Common Errors of DIY Pressure Washing
There are a lot of tasks that you can do yourself around that house, but pressure washing your home should be something best left to a professional service. Not only is it likely to take you longer to do right, but there is a chance that you will end up damaging the exterior of your home. If you are considering renting a pressure washer to clean your home yourself, then keep these very common errors in mind.
Washing Out of Order
Starting from the bottom up is never a good idea when cleaning anything. All the dirt and the mold at the top will simply wash on down to the bottom. However, a more common issue is the windows. If you are cleaning your exterior, it is more than likely window washing day too. However, if you clean your windows, then pressure wash the home, you will just have water spots and some particles sprayed off the house on that shiny clean glass.
Using Only Water
Professional pressure washers don’t only use just pressured water in most cases. When they clean the exterior of the home, they often use a safe chemical mixture that helps remove dirt and mold from the exterior. Using only water means you need to use higher water pressure to get a similar effect, and this leads to our next mistake.
Using Too High Water Pressure
Pressure washing isn’t just for cleaning a home, it can be used to strip paint right off wood and erode stone. You need to know the appropriate pressure to use when cleaning an exterior so it doesn’t turn into stripping the exterior. Furthermore, every building material can only bear a certain amount of pressure.
If you are having second thoughts about the DIY process, they are completely valid. Having a professional come out gets it done fast and it gets it done right. If you are interested in a pressure washing service, contact us today.
Why Pressure Wash Your Home?
Every day, your home’s exterior is subjected to the weather and elements. Over time, that can cause dirt and grime to build up. It’s a gradual process that’s not very noticeable until one day you notice the paint or siding looking dull. That’s why it’s important to pressure wash the outside of your home once a year to keep it looking its best.
Annual pressure washing keeps the exterior walls, roof, deck and fencing updated by cleaning away dirt and mildew. It also has additional benefits.
It Improves Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Your home is your castle, and you’re quite proud of it. That’s why you keep the lawn manicured and your flower beds pristine. Pressuring washing your home’s exterior just once a year keeps it fresh and seals your home’s place as the pride of the neighborhood.
It Boosts Your Home’s Value
Your home is the biggest financial investment you’ll ever make. It only makes sense that you want to keep it maintained. But while you’re checking off your to-do list that includes painting and cleaning inside and out, make sure you also pressure washing the exterior once a year. According to Consumer Reports magazine, doing so can actually help increase your home’s financial value as much as 5%.
It Keeps Your Family Healthy
As we mentioned, the outside of your home can collect dirt and mildew. This can lead to bacteria to form that can be harmful to your family and pets, causing them to become sick. Fortunately, just by pressure washing your home’s exterior, you keep surfaces clean and prevent those bacteria from forming so your family and your pets can stay healthy.
It’s Preventative Maintenance
When you pressure wash your home on a yearly basis, you eliminate the dirt and mildew that, when left unattended, can cause surfaces to deteriorate. As a result, you prevent wood rot and premature aging of siding or other surfaces that can be costly. That means you can enjoy your home, with peace of mind, for years to come.
The simple act of pressure washing your home on an annual basis can help you maintain your property while keeping it looking great — all while ensuring your family stays healthy. For more information on how we can help with your pressure washing needs, contact us today.
Graffiti Isn’t The End For Your Beautiful Stone
You arrive to your beautiful stone building that houses your business in the morning and find that overnight someone tagged your building with graffiti. Made from a porous stone, the damage can seem impossible to clean. Porous stone requires extra care as using the wrong cleaning products such as solvent or paint strippers can cause more harm than good.
Because porous stone can be damaged very easily, it’s very important to contact a professional to remove the damage. Having the know-how and the correct cleaning products will remove the unwanted graffiti. The specialized washing method that we use will break down the graffiti while maintaining the beauty and integrity of the stone.
Specialized techniques and products are used by our professionals to remove and restore the stone back to it’s like-new state. The first step to fixing the problem is to identify the type of paint that was used. Spray paint is the most common used but other taggers may use brush applied paints, paint markers or pens. Great care is taken into account when assessing the condition of the stone before the cleaning process takes place to avoid further damage.
Graffiti is an unfortunate problem in Houston, Texas that we are always working to remove. Once a building is tagged and if it is not removed quickly, it appears as an open invitation for others to tag the building even more causing further damage. With our years of experience, we have outstanding success removing this unsightly problem from the buildings around our beautiful city quickly and efficiently.
The best defense to stop graffiti on your buildings is to remove it as quickly as possible when it does happen and put measures in place to deter it from happening in the first place. Keep bright lights on buildings, visible security cameras and if possible barriers around the property.
We are here to help if you do have a graffiti problem so contact us to schedule an appointment for our graffiti removal services today.
Professional Christmas Light Installation Is the Bright Idea this Season
There’s no need to let the season’s festive spirit turn sour with the thought of installing your own holiday lights. Patriot Services offers complete installation of a made-to-order exterior holiday light system. You and your guests will appreciate the welcoming radiance of your home as you enter the driveway.
