimate post just for you. By reading our post, you can expect to get the results that you desire. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in. the difference: power wash vs. pressure wash The fact is that the purpose of both a power wash and a pressure wash is the same. They use highly pressurized water for removing dirt and a variety of materials. Even though similar processes might be involved, you must understand that there are some notable differences that you need to know to make up your mind about which option to choose. Knowing these differences will make it easier for you to get your property cleaned in the best way possible. Even though a power wash and pressure wash use strong streams of water for cleaning stubborn dirt and grime, the main difference is that heat is also applied in a power wash to clean the gunk from the siding or driveway. The machine used for the service has a heating element that heats up the water before it is used. You have to realize that there are various applications for each machine. Power Wash As you might know by now, a power wash involves the use of hot water for blasting stains away. It is more suitable for stains that are a breeding ground for bacteria. Hot water is known for its ability to eliminate bacteria. This is why a power wash utilizes hot water for ensuring that bacteria are removed and do not regrow. Thus, a power wash is ideal for eliminating mold and mildew stains. It also does an incredible job at getting rid of grease stains, hardened gum, and salt. You can rely on it to eliminate rust stains as well. Despite the fact that pressure washing can get eliminate stains, it is important that you realize that hot water does a much better job. High-pressure steam is used by a power washer to get rid of dirt from the surface. When high-temperature water and pressure are combined, the results are phenomenal. You should be able to remove just about every material from the surface. It is ideal for removing mold, mildew, and salt from the driveway, deck, outdoor patio, and just about every space. Besides, adding heat helps remove even hardened gum which is one of the most difficult things to remove on your own. When you opt for power washing, it also handles grease stains in the best way possible. You can also rely on a power wash to control moss and weeds. With just a blast of hot water, you can kill them and ensure that they do not grow again for quite some time. The truth is that you will find a power wash to be a great option for just about every situation where there is a lot of dirt or the surface has been heavily saturated. Therefore, it can be best described as a heavy-duty method. Pros of power wash Heat Removes Dirt: Heat is known for its ability to clean tough messes including heavily soiled areas. You can go for a power wash to eliminate mildew, mold, grime, and grease. By adding heat, it becomes possible to break down the particles and wash them without using any detergent. High-Pressure: Another great thing about a power wash is that it uses high pressure. A power washer is known for providing a much higher pressure in comparison to a pressure washer. It offers up to 4,000 PSI and an even higher GPM. Kills Moss and Weeds: If you want to make sure that you are able to get rid of moss and weeds, a power wash is recommended. The heat would also restrict regrowth. Hence, you need a power wash if there are any weeds in the walkway. Suitable for Big Jobs: A power wash is the way to go when dealing with a big job. It enables you to complete work quickly so that you can get more done. Besides, it allows you to focus on heavy tasks. Pressure Wash A pressure wash is typically considered for most big cleaning jobs. If anything has to be blown away, a pressure wash is the way to go. It is suitable for removing dirt, gunk, weeds, and moss. You can rely on a pressure wash when dealing with surfaces like masonry, brick, and concrete. Just think about your siding, patio, and driveway. Chances are that you might have used a pressure wash in the past to clean your home. It uses high-pressure water without heat. Even though regular temperature water is used, it is still able to provide great results. However, it might not be the best option for tough stains. Pros of Pressure Wash Suitable for Everyone: A pressure wash allows for a wide range of GPM and PSI numbers to be used. This ensures that just about every type of surface can be cleaned. Plenty of Options: A great thing about a pressure wash is that it provides lots of options. The fact is that there are different types of pressure washers out there. Electric and gas pressure washers are the most popular options. Gas units tend to be a whole lot stronger, unlike electric units that are more geared towards domestic use. You should even be able to find cordless units

When you’re looking to clean up your outdoor living space, you want to feel confident that your surfaces will be taken care of throughout the cleaning process. One of the fastest ways to get your surfaces clean is to invest in a professional pressure washing contractor. Most pressure washing contractors, like Southern Power Wash, offer professional soft washing as well to ensure you’re getting the best clean for your property. How do you choose between professional pressure washing and soft washing? Why use soft washing? And what’s the difference between these two cleaning options? If you have even more questions about your outdoor surfaces and how to get them clean, call the pressure washing and soft washing experts at Southern Power Wash today! Pressure Washing Pressure washing is an easy way to get your stronger outdoor surfaces clean. The high-powered water sprays in pressure washing blasts away years of built-up dirt and grime. Experts assess each pressure washing project they work on, whether they’re working on sidewalk cleaning, brick cleaning, or any other pressure washing option. This assessment helps pressure washing experts choose the best cleaner options and pressure washing nozzles for the project. Each pressure washer nozzle provides a different spraying option to ensure your surfaces aren’t damaged throughout the cleaning process. The biodegradable, eco-friendly cleaners we use break down smaller contaminants. Pressure washing is great for surfaces made of stronger materials, such as: Stone Brick Concrete Hardwood The danger with pressure washing is that the high-pressure spray utilized can cause damages to softer surfaces, such as softwood, siding, and shingling. While pressure washing is a great way to easily clean large areas of strong materials, it isn’t suggested to use on house washing projects such as roof cleaning to avoid damages to your property. Soft Washing Soft washing is a gentler cleaning option that helps to minimize the dangers of high-pressure washing. It’s safer for your more fragile material surfaces including softwood, siding, and shingling. Like our pressure washing option, we utilize biodegradable cleaners to break down mold, mildew, and bacteria. This cleaner is then washed away with a low-powered water-bleach spray that cleans and sanitizes your outdoor surfaces. Hiring a professional soft washing company ensures that your home and roof are protected from damages. Because siding and shingles are generally made of more fragile materials, it’s a good idea to use a gentler cleaning process to avoid damaging these areas of your home. Choosing The Perfect Option For Your Home Choosing between pressure washing and soft washing can be difficult if you don’t have a full understanding of the cleaning process. To ensure you’re getting the best options for your home, you should speak to the pressure washing experts at Southern Power Wash. Get a Quote Southern Power Wash 263 Tilton St. Memphis, TN 38111 Phone: 901-482-7031   Most Recent Post Looking for pressure washing In The Memphis Area? drop us a line and keep in touch Contact Us

