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The Pressure-washables and Non-washables of Christmas

December 30, 2019 / / 0 Comments

The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most wonderful time for pressure washing. Perhaps this Yuletide, you’ve given your home a fresh makeover so that all those decorations could shine better. Before you wash them to save them for another season, though, take a look at this blogpost to be reminded about some of the caveats.

Washable: Grill

The Christmas barbecue with your family and friends can be a lovely tradition, and it’s often a delight to watch the outdoor grill be washed clean of all the black smudges. Grill grates are typically robust enough to withstand the powerful levels of psi (pounds per square inch) exerted by pressure washers. Of course, remember to unplug the grill before having it washed, since having water splashing near a running electric machine is a serious safety hazard.

A hand cleaning a barbecue grill.

Non-washable: Christmas tree

Outdoor Christmas trees can dazzle the passersby wondrously. However, the blast of a pressure washer can injure the flora, not to mention strip them of their beautiful leaves. Even if your tree is an artificial one, it’s crucial to take the time prior to the wash to find out how strong the tree is. A much better way to clean a tree is doing it with a regular hose. And of course, make sure that there are no bulbs on the tree, so that no glass cracks during the wash. (For a pre-lit tree, also remember to take the lights off first.)

A happy dog on a Christmas-decorated porch.

Washable: Driveway

Your driveway is like a giant canvas; the sheer vastness of the area offers a good amount of negative space for the eye to wander. But if your magi and livestock arrive at the Nativity scene while the driveway is filled with unsightly leaves and mulch, all that negative space can easily become a big ole’ distraction and counteract the effects of the decorations. Tackling those nooks and crannies goes a long way!

A person using a pressure washer to clean the ground.

Non-washable: Delicate decorations

The electric-lit reindeer and sleigh are evidently not good candidates for being pressure-washed. But the same goes for the less obvious examples: the inflatable Santa (which can get punctured), the papier-mâché snowflakes, the cardboard Grinch, wreaths, and ribbons. Some of the hardier pieces may be eligible, however. Those porcelain elves and garden gnomes can be pressure-washed; the massive candy canes made of plastic, the wooden shed framing the Nativity scene, and those stainless steel gift box sculptures should all be safe for pressure washing.

A nativity scene with baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the three magi, an angel, and animals.

Conclusion

There are other precautions to take when putting soap and water all over the angels, Santa’s helpers, Scrooge, and Rudolph. If you’re in doubt about whether to have something pressure-washed, there’s no need to scroll down on online searches endlessly; simply consult the professionals at Oceanside Pressure Washing and Roof Cleaning LLC!

Pressure Washing Tips for the Fall Season

November 26, 2019 / / 0 Comments

There will come a time where you will need helpful tools to assist you in preparing your home for winter throughout the fall season. When that time comes, pressure washers should be one of the first tools that comes to mind. Though we know it probably isn’t, you would be surprised to find out just how much it can actually help you prepare your home for the inevitable winter that is on its way. The winter months can be quite tough on the exterior of your home and you want to be as prepared as possible. Read on and find some helpful tips on how to prepare for winter with a professional pressure washing.

Keep Your Windows in Pristine Condition

If you are anything like the average homeowner, your windows have probably accumulated quite a bit of dust, grime, and cobwebs over the past year. With the deep frost and ice that comes along with the winter, it is incredibly important to make sure the grime is clean before it gets trapped underneath, causing permanent damage. The best way to ensure that your windows get the clean that they desperately need is to have a professional come in and give them a quality pressure wash.

Keep Your Deck Looking its Best

While you may think it is unimportant to give your deck a once over by a professional power washing crew, you may be surprised. Though you may think it is unimportant, you are going to need to put it at the top of your list. Before the cold winter arrives, you always want to make sure your deck is clear of any mold or grime that will only get worse as the moisture from the rain and ice increases and saturates your deck. A professional power washing will surely do the trick.