Professional Lighting Installation
Patriot Services brings you the beauty and excitement of the season free from the stress of ladder climbing and arranging. We provide you with a holiday light display specific to your tastes, and we use commercial grade products that are designed to withstand the demands of an exterior environment.
Our initial step in the process is meeting with you and doing a walkthrough of the design you want and aligning that with your setting and budget. From there, we begin creating your very own winter wonderland. You not only receive a customized lighting configuration, but we also maintain the system throughout the holiday season.
Professional Disassembly and Storage
Once the holidays have passed, we are there to disassemble your decorations and pack them away for next year. We also provide you with a proper storage container for safekeeping. With your decorating materials paid for in the first year’s application, Patriot Services offers a discount on the subsequent years’ services.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call for a hassle-free quote. ‘Tis the season to enjoy all of the festivities and pleasures of this special time of year, and Patriot Services takes the stress out of preparing for it. Holiday lighting is one of our specialties, and we enjoy meeting new people and helping them work through their design expectations. We’ve worked throughout the Dallas Fort Worth area and have risen to the challenge of complex roofing angles of all shapes and sizes. We look forward to meeting you and exceeding your expectations.
Gutter Cleaning as a Way to Increase Curb Appeal
While a seemingly inconsequential part of a house’s exterior, the gutters are one of the first things that someone sees when they pull up in front of your house, whether they realize it or not. If you installed uncomplimentary colored gutters for your home’s paint job, you better believe people will notice. However, if the gutters look nice, most people won’t even notice them. If you are trying to sell a home, this is typically what you want.
However, among the many things you can do to increase the curb appeal of your house, having the gutters cleaned doesn’t really rank high among them. After all, most people don’t check for clogged gutters when looking around. The reality of the fact is, it isn’t clogs you really need to worry about, it is discoloration.
Over time, gutters can become filled with mold and algae, typically due to not cleaning them often enough. As time goes on, a process called electrostatic bonding occurs. This means the mold and algae embed in the aluminum surface, leaving behind black streaks. The good news is that if you spot this process early on, it can be rectified during the gutter cleaning process by your pressure washing company. However, if you let those black streaks sit, they can become a permanent – and ugly – feature on your gutter work.
While anyone can get up on a ladder with a bucket and some gloves to clean out those gutters, it is important to remember that there is more than just removing the debris within the gutters. You really do have to actually clean away mold and mildew within or risk it leeching outwards onto the gutter exterior, or worse, onto your roof. If you are considering having your gutters cleaned, contact us today to see what Patriot Services can do for you.
‘Tis The Season: Tangled Lights And Shaky Ladders
It seems that just when the Christmas lights have been taken down and shoved into a box for next year, it’s time to drag them back out again. The serene glow in crisp winter air is comforting, building the anticipation of Christmas as shop owners and neighbors decorate. It’s easy to understand why hours are spent planning and untangling, nailing and hanging. The end product, even if imperfect, is worthy of a cup of hot cocoa and admiration. When it comes to your holiday lighting needs, how will you get the job done?
Unfortunately it’s one more item on an already full to-do list and the planning alone is time-consuming. Finding supplies and the ideal decorations can take as much time as putting them up. The idea of it is often more enjoyable than the process itself!
It can also be a dangerous pursuit. Climbing on ladders with an armful of supplies and getting to hard-to-reach areas means that falls are at the top of the list when it comes to holiday-related injuries (yes, it’s a thing).
Using Patriot Services to handle those details will mean less stress and more free time to enjoy the season. The process is affordable and hassle-free, from the first meeting to decide on the display to the removal after the holidays. Commercial grade products are custom-fit for each home, and a discount is offered after the first year.
Every home and business has unique features and landscaping that make decorating a creative process. Using a company that sees it as such will mean an eye-catching and impressive display. Take advantage of the opportunity and have gutters cleaned and the house power washed, leaving no room for worry as the temperatures get cool. Maintaining a home can be difficult but with a little help, weekend side projects actually get done, keeping it in good condition. For more information, contact us.
Purified Water: A Must For A Spotless Window
Modern professional window washing doesn’t resemble the old newspaper-and-detergent method. The most modern method uses purified water to scrub off the grime of the window and then to rinse the window off. Using this method has some advantages. Purified Water: A Must For A Spotless Window
Leaves No Spots
Tap water, even filtered tap water, has minerals in it. What type of minerals and how much of each kind your tap water has depends on where you get your water. Most water has calcium, sodium, and magnesium, which are famous for collecting on tubs and pipes as limescale. Silica, selenium, and potassium could also be in your local tap water. These minerals can leave little streaks and spots on glass windows. A rinse with tap water would leave a thin film of salts on the surface which can make windows look less clean. This is especially true of places with hard water.
Purified water has had all these minerals removed so it leaves nothing behind when it is used to rinse your windows. Your glass is left spot-free.
Dissolves All Impurities
Water dissolves just about everything, and pure water dissolves even more. It breaks up salts and dirt that might have kicked up from streets. When it is combined with specialized abrasive scrubbers, the purified water method knocks off anything that you want off your window without the need for detergents.
