It is time to remove the filth and grime off your deck, vehicle, and siding. Those of you who think precipitation is adequate are misinformed. Horizontal surfaces collect and harbor impurities, necessitating more labor than nature provides. A pressure washer is the most straightforward and effective method for cleaning these surfaces. These machines come in a variety of designs and sizes. And with the addition of accessories, they can be utilized for tasks other than deck cleaning. These devices are now essential for households and contractors. Pressure washers are adaptable, economical, and efficient instruments.
Sprayglide is the most effective accessory we've discovered for making pressure washers easy to use for cleaning deck surfaces. This new "cool gadget" attaches to the spray wand of any pressure washer through a VelcroR attachment device. Sprayglide assists the operator in maintaining the ideal distance from the surface, saving your deck and back. The Sprayglide height-adjusts to meet different pressure washer PSI output, for every surface material, while maintaining consistent cleaning and extending the length of your PW hose (25-50 ft.).
Pressure washers are available in plenty. Pressure washers are produced by the vast majority of manufacturers. There exist gas-powered, electric, and diesel pressure washers. Some feature coils for heating water. How does one select a machine? First, determine the frequency and purpose of usage. This item has multiple applications around the home, farm, and workplace. Most prevalent are light, standard, and industrial pressure washers. Similar to boat motors, hours of usage are metered. Standard duty is less than 500 hours of operation. Get a heavy-duty model if you, as a deck refinisher, plan to use your equipment for 1,000 hours or more. If you rarely require a pressure washer, rent one. Depending on your chore list, it can typically be completed in a single day for $50.
Read more: How to Clean a Composite or Wood Deck
PSI is the subsequent variable to examine (pounds per square inch). PSI is a standard by which water pressure is measured 12 inches from the nozzle. For redwood and cedar decks, 1200 PSI is sufficient. You risk harming or removing wood material, leaving behind a heightened grain if you go beyond that. Hardwoods and composites can withstand slightly higher PSI, but not much. When operating in elevated regions where the machine is substantially lower than the structure to be cleaned, more PSI is essential.
Let's examine the structure of a pressure washer. All pressure washers contain the same fundamental parts. First, pressure washers have an engine or, in the case of electric pressure washers, a motor. This mechanism is responsible for propelling the pump. The water is pressurized by the pump. Regarding engines and motors, horsepower is the metric to consider. Typically, the higher the horsepower, the greater the PSI the pump can deliver. The more horsepower a motor has, the less stress it must bear to run.
Gasoline Motors
Gasoline motors are the most prevalent. However, they have both perks and cons. They are substantial in weight. Also, gas motors require maintenance. Periodic oil and filter changes are required. Additionally, they have a tendency to vibrate, which means that if they are used ON a deck (not advised), the homeowner would feel the entire house tremble. In addition, gas engines tend to be loud.
Electric Motors
Recently, electric motors have emerged, and they are significantly quieter. They require minimal maintenance and are typically lightweight and easier to maneuver. However, they demand an enormous amount of power to run. Most require a dedicated 20-AMP circuit to draw an average of 17 amps, initial draw excluded. Consequently, depending on how a home is wired, you may trip several breakers. Additionally, they cannot be used with extension cords of a gauge larger than 10 gauge.
Pump
The next important component is the pump. Again, the water is pressurized by the pump. Pumps frequently require maintenance as well. If you store the pump in a potentially freezing location, you must winterize it. Otherwise, you risk internal component damage. There are a multitude of pump models. Some are wobble, others are axial, while others are camshaft. The most efficient pumps are those operated by camshafts. Many further include chemical injectors. This feature is advantageous since it permits the operator to apply cleaning solutions via the machine's pumps. Internal components of the injector may be damaged or corroded by certain substances. Another factor to consider while evaluating pumps is their connection to the engine.
High-Pressure Hose
The high-pressure hose follows. Every pressure washer has this capability. It is 3/8-inch braided rubber. Currently, hoses have quick-connect couplers to facilitate assembly. The condition of the hose is significant. This line contains water under pressure. Weak places or fissures can result in catastrophic destruction. Marking is also essential. Hoses are readily marred. If the rubber sheathing on the pump deteriorates, the pump's vibrations can leave black marks on the final product. Non-marking hoses are available. Deck refinishers must purchase these hoses.
Gun
The gun has an on/off switch. Firearms are vital. Aluminum and chemistry were already mentioned. Chemical injectors may damage the inner components of a firearm. Depending on the chemicals you use, you may require a firearm with internal stainless steel components. Always inspect the condition of a gun. If the firearm malfunctions, you risk serious damage.
Lance
Lance is composed of two segments. The wand shaft is typically made of aluminum and is available in various lengths. 36-inch wands are the norm. For railings and balcony fascia, an extension wand may be required. The end of the lance is its nozzle. The nozzle emits water under pressure. Sizes and styles of nozzles vary. They are another essential component of a power washer. The appropriate nozzle depends on the task. Manufacturer and machine decide the nozzle type. Most nozzles feature two digits. The first set of numbers indicates capacity. This is the diameter of the nozzle's inlet. The second set of numbers indicates the angle of the spray in degrees. 0 degrees expels stream water. This nozzle is capable of penetrating soft materials and reaching objects beneath eaves. The nozzle angles then increase by 15 degrees. General cleaning requires a 25-degree nozzle. Decks made of softwood require a 40-degree nozzle. Numerous producers color-code their nozzles. Check the manual for the angle of each color. Choosing the correct angle influences the productivity and quality of your job. Blasters deliver many water jets simultaneously. These are beneficial for cleaning, but not for decking.
Accessories can help achieve certain jobs and expand the machine's versatility. The addition of accessories such as a telescopic extension/wand, remote control chemical inlet injectors, power scrub brushes, drain cleaning systems, or even pump reversal units can provide a pressure washer with additional applications. In a short period of time, pressure washers have advanced in terms of price, efficiency, and power. One of the many applications for such a machine is the cleaning of deck surfaces. Next time, we will explain how to properly clean your deck with a pressure washer. In the interim, go out and acquire one. You will be surprised by its versatility.