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The Dangers of DIY Pressure Washing

With DIY guides and YouTube how-to tutorials becoming more popular with each passing year, more homeowners are becoming empowered to DIY most of their home repairs and maintenance needs now than ever before. On one hand, it's great to see homeowners becoming confident in their abilities and saving money by caring for their homes themselves. At the same time, however, there are still some jobs that really shouldn't be DIYed - and in most cases, pressure washing is one of them.

Pressure washing is a popular method for cleaning various exterior surfaces around the home, like decks, patios, and driveways. While it might seem like a straightforward task on the surface, many homeowners underestimate the potential dangers associated with DIY pressure washing. Before tackling any DIY pressure washing job yourself, it's important to know what's at stake so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to bring in the pros.

The Risks of Improper Use

One of the primary dangers of DIY pressure washing is misuse of the equipment. Pressure washers generate extremely high-pressure water jets that can cause serious injuries if not handled correctly. Misaligned nozzles or excessive pressure can lead to painful cuts and bruises, even from "splashback" spray that bounces off of a surface close to you.

Additionally, the force of the water can easily damage surfaces like wood or brick if used improperly, leading to costly repairs. Even dense materials like concrete are not invulnerable to damage from improper cleaning. For example, driveway cleaning is a common task that homeowners often undertake. However, inexperienced users may inadvertently spray too close to the surface and sit on certain areas too long, blasting away not just dirt but also the surface material of the driveway itself. This can result in unsightly etching, grooves, and permanent damage.

Safety Concerns and Environmental Impact

Beyond personal safety and the risk of potential cosmetic damage, there are environmental concerns to consider with DIY pressure washing. Many homeowners use chemical detergents to enhance the cleaning process, but these substances can run off into storm drains and local waterways, causing pollution. Professionals more commonly opt for biodegradable cleaning solutions that minimize environmental impact while still achieving great results.

The Value of Expertise

Given the potential dangers associated with DIY pressure washing, we feel that pressure washing is a job best left to the experts. Experienced pressure washing services know how to handle equipment safely and ensure the job is done effectively without risking damage to your property or injury to yourself. They can also determine the appropriate pressure and techniques for different surfaces, including driveways, ensuring a thorough clean without harm.

Don't take chances with your safety or the integrity of your home. Call Southern Exterior Cleaners today for driveway cleaning, patio washing, and all of your other pressure washing needs. You and your home deserve the best, and we're here to deliver it! If you're interested in asking about a free estimate for any of our services, give us a call today at 931-329-0221.