Tag Archives: pressure washing

Benefits of Pressure Washing Your Commercial Property

A commercial property with a well-maintained exterior help attracts customers. Whether your property is a business building, a strip mall or an apartment community, a dirty building and parking area often turn people away. Commercial property pressure washing eliminates dirt and grime from buildings, awnings, sidewalks, and parking lots. The benefits of pressure washing your commercial property include a clean appearance as well as increased safety for your customers.

Buildings

You may think that with enough rain you can avoid pressure washing, but rain does not wash buildings. Rain can leave streaks of dirt and grime on all types of surfaces. A pressure washer has special settings for wood, stone, stucco, brick and other surfaces. It cleans off all of the streaked, caked dirt and extra layers, such as chewing gum. The pressure wash also removes algae and mold growing on the outside of buildings after heavy rains. Paint and varnish are not affected by pressure washing when you use the proper equipment. The washing will actually bring out the colors of the surface.

Wood, brick, and stone fences also benefit from a pressure wash by removing streaks and stains, along with mold and algae.

Many buildings have awnings that collect dirt in addition to rainwater and bird debris. A careful soft pressure wash removes stains from hard surface awnings.

Patios, Driveways, and Parking Lots

Many restaurants offer outside dining under a covered area. The pavement or deck must be kept as clean as the floor inside a restaurant. Pressure washing keeps patio areas clean and removes stains from spills.

A clean parking lot is very important for safety. People can slip and fall on an oily surface or stick and trip in a pavement area with spilled drinks and food. Sweet drinks and food left on the ground attracts insects and rodents. Drive through restaurants and buildings with take-out food should consistently have the parking area thoroughly cleaned with a strong pressure wash.

Commercial property pressure washing includes public sidewalks, entrances to buildings, and paved driveways along with parking lots around buildings. Driveways into commercial buildings, including apartment communities, often have oil, dirt, and debris from tires. The pavement of multi-level parking garages also needs to have dirt and oil removed for safety of both pedestrians and drivers.

Walkways and steps leading into a building need to be clean for both safety and appearances. This is often necessary after a rainstorm has left mud puddles and debris.

Contact Pressure Washing by Mike Schwab in Brevard County for a free estimate on a commercial property pressure washing to keep your building and grounds clean and safe. We understand the importance of maintaining the appearance of your commercial property, which is why we use professional grade equipment for all our jobs regardless of size. Contact us to learn more.

Are Tile and Shingle Roofs Cleaned the Same Way?

Are Tile and Shingle Roofs Cleaned the Same Way?Homeowners often wonder, “Are tile and shingle roofs cleaned the same way?”

Extending the life of the roof on your home in Florida includes pressure washing. Removing harmful grime build up isn’t just to make your roof look clean. It can keep the tiles from disintegrating. Different roof cleaning methods and washes are necessary for tile or shingle roofs. The type of cleaners used depends on the composition of the roof shingles and/or tiles. All roofs benefit from a non-pressure chemical roof cleaning,

How to Clean Shingle Roofs

Bitumen and asphalt shingles have a textured, sandy finish. This is designed to prolong the life of the shingles. The shingles come in different styles and colors. They all need cleaning to remove dirt, grime, moss, mold, and algae. Homes in Florida are especially susceptible algae and mold due to the humid climate.

Moss and algae can eat into the surface of shingles and lead to fungus growth and wood rot in the roof supports. Frequent cleaning is necessary if your roof has shady spots because moss and algae will grow more quickly there.

Shingles should be carefully washed with a nontoxic and non-corrosive cleaner that will not harm the surface or underlayment. A non-pressure chemical cleaning is the safest way to clean the roof and ensure no damage. Too much pressure can harm asphalt shingles by washing away the surface granules.

How to Clean Tile Roofs

There are several types of tiles used throughout Florida for homes with popular Spanish-style architecture. Red ceramic tiles are common. The tiles are harder but more porous than asphalt shingles and subject to cracks and breaks if too much pressure is applied. Pressure washing tile roofs will crack the grout that holds the ridge caps on and also force water under the tile.

Similar to the shingle roof cleaning, non-pressure chemical tile roof cleaning will kill and remove all mold and mildew present on tile roof without damaging or affecting the integrity of the roof being cleaned.

Clay tiles are even more porous. The mixture of sand and clay produces tiles that are great insulators. These roofs hold in the cooled air. Clay roof tiles often have a sealant to protect against algae and mold.

Slate roofing also needs a very gentle wash to prevent delamination of the tiles. A slate roof that is carefully cleaned can last for more than 50 years.