Keep Your Gutters Clean and Pristine

Your preparation for winter is not complete until you give your gutters a thorough cleaning. Once fall has completed, your gutters will have gotten filled with debris such as leaves, branches, rodents, and gunk. If you do not handle this issue before the winter rains begin, the cleaning will become increasingly difficult. Let the professionals make this process simple for you with the right pressure washer and gutter cleaner and avoid the headache.

Regardless of how you get your home ready for the winter, you should always have a trusted pressure washer by your side. Here at Oceanside Pressure Washing And Roof Cleaning LLC we have the years of experience necessary to exceed your expectations!

Can You Pressure Wash in the Rain?

October 21, 2019 / / 0 Comments
Pressure Washing in the Rain

You scheduled a cleaning service with the local pressure washing company, but when the day comes around, it’s raining! What should you do now? Before you call to cancel your appointment, read this blog post for more information.

Benefits of Pressure Washing in the Rain

The answer to your question is… yes! You definitely can pressure wash in the rain. Pressure washing in light to medium rain offers two main benefits that speed up and improve the process.

Soap scum, soap circles on a window
  1. Rain Keeps Detergents from Drying: On hot days, the sun evaporates the water and detergent mix, leaving soap circles and stains on windows and other exterior surfaces. While professional pressure washers are trained to handle this, it is much easier for them when it rains. Since the detergent doesn’t dry up, an extra rinsing isn’t necessary, making the process much quicker.
  • Rain Allows for Greater Visibility: The sun causes glares and harsh shadows that make it difficult to see and can harm the eyes. Overcast skies eliminate these conditions, which helps washers clearly see the areas they need to clean. Many contractors prefer to work during rainy or overcast days because they don’t have to deal with eye strain and other visibility issues.

Weather Limitations

Light to medium levels of rain can make pressure washing easier and more efficient, but anything beyond that can impede the process and cause safety hazards. Heavy rains and torrential downpours can damage the equipment, while hail, snow, tornadoes, and other severe weather conditions are obviously a no-go. Thunder and lightning pose life-threatening risks for pressure washers who stand on top of buildings.

When there is a storm, many pressure washing teams will wait it out in their truck to see if it subsides. If the storm doesn’t let up, they will leave and you will have to reschedule your cleaning service.

A man pressure washing on a roof

Leave it to the Professionals

Many people who own pressure washing machines prefer to do the job themselves. However, the average, inexperienced person should never pressure wash in the rain, as it can threaten your safety. Surfaces are wet, so there is always a risk of a slip and fall accident. Also, mixing electrical equipment with rain is never a good idea. If it is raining, store your pressure washing machine in a dry, indoor location.

Call on a professional instead – pressure washing contractors undergo extensive training to learn how to handle various weather conditions. They adjust their safety measures based on the weather to ensure that everything stays safe while your home gets cleaned. For example, most pressure washers will keep their equipment inside their work trucks as they are working, so that the equipment doesn’t get damaged by the downpour.

A man in a blue rain suit pressure washing in the rain

Conclusion

With the rainy season always around the corner, you don’t always have to cancel your pressure washing appointment. At Oceanside Pressure Washing and Roof Cleaning, we are a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who can clean your house anytime. The rain can’t stop us!

Surfaces Inappropriate for Pressure Washing

September 26, 2019 / / 0 Comments

With great power comes great responsibility, and it’s true for pressure washing too. Inappropriately wielding the power of pressure washers can damage many surfaces. To make maximum use of pressure washing, it’s important to know which settings are appropriate for these powerful blasts of water. Here are some basics to keep in mind.

Old or rotting wood

This one is straightforward, as it’s easy to see that brittle pieces of wood can crumble under even a little bit of pressure. Decks made of soft wood should be washed gently, as opposed to the decks made of strong wood, which can take high-speed pressure washing. Old walls and wooden fences cannot often handle the strength of a jet of pressure washers and should be treated delicately. With the right surface, pressure washing leaves a pristinely clean look, but with weak surfaces, the water can easily gouge and leave unsightly narrow streaks.

