Hiring some help to tackle the toughest home maintenance projects on your list was a smart choice. Now, you’re wondering what you should do to prepare for power washing services.
Homeowners might be surprised to know that there are some things that they can help with before the power washing technician shows up. Whether you’ve requested help cleaning the exterior of the house, roof, gutters, windows, deck, patio, garage or driveway, you want to ensure the property is ready for power washing.
We’ve provided some information for customers about what they can expect when working with a power washing crew, like Trotta’s. Here are the main ‘dos and don’ts’ when it comes to prepping for power, soft, or pressure washing services.
DOs of Power Washing Service Prep
Are you unsure of what to expect from power washing services? Here are the ways in which homeowners can help get the house, driveway, patio, and deck ready for cleaning.
DO Close Up the House
Just like a car going into a carwash, your house should be all closed up before any exterior power washing services. Simply ensure that the windows and doors are shut securely and locked, if possible.
DO Have Water Available
Our policy is to request that homeowners provide at least one source of water that can be turned on and available for use during power washing services. Usually, the hookup for the garden hose works just fine.
Alternatively, our crew can truck in all the water needed for a power washing job. This service is available for an extra fee and customers are asked to request this provision in advance.
DO Clear the Area
You can cut down on service time by ensuring that the techs find the surface cleared off and ready for power washing. This means parking cars further from the house and putting away vases, hanging planters, outdoor speakers, and breakable items. Whenever possible, furniture, toys, and rugs should be moved out of the way. The goal is to remove anything that could create obstacles for the techs and hoses or cause tripping and tangling hazards.
DO Turn off the Power
This step is an important safety measure. To prevent water from coming in contact with any live electrical current, switch off the power to any outdoor electrical outlets and light fixtures in the area. As an extra precaution, cover any outlets which don’t have waterproof covers with pieces of plastic sheet. These can be secured around the outlet with painter’s tape so as not to damage the paint or siding. This will also help protect the system from water damage.
DO Look for Signs of Wood Rot
The water pressure needed to effectively power wash your siding or clean the windows can damage wood that is already weakened by rot or mold. Rather than boosting the curb appeal of your home, this could actually make damage worse. Before the power washing team shows up at your house, do a once-over and inspect the window and door frames, siding, and eaves for signs of wood rot.
DON’Ts of Power Washing Service Prep
Hiring out power washing services shouldn’t create more work for you, however. So, don’t worry about these details.
DON’T Try to Do the Heavy Lifting
For patio, deck, and driveway cleaning projects, our power washing team will move the heavy objects out of the way before beginning. This may include barbeque grills, outdoor furniture, and tables. Depending on the weather conditions, the surface may require extra time to dry for the best results. If this is the case, some heavy items may have to wait and be moved back into place at a later time.
DON’T Discount the Weather
In this line of work, the weather forecast is a crucial factor. To ensure that services can be done well and completed on time, we schedule appointments as the weather permits. When services are initially requested, our crew gives customers an estimated time frame for when they can expect to have the job done. Unfortunately, unpredictable weather sometimes delays the schedule laid out.
To handle these meteorological issues, we call customers to provide advance notice one day prior to exterior washing. For staining and painting projects, which require longer drying time, this one-day warning window isn’t always possible. At Trotta’s we do guarantee at least 2 to 3 hour-notice before arriving to do this type of work.
DON’T Worry About the Landscaping
The excess water and high-pressure can be harsh on landscaping. Plus, the chemical detergents used when soft washing can be toxic for vegetation. But our power washing techs are prepared to protect your plants.
Check out the Advantages of Hiring a Professional Pressure Washer Crew.
Increase Curb Appeal with Trotta’s Power Washing
Get a helping hand from Trotta’s Power Washing to keep your home beautiful. Check out our full range of residential services. Call Trotta’s at (330) 940-3705 or request a free quote today.