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Trotta's powerful "soft wash" cleaning service blasts away years of dirt, mold and grime, saving you time and improving the curb-appeal, value and lifetime of your property.

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What to Consider Before Pressure Washing Your Roof: Tips from the Pros

Tag: power washing

What to Consider Before Pressure Washing Your Roof: Tips from the Pros

The first thing that you need to know about pressure washing or soft washing your roof: it’s more dangerous than it looks. If you want to try cleaning your roof as a DIY project, there are some things that you should know. Here is a quick guide from the professionals to pressure washing the roof of your house.

Tips for Pressure Washing a Roof

Your shingles may look like they’ll provide enough traction to safely mount your roof, but wet algae can be as slick as oil. So, the first rule – don’t climb your roof shortly after the last rain. Wait for the surface to dry, don’t set foot on the wet spots while you’re cleaning, and make sure someone is around to help if you do slip.

With all of that considered, let’s get down to the nuts and bolts of the job.

Start on the Far End from the Ladder

You don’t want to spray yourself into a corner, so once you step off the ladder, walk to the other corner of the roof and work your back towards the ladder. This way, you won’t risk stepping on any wet shingles.

Inspect the Roof

Look for any problem spots, areas that will need an extra thorough cleaning, loose shingles and spots that need to be repaired. Do this step before you start cleaning. You want to know what you’re up against and avoid any unpleasant surprises that will slow the job down.

Begin with Detergent

Start with a biodegradable detergent to loosen up the algae and moss that may have grown on your shingles and kill any possible mold. The best way to apply the detergent is with a foamer or a soap shooter. The goal is to loosen the algae so that it’s easier to clean and doesn’t cling to the shingles and remove particles when sprayed off. Allow the detergent to sit for a while on the areas most affected by algae and grime. The key here is to use a lot of cleaner. The more cleaner you use, the less rinsing/washing you will have to do.

Use a Lower Setting

Your shingles are a little more delicate than they look. At the highest settings, some pressure washers can punch a hole in the drywall. The best way to find the right setting is to set it at LOWER power, then adjust it up and down until you find the right flow.

Spray Down, Not Up

When you see how far a pressure washer can spray, you might wonder why you don’t just blast your roof from the ground and skip the ladder entirely. You always want to spray down, not up. This ensures that water doesn’t get trapped under the shingles and cause mold damage.

Move the Sprayer, Not the Power Setting

When a little more pressure is needed, apply more concentrated cleaner rather than adjusting the pressure setting. Soft washing is the best way to get your roof clean without doing more damage than it prevents.

Check for Damages

When standing straight up, you might not be able to see the damages at eye level. After spraying some shingles, squat down (carefully) to get a look and make sure that you don’t have the pressure up too high. You want to keep checking as you go, and generally only clean a few shingles at a time.

More Considerations to Keep in Mind

  • You only need to treat your roof to a power washing once every year or two. More than that and you may wind up subjecting it to more wear and tear than it’s built to withstand in a short amount of time.
  • That said, the inverse is true, as well. The roof of your home does need to be cleaned every now and then. Algae can ruin the appearance of your roof and mold can cause long-term damage, creating leaks. Your insurer probably requires you to keep your roof clean in order for your policy to remain valid.
  • If you don’t have power washing training yourself, it’s a good idea to consider professional help on this one. The job is both delicate and dangerous, which is always a tricky combination if you’re not completely comfortable with the task at hand.
  • Pressure washing and soft washing aren’t exactly the same thing. Pressure washing allows the water to come out at full force and is preferred for cleaning concrete, brick and industrial buildings. For most residential roofs, soft washing, which uses a special nozzle to limit the PSI of the sprayer, will be more than strong enough for the job.

We recommend enlisting a pro to handle the job. But, if you are going to try to tackle the job yourself. Remember: safety, safety, safety. Gloves, goggles, slip-resistant shoes, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Make Your Life Easier with Trotta’s Power Washing

Keeping your house looking great and maintaining your investment doesn’t have to consume all your free time. Why spend another weekend doing home improvement projects, when you can call in the pros? Trotta’s Power Washing offers a wide range of residential services, including pressure washing, roof cleaning and interior/exterior painting.