Cloth or woven surfaces

Although many types of outdoor furniture can take on powerful blasts of water, and be restored to their sparkling selves, not all are as strong. Cabana curtains, as sturdy as they look, are a good example. When those stains or marks on certain upholstered surfaces are bothersome, it’s key to remember how strong they are. Certain tarps and outdoor materials are not sturdy enough to withstand the jet of water and can become torn or frayed as a result. Rolling up those fabrics and cleaning them gently is the remedy for such soft textures.

Thin glass

Pressure washing does a superb job in cleaning many windows and panels, but that doesn’t mean all glass is made equal. When pressure washing those wicker wood and metal surfaces on the patio, it can be easy to come across a glass decoration or two, but many glass coffee tables don’t have the structural integrity that can endure heavy jets of water. Removing such furniture from the to-be-cleaned site is crucial for expediting an effective and safe pressure washing session.

Conclusion

Without the knowledge of which materials are okay for pressure washing, the result can be disastrous. However, experts are experts! If you have any concerns about your pressure washing needs, simply give Oceanside Pressure Washing and Roof Cleaning a call. Getting those grimy areas squeaky clean can be done before you know it.

Handling Pressure-Washed Decks

September 3, 2019 / / 0 Comments

So you’ve just had your decks pressure-washed. You may be asking yourself, “What now?” Well, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to handling freshly pressure-washed decks. To find out, simply read below.

Temperature management

Pressure washing wooden materials means applying lots of water and having those surfaces soak up all that moisture. The ideal scenario would be to have the sun dry all that H2O out as quickly as possible and render those surfaces perfectly crisp. However, life sometimes gives us lemons. To make lemonade, one can anticipate such scenarios and plan ahead before the pressure washing session. Paying attention to weather forecasts can help you catch that perfect time slot of sunshine needed for drying the decks. Having a tarp to cover the decks wouldn’t hurt either—in case those meteorologists get it wrong.

Infestations and invasions

Wood is a natural substance perfectly suited for various organisms to thrive in. When termites and various beetles come across some quality bark, they would often love nothing more than to lay their eggs in it and even make it their home. Spores of fungi and pollen can also join the party, to our dismay. Thus, having a solid exterminator or pest expert inspect your decks before having a pressure washer spray water on them can be helpful. In the long run, it should also ease your mind about pesky crawlies amounting to an infestation.

Arranging scenery

The thing about wood is that water softens it; wood decks that have recently been soaking in water are vulnerable to dents by furniture and other heavy objects. Unlike carpets and memory foam, wood is less prone to revert to its original form once it has been imprinted with impressions. Although harder woods can take something like 1200 to 1500 psi from a pressure washer, wood is still wood. Especially for softer kinds like cedar or pine, the marks of one’s stomping can be indelible. To reduce these impressions, consider skipping that retread on your freshly-moistened decks. Placing picnic tables or other outdoor furniture on the decks right after the pressure washing may not be the wisest move either.

Conclusion

Of course, no deck is perfect; wear and tear is inevitable despite people’s best efforts to maintain them. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to retain our decks’ beauty as much as we can. For more information on the best ways to clean your deck, consult Oceanside Pressure Washing and Roof Cleaning today.

Gutters Need Love Too

August 1, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Keeping your house from falling into a state of disrepair is imperative when you own your home. Conducting routine maintenance on your property may not always be fun, but it’s necessary to prevent future damage. Your gutters are just one of the many parts that deserve attention. Just because you cannot see what’s in your gutters from the driveway, doesn’t mean there is nothing there. Cleaning your gutters is not only done for cosmetic reasons but also serves an important purpose for both the structural integrity of your home and the safety of your family and friends. The following are some of the risks of not regularly cleaning out your gutters.  

Pest Havens:

If you never clean your gutters, you’re leaving them open to untold numbers of unwanted guests. Gutters full of debris are perfect breeding grounds for pests to make a habitat. This includes mosquitos, birds, mice, insects and even squirrels. Keep your gutters clean to mitigate this threat.