Professional Service

If you are wondering if tile and shingle roofs are cleaned the same way, you may want to consider having a professional service clean your roof with the right tools and safety equipment. Pressure Washing by Mike Schwab specializes in non-pressure roof cleaning for tile and shingle roofs in Brevard County, Florida. A special non-toxic solution is carefully applied to restore roofs, and we have the skills and tools to handle any unexpected developments. Contact us for more information on thoroughly cleaning your roof.

What to Look for in a Pressure Washing Service in Melbourne, FL

Tile Roof Cleaning After - Brevard County FLHomeowners in Florida often search for a pressure washing service to remove algae, mildew, and dirt from their property. The warm, humid climate along Florida’s Space Coast, including Melbourne and the surrounding area, creates the perfect environment for biological growth on roofs, homes, fences and walkways. A reliable pressure washing service will have the proper equipment for cleaning several types of surfaces. The pressure in the hose must be regulated to thoroughly clean each of the different surfaces.

Areas ideal for pressure washing include:

  • Walkways
  • Decks
  • Fences
  • Siding
  • Gutters

Shingle and tile roofs require a thorough soft washing process.

Understanding the Surface

Pressure washing uses water under pressure to remove dirt, algae, mildew, fungus and other pathogens from surfaces. These particles build up on walkways and pool decks. A complete pressure wash will remove particles from cracks and textured surfaces without injuring the material.

A pressure wash eliminates oil, dirt, pollen and other harmful debris from driveways. This is the best method for removing grime from concrete surfaces. A powerful stream of water will remove built-up dirt and dead leaves from the corners of concrete and brick steps. Walkways will be free from harmful debris that can cause people to trip or slide.

Mold, black mildew, fungus, and algae may grow on one or more sides of a building. A pressure wash is the best way to eliminate all of the unwanted growth on vinyl, brick or concrete structures.

Pressure washing will renew a dirty, warped fence. A complete washing is usually necessary before a wood fence can be repainted or stained and is not harmful to wood decks and steps.

Roof Washing

Mildew, mold, and algae can grow on roofs in Florida’s humid climate. A high-pressure system can damage shingles and tiles so it should not be used on roofs. A non-pressure spray with a cleaning solution made for roofing materials should be used to remove dirt and grime from tiles and shingle roofs. This is not a do-it-yourself job since special equipment is needed to safely access all parts of the roof.

A special spray is used with the soft washing technique to spread a solution to inhibit the growth of algae and black mildew on the roof. This type of washing process is recommended for fences and the sides of homes as well.

The professional equipment used is different from the power wash units you can buy or rent. A professional pressure washing company will have all of the attachments and other tools necessary to do a complete job.

Pressure Washing by Mike Schwab serves the Melbourne area, including Palm Bay and other communities, with pressure washing and soft washing. All roof cleaning is done with our safe, proven, non-pressure chemical application which safely removes all mold and mildew without damaging the shingle or tile roof. We work with homeowner associations and commercial buildings to keep your grounds clean and safe. Contact us for a free estimate.

5 Reasons Roof Cleaning Matters

5 Reasons Roof Cleaning MattersYour roof needs to be cleaned to keep it in good condition. This is your home’s first line of protection against the elements. A good pressure wash roof cleaning will protect your roof from leaks and other problems.

Preservation

Roof cleaning preserves the tiles or shingles on your roof and saves money. You do not need to replace your roof if it is free of debris, mold, moss, lichens and algae. Even tile, a porous material, can collect mold and moss in the humid Florida climate.

You many not notice that your roof needs cleaning until you see ugly green algae or moss clinging to the shingles or tiles. Algae and moss need sunlight but mold and fungus can grow along the roofline and under the roof where the walls meet the roofing material. This is a darker, damp area where mold and wood fungus can find a home.

Prevent Infestations

Mold and algae can spread into the attic area and cause problems with your air conditioning system. They can also lead to wood rot of the roof’s support system.

You can attract unwanted insects and even small rodents that come in through holes in the roof from deteriorating shingles. Fallen leaves, twigs, dust, and dirt can pile up the on the roof and attract flying and crawling insects.

Sun Reflection

A roof covered with algae and rotten shingles won’t reflect the sun. Florida roofing needs to reflect the sun to keep the attic and the home cooler.

Flat roof buildings generally reflect sunlight. Standing water on flat roofs can lead to the buildup of algae and other unwanted substances.

Curb Appeal

A nice house can look shabby with a dirty, mossy roof. A clean, inspected roof is necessary for good curb appeal if you are selling your home. It tells potential buyers that you have maintained the roof.

Homeowners Insurance

Your insurance company wants to know that your roof is in good, clean condition. A clean roof in good repair will hold up better against high winds and rain.

Pressure Washing by Mike Schwab will keep your Brevard County roof clean of moss, algae, and debris. The roof cleaning also involves the area under the eaves where mold and fungus can collect. Rain gutters, drains, and side walls can also be cleaned. Call us for a free estimate.