Pressure Washing: WHAT IS IT? Pressure washing might seem an extravagance. However, it needs to be a part of your maintenance routine. There are harsh elements that your home is exposed to all the time. Natural conditions such as insects, birds, ultraviolet rays, dirt, and wind along with car exhaust, pollutants, smoke, and acid road tend to take a toll on your property and contribute to damage, discoloration, and soiling. This is why pressure washing is needed to protect your home. Pressure washing is used to effectively clean surfaces such as your roof, patio, deck, and sidewalk and need lots of water. Without high pressure and large amounts of water, it would not be possible to remove debris, mold, allergens, and grime. An average pressure washing machine uses up to 8 gallons of water a minute. At Southern Power Wash, we only use high-efficiency pressure washing machines to deliver power washing that does not use a lot of water. We use advanced machines to provide the best pressure washing service. Different Surface Requirements: Every surface requires different amounts of pressure as mentioned below. Decks: Light pressure that is around 1,000 to 2,000 PSI should be able to clean wooden decks easily. As wood tends to be soft, too much pressure would damage it. Stone, Pool, and Concrete: When it comes to stone, pool, or concrete cleaning, high-efficiency pressure cleaning machines are essential. Otherwise, it would be impossible to remove oil and grease. About 2,000 to 3,000 PSI should be enough for cleaning these surfaces efficiently. Heavy-Duty Pressure Washing: At around 3,000 to 6,000 PSI, heavy-duty pressure washing can be very strong. This is why it is considered dangerous. It can even remove paint from the surface. Only a trained pressure cleaner can use this setting. Improve Your Properties Curb Appeal A major reason why you should consider getting pressure washing is to improve the curb appeal of your property. Pressure washing your home does an impeccable job at improving the value of the structure. It would make sure that the property looks appealing. Whether you pressure wash your home or commercial premises, it ensures that the exterior aspects of the property look spotless. Prevent Repairs Dirt, algae, mold growth, and bird droppings can damage your home if left unattended. Certain building materials like brick tend to deteriorate with time if they are not washed. You can prevent this through power washing/ pressure washing. It allows you to clean the gutters, roof, windows, and walls to help you save big on maintenance costs. For instance, bird droppings tend to be very acidic and may weaken the gutter systems or roof which could lead to the roof breaking or collapsing altogether. Cleaning these droppings would prevent further buildup and reduce the possibility of structural damage. If the grime remains on the surfaces and stains are not removed, permanent damage is likely. Mold would damage the concrete coatings if left unaddressed for an extended period of time. Since mold consumes the paint, it would remove it. Besides, moisture buildup during the winter may cause significant damage to the exterior surfaces. Moreover, crevices are highly susceptible to dirt, grime, and algae accumulating. If there is shade, you would have even more issues as mold thrives in shaded spots and quickly spread to cover the entire property. Through power washing, you get to remove dirt and grime and also prevent permanent damage from occurring. Thoroughly Clean Every Area Of Your property Not only do the roof, windows, and walls benefit from pressure washing but so do other parts of the property which you might have overlooked. Some of the spaces that will be pressure washed include the walkways and sidewalks. The process would remove garbage stains and unsightly oil. Besides, pressure washing does an impressive job when it comes to cleaning awnings, facades, parking lots, dumpster areas, loading docks, and parking garages. The cleaning would provide the results that you are looking for. Promote Health Pressure washing will make your home or work environment a lot better. You can rely on it to eliminate harmful substances such as bird droppings, algae, mildew, dirt, dust, pollutants, and pollen which are known for causing negative health consequences like diseases, allergies, and trouble breathing. Through pressure washing, you should be able to remove all these substances and make sure that they do not develop. Besides, you will be glad to know that professional cleaning prevents slips and falls which are quite common. Power washing the parking garages, walkways, sidewalks, and other surfaces would remove mold, grease, and other substances which result in people slipping and getting hurt. Maintenance Saves Money After you have purchased a property, you will need to protect your investment. Although the cost of maintenance might seem hefty when you have to pay off your mortgage and bills, you should consider it as an investment in itself as it would safeguard your home and save you more money. A bit of preventative maintenance is necessary for avoiding expensive repairs. When you regularly seek power washing/ pressure washing and include it in your maintenance routine, you get to cut down on overall maintenance costs. In fact, the service would make your home look new for many years. This is why it is considered a cost-effective option for home maintenance. It is important that you wash the entire exterior thoroughly to ensure that you have nothing to worry about. Besides, you will appreciate the fact that power washing costs less money when compared to repainting or refinishing. Even if you want to repaint your property, pressure washing will help provide more effective results. It is due to this reason that you should seriously consider hiring an expert. Increase Property Value A great thing about pressure washing is that it can increase your property value. It does not matter whether you are planning to sell your home or not as it makes perfect sense to focus on improving the value of your property. As time passes, exteriors