Mold and More:

If you’re neglecting the gutter, chances are that mold and other irritants will grow and prosper in the moist environment. People’s sensitivity to mold and pollen are on the rise, especially among children and the elderly. Residents of the home will become ill and not get better until the source of the irritant is removed.

Water and Ice:

When gutters are full of obstructions, it causes water to run over. This destroys plants around your house, causes erosion, and even foundation damage over time. Likewise, during the winter, melting snow on the roof backs up and refreezes, creating veritable ice dams. These can cause dramatic and expensive damage to the roof if left in place. This potential damage to your roof and foundation can be extremely expensive to repair, and insurance does not cover it in some cases.

Aesthetic Harm:

The water that runs over the gutter can rot your home from the inside out. It will build in window and door jambs, and seep through the walls creating nearly irreparable damage. Your house will eventually start to look like it could fall apart at any moment. To avoid the massive expense of time and money it would take to fix this problem, do some preventative maintenance and clean out your gutters.

Conclusion:

Owning a home can be a great investment in your future, but it also demands plenty of proactive work to keep it structurally sound and free of dangerous mold and pests. It’s understandable that you may not have time to do everything required to keep your home in tip-top shape, that’s why at Oceanside Pressure Washing and Roof Cleaning LLC, we will thoroughly clean your gutters, pressure wash your driveway, and clean out your pool so you don’t have to!

4 Types of Fungi that Can Grow on Your Roof

June 27, 2019 / / 0 Comments

While you may believe that you are the only one living in your house, there may be some microscopic creatures making a home above your head. Roofs are the perfect place for fungi to live due to the damp and humid conditions, and leaving these organisms on your roof can have disastrous consequences. The best thing you can do is keep an eye out, and as soon as you spot it, you can get it removed to save your roof from further damage. But how do you know what to watch out for? This blog post will go over the 4 types of fungi that you might see growing on your roof.

Algae

Algae is a living organism that feeds off the limestone filler in shingles. Once the spores land on a moist area, they quickly spread and devour the roof. Algae is black-green in color and it loves to grow on damp, humid areas like roofs and gutters.

Algae eats away at shingles, taking years off the life of your roofing; you’ll have to get it replaced sooner rather than later, which can cost $10,000 or more. Not only that, but algae can also increase your electricity bills. Since the growth of algae covers the roof, the shingles aren’t able to effectively block UV rays, thus heating up the interior and forcing your A/C unit to work overtime. As soon as you notice algae on your roof, you have to act, as it can cost you thousands of dollars if you don’t get rid of it immediately.

Moss

Moss is distinguished by its fuzzy texture and vibrant green color. Some homeowners like the appearance of moss on their roof and keep it there for aesthetic reasons; however, the quaint forest cottage look comes at a risk – as moss can be detrimental to your roof.

Moss is attracted to damp, low-sunlit areas and contains moisture that can seep into shingles, causing roof rot. A rotting roof has poor structural integrity, leading to a flood of other issues. If you like the look of moss and know how to properly maintain it, moss can be a great addition to the roof of your home. But, if you dislike the look, getting it removed is the best option.

Mold

Mold is the most problematic fungi on this list. Not only is it ugly, but it can actually cause severe health problems, such as allergies, asthma, and other respiration issues. This organism is characterized by a slimy appearance and rancid smell. It can be brown or dark green in color, but black mold is the most hazardous.

Mold grows on moist wood and drywall, so roofing is the perfect place for it to grow. Once mold finds a home on your roof, it spreads fast. A roof leak can cause it to get inside of your home, and then circulate through the HVAC system. It also eats away at the structural integrity of your house, and simply the presence of mold decreases the value of your property. If you notice mold growing anywhere in your home, make sure you contact licensed professionals right away to remove it.