Easy On Paint And Plants
Pure water is nothing but water so it is safe for all surfaces. It won’t leave spots on car paint. There isn’t any risk that soap will land in the flower bed. You can hire your professional cleaner without worry when the professional uses purified water.
The purified water window washing method is a great choice for making your windows squeaky clean, and hiring a professional to use it ensures that your windows get that streak-free shine everybody loves. Fortunately, Patriot Services has specialized in window cleaning since 2015 and has a lot of practice using purified water. So if you feel that your windows could use the purified water treatment, contact us.
Will Residential Pressure Washing Damage My Home’s Exterior?
It doesn’t matter what sort of weather you have, as you live in your home, you might start to notice that your exterior loses some of its luster. Wind and water promote dirt and mold to cling on any exterior surface and it needs to be somewhat regularly washed away to keep that exterior looking nice. When it comes to cleaning the outside of the home, the fastest and most efficient way is to pressure wash it. However, this is not a task you want to add to your DIY checklist.
Pressure washing, traditionally, uses high pressured water to blast away dirt and mold from any surface. However, high pressure water with too much pressure can strip away paint and otherwise cause wear or damage to other exteriors. The true benefit of choosing a professional pressure washing service to clean your home is they use a technique called “soft” washing.
Soft washing lowers the water pressure traditionally used by pressure washing and instead adds a cleaning agent to the water. In effect, this prevents any paint stripping or exterior damage from the pressure washing process and actually makes the water more effective at removing dirt and mold particles. Furthermore, because a technician doesn’t have to direct a high pressured stream of water at every square inch to clean the exterior, soft washing makes the cleaning process go more quickly. The cleaning agent safely dissolves dirt and mold before harmlessly being washed away, leaving behind picture perfect results and not harming any landscaping either.
If your home isn’t looking as nice as it once was, you would be shocked what a difference a soft wash cleaning can do. If you are in need of residential pressure washing, contact us today to see what Patriot Services can do for you. We can make sure your home’s exterior gets cleaned quickly and is done the right way.
Why Hire Commercial Pressure Washing Services for Your Business?
Your business’s exterior leaves a first impression on your employees and customers. This is why it’s essential to keep it looking clean and professional. But as a business owner, it can be difficult to find the time to efficiently clean your commercial property. Why hire commercial pressure washing services for your business?
By hiring a commercial pressure washing company, you can continue running your business while a professional makes it look spotless. The following are just some of the many benefits of ordering these types of services.
Efficiency
As a business owner, you may be concerned that exterior cleaning will disturb your clients or customers. When you leave pressure washing to the pros, you can expect the job to be done as quickly as possible. They can also work around your schedule, washing your business at a convenient time.
Quality
Commercial pressure washers are committed to quality. You can expect your storefront and sidewalk to be spotless once they are finished with the job. This exemplary service will reflect on your business, putting your best face forward to new customers.
Expertise
When it comes to any type of exterior repair and cleaning, it’s always best to hire an expert. In the case of pressure washing, you can trust that the professional will finish the job without environmental or structural damage.
Professionalism
You know that it takes integrity to run a business, and this is what you can expect from expert pressure washers. Since they will provide professional work, you can retain a professional image for your business. You can also expect a high level of customer service from these experts.
Ongoing Results
When you find a pressure washing company you can trust, you can form a working relationship and hire them for your future cleaning needs. This allows ongoing results and consistent communication as your business grows.
Professional pressure washing services can take your business to the next level, presenting your commercial property’s most polished image to customers. For more information on pressure washing services, contact Patriot Services today. Our commitment to quality and customer service has made us an industry leader you can rely on.
Is It Safe To Pressure Wash Your Roof?
Not everyone knows the anatomy of their roof, and for the most part, that’s just fine. However, knowing how your roof protects your home is crucial when it comes time to have it cleaned. Over time, your roof is exposed to the brunt of your local weather. It can manifest moss growth or streaks of mold or algae from water exposure. The good news is that this is easily cleaned away. However, you need to be careful. If it safe to pressure wash clean your roof?
The easiest way of cleaning a roof is to have it pressure washed. However, while anyone can rent a pressure washer, you don’t actually want to clean a roof with straight water pressure. The issue with using water pressure is that if you do it from the ground, you are essentially just shooting water up under the shingles. This can cause roof damage and does little to actually clean it. Furthermore, if you hit the shingles directly with a pressured stream of water, you run the risk of cleaning off the protective ceramic granules on the shingles. This protects the asphalt from the sun and without them, your roof has a shorter lifespan.
Instead, you will want to look into a professional roof cleaning service. Instead of using high water pressure, the professionals will use a pressure washing technique called soft washing. Using this technique, they use a much lower pressure washing stream on the roof. The water is also mixed with a environmentally-safe detergent that will remove mold, algae, dirt, and moss from your roof faster and more safely than a high pressured stream. It is not only more effective, but there is almost no risk to your roof, no matter if you use shingles or other materials such as tile.
If your roof is looking a little shabby and needs a solid cleaning, contact us today to see what we can do to make it look beautiful again.