Located in Peninsula, OH, we’re your local expert in household maintenance. Get in touch with Trotta’s at (330) 915-3754 or request a free quote.

How to Keep Your Deck Looking Great this Summer

One of the best parts of the summer in Ohio is the fantastic barbeques and deck parties. Entertaining friends and family is enjoyable when the weather is warm. But before you host a graduation party, cookout or just a peaceful family dinner on the deck, make sure that yours is in top condition.

When it comes to home maintenance, homeowners have a lot of things to keep an eye on. Exterior areas, like the driveway and deck, are often overlooked. Don’t be fooled, just because the deck is outside doesn’t mean that no care is required. Find out the most commons signs that your deck needs power washing, how to prepare it for staining and how to keep it looking great all summer long.

Making Your Deck Look Great

For most people, when we talk about deck maintenance, the first thought is sealing or staining the wood. This is a great way to spruce up the wood, but it’s not the first – or only – step. Before applying any products, the wood must be clean and dry.

Step 1: Clean the Surface of the Deck

Clear away dirt, leaves and debris by sweeping the deck. Then, use a large broom and a garden hose to scrub each plank. Your local hardware store carries deck cleaning detergents which can help with this step, or you can make your own deck cleaner.

Does Your Deck Need Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing is advantageous because it quickly removes built-up dirt, mold, algae and stains. Professional pressure washing utilizes a low-pressure spray to avoid damaging the material, but can also use high-pressure when needed to remove tough stains. Power washing can also help you remove old layers of stain and gets down into the cracks between boards. Homeowners love it because it’s effective, fast, safe for the lawn and garden, and saves a lot of backache.

Here’s how you to tell when it’s time to have your deck power washed:

  • Look at the wood. If the finish has turned dull or it’s covered by a layer of grimy buildup, it’s time to have it cleaned.
  • Inspect all the dark corners. If you see dark stains or streaks around the deck, especially in shaded areas, these are mold spots. Mold and algae will spread damage throughout the deck if left untreated. This is another good sign that your deck needs to be washed down.
  • Feel the deck surface. If the wood feels damp or slippery, even when it hasn’t rained, this is another symptom of mold.

Step 2: Prepare the Deck for Sealing or Staining

After washing or, if it has rained recently, allow the deck a full 24 hours to dry. Next, remove any remaining finish and stains using a chemical wood stripper. The layer of gray, oxidized deck stain must be removed so that the new stain can penetrate into the wood when applied.

Step 3: Neutralize the Surface

After the deck has been prepped, it’s time to wash off the surface one more time. The goals is to clear away the tannin and any cleaner residue. This time pressure washing is probably overkill, simply spray off the surface with a hose. Then, let the wood dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Seal or Stain the Deck

Pick either a seal or stain that you prefer and apply it to the deck with a paint roller or brush. Follow the product instructions regarding dry time and applying multiple coats. Never try to use both stain and seal on the same wood as they are not designed to adhere to each other even when applied in separate coats.

Which is Better: Deck Sealer or Stain?

Sealing is great for decks because it preserves the natural look of the wood and protects it from water and sun damage. Sealer is a natural look and penetrates into the wood. Clear products with wax additives will actually cause the rainwater to bead up when it touches the surface and usually burn off in 8-18 months. However, our CWF-UV5 lasts up to 4 years in Northeast Ohio on horizontal surfaces, up to 6 years for vertical. Once it’s dry, it blocks moisture and mold growth.

Solid stain is also water resistant. It adds color to the wood for a more finished look. Solid deck stain has the added benefit of UV protection. More opaque stains provide higher levels of protection from the sun and are better at preventing damage caused by overly dry wood. On average, exterior deck stain also lasts 3-4 years before needing to be redone.

Keeping Your Deck Looking Great – All Summer Long

Maintaining a deck is a lot of work. After power washing, sanding and staining the wood, you will want to keep it looking that good for a long time. Here are some tips on how to care for the deck this summer and the rest of the year.