Mildew

Mildew has a powdery texture and can be light gray, black, or even pink. It loves warm, wet areas and especially grows on roofs with poor drainage. Mildew is known for spreading extremely fast, and it can be incredibly unsafe if you let it grow and fester.

Just like mold, mildew is a serious health hazard. Breathing it in for prolonged periods of time is dangerous, especially to those with asthma or other respiratory problems. Not cleaning your roof puts your family’s health at risk; make sure that you call the professionals right away as soon as you notice mildew growing on your home.

Conclusion

Algae, moss, mold, and mildew thrive in moist, humid areas. While there are ways to prevent them from growing, the absolute best way to stop them from spreading is by getting your roof cleaned regularly. At Oceanside Pressure Washing and Roof Cleaning, we offer quick and affordable pressure washing services to keep your roof fungus-free! With our pressure washing services, you’ll keep your home clean and your family healthy!

The Dangers of a Dirty Swimming Pool

May 17, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Summer is almost here and that means people everywhere will soon be flocking to the water to cool off. Swimming pools are a popular option because they’re considered safer than the ocean since they don’t have a current or threat of sharks. However, there are dangers lurking in swimming pool water that are far scarier than Jaws; E. coli, hepatitis, and noroviruses, just to name a few. Read on to find out why maintaining a clean swimming pool is essential to the health of your family and anyone else swimming in it.

What are the biggest threats?

According to the CDC, hundreds of cases of recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are reported each year and are on the rise. RWIs include diarrheal illnesses and fevers, eye and ear infections, and even neurological illnesses, all of which can be life-threatening to small children and those with weakened immune systems. Cryptosporidium, or Crypto for short, is a germ that poses a major threat because it is resistant to chlorine and is responsible for pool-related diarrheal illnesses. In 2001, 358 swimmers became ill from exposure to Crypto at an Illinois aquatic park.

What can be done about these threats?

While these facts may be alarming, it doesn’t mean that you have to totally avoid swimming pools. Here are some tips for keeping your pool clean and safe for swimming:

-Drain old water and have the pool pressure washed. This is an important step because chlorine can only do so much and if the chlorine levels are too high, it can irritate your eyes and skin. Once you’ve drained the old water, professional pressure washing will get rid of any algae or debris that might be hanging out at the bottom.

-Refill and administer chemicals correctly. Buy a good chlorinator and water testing kit from your local pool supply store. During the summer, you will need to check the chlorine and pH levels twice per week. Also, make sure to shock your pool weekly to kill resistant germs like Crypto.

-Make sure that everyone swimming in your pool is healthy and clean. Anyone who has recently had diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues should not get in the water. Showering before and after swimming are also important measures. Little ones in swim diapers need to be changed once per hour in the restroom.

Conclusion

Despite the worrying number of RWIs that occur each year, the vast majority of people won’t experience them thanks to vigilant pool owners and operators. If you want to keep your pool healthy for your family, make sure to start by calling Oceanside Pressure Washing and Roof Cleaning LLC for a thorough pressure wash.

3 Ways Pressure Washing Can Increase Your Home’s Value

April 26, 2019 / / 0 Comments

For home owners, the most common problem is the upkeep of gutters, roofs, and other parts of the home that are hard to clean. Luckily for you, the hardships of clearing away debris and dirt can be taken care of by scheduling a pressure washing service. With professional pressure washing equipment, the high-pressured water (with a combination of other chemicals), can prevent build-up of mold and other harmful particles that may be affecting the exterior of your home. Keep reading to find out how pressure washing can increase your home’s value and save you tons of money in the future!

Prevent Mold and Build-Up

One of the key benefits of pressure washing is removing harmful material from the exterior of your home. Over time, siding and shingles can become host to a variety of harmful growths such as algae, mold, and mildew. In all exterior surfaces, but especially materials such as limestone shingles, the buildup can cause damage when left untreated.
(Did you know: mold is the leading cause of roof decay!)
Regular washing can extend the life of your siding and roofing, saving you costly repairs and replacements down the line. The National Association of Realtors claims that a pressure wash can add $10,000-$15,000 value to your home, should you decide to sell. This simple routine maintenance can net you significant gains on the housing market.