  1. To prevent stains, make sure to sweep the deck off regularly. Don’t let leaves and dirt accumulate. This type of buildup can lead to stains on the wood and facilitate mold growth.
  2. Protect the wood by brushing off excess water. Sitting moisture wreaks havoc on wood over time so help your deck out by keeping it as dry as possible.
  3. Be careful when using lawn and gardening products. Harsh chemicals can ruin the decks’ finish.
  4. Maintain your deck by keeping an eye out for festering problems. Look for nails that have popped up, areas of wood that have split or are being attacked by mold and rot.

Home Maintenance Made Easier – Trotta’s Power Washing

Spend more of your precious free time with your family and friends this summer. Trotta’s can save you loads of time on house care and improvement projects. We have a full range of residential services, including wood and deck restoration, soft pressure washing, painting and roof cleaning.

Located in Peninsula, Ohio, we’re your local partner for exterior home maintenance. Call Trotta’s: (330) 915-3754 or request a free quote online.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pressure Washer vs. DIY

Many times when it comes to projects around the house, homeowners may be interested in doing these things themselves. Depending on the project, this may not be a good idea. There are certain jobs that are better left to the professionals to make sure they are done right with no accidental damage. Power washing your home is one of them.

Your house is one of your largest assets and it needs to be protected. Pressure washing is not as easy as it looks and can easily cause damages and injuries when people are not sure what they are doing. Instead, hire a professional to pressure wash your house for you and you’ll save on a lot of potential headaches.

Why Professionals are Better:

We have and maintain industry-standard equipment.

When you hire a professional pressure washer, you can rest assured that this service will be using the best equipment. This is not always the case when you look to rent a pressure washer. With a rented one, you can’t be sure that it’s being properly maintained and in working order. Not only does that call into question its effectiveness, it also calls into question its safety.

We know what products to use and how to use them.

Because we have experience with pressure washing, we know the best solutions for your home. We also have access to these solutions and know the proper amount of pressure to clean effectively. We know the right settings to use, including the right amount of pressure as well as the correct temperature, which minimizes any potential damage to your home.

We are trained, licensed and insured.

Because of our training, we will be able to do the best job possible on your home. When you do this type of work on your own, you won’t have the experience in order to back it up and know exactly what you’re doing. That’s where we come in and our past experience works to your benefit.

We have knowledge to tackle unforeseen issues.

Because of our past experience, we are able to adjust our technique and fit it to your home. We know what to do when different situations arise that you won’t know how to deal with on your own.

It will save you time and minimize risk.

If you pressure wash your home on your own, it will take a lot of time and effort. Besides that, you may not end up with the results you want because you’re not sure how to work the most effectively for what your home needs. Due to the insurance that a professional carries, you are covered if something were to happen that causes damage. If you do this process yourself, you are liable for damages instead.

How to Find One:

Find a company that specializes in pressure washing.

When you look for a company to pressure wash your home, make sure that they specialize in it. You want someone with the experience to back up their claims. Look for a professional company that does just that, instead of a contractor who does multiple things.

Don’t hire the cheapest service.

While you don’t want to overpay, you don’t want to go for the least expensive professional either. If someone is a lot lower in terms of price, you have to wonder why. Chances are, this person doesn’t have the experience that you’re looking for or the reputation to back up what he or she is doing. Instead, look for someone who charges a fair price for quality work.

Check Reviews.

Just as when you hire any other kind of company, you want to make sure to check reviews. When you do this, don’t just look to the testimonials on the company’s website. Make sure you check for reviews on other sites as well. The company controls which reviews appear on the website, so they will probably all be good. Instead, you want a fair cross section of all reviews, so you can see what kind of work the company really does.

Make sure its protected by insurance.

The company you work with needs to be insured in case something were to happen with your home. This will protect both of you. Make sure that the company has the insurance in order to back up the work. If a company is not covered by insurance, it makes you wonder about credentials as well as quality. You don’t want to risk working with a company that is not insured.

Pressure washing is not as easy as you may think it is. Having someone that has the experience and equipment is essential in doing a good job. Work with a professional to get the best job done on your home! Contact us today!

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