Keep Gutters Functional

When your gutters become clogged with dirt and debris, water cannot flow away from your home; this may cause problems with the exterior of your walls, as the water saturates the outside over time. If water is affecting your walls, the overall integrity of your home could possibly be in danger, but don’t fret!

With a little preventative treatment, you can potentially save yourself from numerous problems- such as damaged door trimmings and leaky basements. Better to save yourself the headache and potentially thousands of dollars with a pressure washing cleaning!

Identify Maintenance Needs

When your home is treated with pressure washing, it may help you identify and get ahead of maintenance issues before they become big problems. Cleaning away dirt and debris from your home may expose a number of unknown areas for improvement.

By power washing the house, you can take note of any loose, cracked, or missing siding as well. Fixing issues that may be uncovered during a pressure wash can help maintain the exterior integrity of your home and prevent further structural damage. Ensure your home is free of rot, decay, and premature aging by treating it to a routine clean!

Conclusion

All in all, pressure washing can be a preventative measure to keep your home exterior clean and maintain your home’s value for years to come. With a simple maintenance cleaning, your roof, shingles, gutters, and more can be free from debris and other particles which build up over time. In addition, it can increase the value of any home, especially if you ever decide to sell.

For your next professional power washing service, we recommend calling the team at Oceanside Pressure Washing and Roof Cleaning LLC today!

Eliminating Efflorescence

April 1, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Mold and mildew get a lot of street cred for looking so icky. An army of experienced pressure washers, however, would be able tell you about one of the lesser known culprits out there: Efflorescence. This sometimes powdery white crust observable on surfaces like stone, concrete, brick, and mortar can be a fairly delicate thing to deal with. To win a battle, we must know our enemies well. So let us get to know this troublemaker better.

Efflorescence.

Origins of the Term

If the name of this culprit sounds pretty, that’s because it might remind you of words like “effervescence” and “floral.” As a matter of fact, the origin of the word efflorescence has a lot to do with the Latin word florescere, which means “to blossom.” In a way, the chemical context is fitting for the phenomenon since the white crust is a result of crystallization—something reminiscent of the bloom of a flower.

How Does Efflorescence Happen?

Efflorescence occurs due to the deposition of soluble salts and minerals that are embedded within a substrate. When the moisture evaporates, it migrates from within the substrate to the surface, and brings along with it the present salts and minerals. When the moisture wears off, the salts and minerals stay deposited on the surface. The more salts and minerals there are, the more noticeable they would be on the surface of the substrate.

Sometimes you can even make out a face…

Is Efflorescence Dangerous?

Mold spores can trigger asthma, and rusty nails can cause tetanus. So what about efflorescence? Well, let’s think about it. If efflorescence is noticeable, it is a clue that the substrate may contain excess water. And because a damp place can make for favorite breeding grounds for mold and mildew, the dampness alone would presumably be a valid cause for concern. Efflorescence may also indicate that there are water intrusion issues or construction defects in a building. Be sure to consult a professional to identify the exact problems. Humidity can slow down the evaporation of the substrate’s moisture, which means paying extra attention is advisable if you happen live in places with high-humidity levels.

Yep. That’s a whole lot of “Nope.”

What Is the Solution?

Adept pressure washing can remove efflorescence. Some recommend using acid solutions, but even while exercising caution, these substances can cause many accidents. The easy and solid way to take care of efflorescence is to enlist professionals. Oh, and here’s a pro tip: Drying off the water is important, since reabsorbed crystals can reappear from the substrate later.

Conclusion

Eliminating efflorescence may take time and patience, but is crucial to the integrity of a building. And trying to take down this culprit oneself is not the answer. Attack the problem at its core by letting experts give skillful help. Contact Oceanside Pressure Washing and Roof Cleaning today!

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