Pressure Washing | Sydney Wide Pressure Cleaning

Types And Services Of Pressure Cleaning

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Apr 012010

Pressure cleaning is also termed as hydrocleaning, waterblasting, and high pressure cleaning. In this process, water is propelled at very high speeds targeting surfaces and materials. By the right use of pressure and focus, hydrocleaning can remove not only dirt, moss, algae, dust, grime, oil and grease deposits, etc. but also takes away paints from walls and metals, rubber from airfield runways, membranes and sealants from concrete surfaces, and gum and other sticky materials from sidewalks without much difficulty.

The pressure cleaning operations are classified into four categories for standard cleaning and surface preparations. The specifications of these classifications had been structured by the Steel Structures Painting Council or SSPC. The definitions of pressure cleaning using the technology of water jetting are as follows.

Low pressure cleaning is conducted with water pressure lesser than 5,000 psi or 34 MPa
High pressure cleaning is done with water pressure that is between 5,000 and 10,000 psi or 34 and 70 MPa
High pressure water jetting is using water pressures in the range of 10,000 to 25,000 psi or 70 to 170 MPa
Ultra high pressure water jetting is escalating the water pressure to above 25,000 psi or 170 MPa

Pressure Cleaning of Buildings and Living Area Surfaces

The most common among the above four categories of pressure cleaning is low pressure cleaning and high pressure cleaning, which are used to clean or remove dust, dirt, grime, mud, mould, mud, etc. from surfaces and objects like residential and commercial buildings, factory buildings and surfaces, and concrete roads. Normally, pressure cleaning equipments are rented for such cleaning operations by hiring professional pressure cleaning service providers. These organizations use pressures between 750 psi and 30,000 psi but for normal cleaning of buildings and surfaces, pressures less than 5,000 psi are widely used to protect the structures from damage by the cleaning process itself.

The pressure washing of buildings is done with special pressure washer equipment that contains a motor driving a water pump, a specially designed high-pressure hose and a trigger switch. The pump can draw only that much water available in the water source the equipment is connected to. Hence, the pressure cleaning technicians initially estimate the amount of water required to clean a particular area of surface and arrange for the necessary level of water source. Otherwise, the pump will become starved of water, run on dry mode and get damaged.

The nozzles used for various types of cleaning also differ according to the required pressure level and the extent of dirt or grime that had accumulated on the surface. The pressure and pattern of water spraying is controlled by the nozzle and the type of application. Certain nozzles emit jets of water in triangular patterns, while others eject pencil-thin jets. The first type of nozzle is used for cleaning larges surfaces, while the latter type of nozzle is used effectively to reach deep crevices and other spots that are not easily approachable.

Pressure washers are classified by the kind of fuel or energy consumed by them. The major types of pressure cleaning equipment are

Electric pressure washers
Petrol pressure washers
Diesel pressure washers
Gas pressure washers
Propane pressure washers
Hydraulic high pressure washers
Ultra high pressure washers
High pressure steam cleaners

Nearly all these pressure washers are designed to use ordinary water or water mixed with detergents or chemicals for effective and efficient high pressure cleaning. Such detergents, chemicals, hot water and steam are used to loosen oil and grease, as well as other sticky substances on the surface and clean them properly.

The most common pressure cleaning applications for buildings and structures are brick cleaning, concrete cleaning, cleaning pavers, driveway cleaning, pressure cleaning of patios, verandas, footpaths, walkways, fences and poolside areas. Each type of cleaning will require exact amount of water pressures to be used. Lesser pressure will result in improper and incomplete cleaning, while excessive water pressure can cause irreparable damage yo the structures. As such, pressure cleaning and high pressure cleaning must be undertaken only by professional pressure cleaning experts.

Further, the pressure washers are dangerous equipments. They are capable of removing flesh from human body and expose the bones if water pressure exceeds certain levels and the water jet accidentally hits human skin. Further, gas or propane operated pressure washers can ignite in closed chambers and wreak havoc. Such type of pressure cleaning techniques are more suitable for outdoor cleaning purposes, where the risk of fire will be less and mobility will be higher where electrical connections are not available.

Ultra high pressure cleaning is used in industrial and outdoor cleaning requirements where heavy level of cleaning or preparation of surfaces for certain specific applications is needed. Membranes such as rubber, urethane, elastomeric membranes and hot applied membranes, as well as paints in highways, airfield runways, metal surfaces and parking surfaces are removed through these high pressure cleaning processes. The same technology is also used on various types of surfaces that had been dirtied by graffiti, pollution, sticky materials such as gum, etc.

One of the most important high pressure cleaning methods used with maximum effect is on commercial and military airfield runways. The landing strips of planes need to maintain fixed levels of friction to avoid skidding of the planes when they land. Constant landing of planes on the strips tend to increase the level of rubber on the surfaces due to the sticking of such rubber from the plane tires. Such excess rubber must be removed regularly to restore the exact friction levels. High pressure cleaning is the most effective process in achieving this and ensuring safe landing of planes on airstrips.

From the above, it must be clear that pressure cleaning and high pressure cleaning are the work of highly trained and experienced professionals. We have imparted special training to our technicians and use only pressure washers and other pressure cleaning equipment that are maintained in very good condition to ensure perfect cleaning and avoid damages or other types of risks. Contact us to know more about pressure cleaning to keep your buildings clean and grime free, with a fresh, new look.

Professional Pressure Cleaning: Safety Procedures

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Apr 012010

When regular cleaning methods fail to remove the dirt and grime from building sidings, patios, decks, pavers, driveways and so forth, you need to adopt professional grime busting techniques. This article covers some of the safety procedures that should be adhered to when using pressure washing equipment.

Pressure cleaning is one of the best ways to get rid of all the dust, mold and other debris that accumulates on buildings, windows, fences and any surfaces that are exposed to the external elements. Depending on where you live and the climatic conditions that affect your property, you can get high pressure cleaning done on a regular basis. For some people living in an exceptionally clean neighborhood away from too much of dust and other debris, pressure washing once in a year may be more than sufficient. But for people living in an area which frequently experiences sand storms and is exposed to the harsh external elements, regular pressure cleaning will be required.
Some of the safety guidelines associated with pressure cleaning include:

The very first step is to inspect your property for loose boards, broken windows, etc. You need to thoroughly check your property before you start the pressure cleaning task.

Whoever undertakes pressure washing should be properly attired in heavy duty gloves, glasses and protective clothing. When releasing water at very high psi onto a building, the danger of flying debris like small branches and stones can hit you causing injury. Thus it is always a good idea to first remove these objects by brushing off the exterior surfaces.

You should wear rubber soled shoes to prevent slipping on such wet surfaces. The glasses will protect your eyes from flying debris and the gloves will protect your hands. A long sleeved shirt and coveralls will protect your body.

Always hold the nozzle of the pressure washing machine pointing down at the ground when not in use. Being hit by such a high velocity water jet can easily damage your eye or other part of your body.
When the pressure washer clogs, clean it out remembering to point it away from your face and body. Always turn off the machine if you are going to inspect it or remove the nozzle and hose.

Send children to spend the day with their grandparents, relatives or organize a sleepover with their friends. Pets should be sent to a kennel facility if no one is at home to take care of them. High pressure washing as mentioned is done at great force; hence it can easily damage the eyes or even remove a layer of the skin. These are real threats and should be considered seriously.

Cleaning gutters or other spots by climbing on a ladder can be quite dangerous. The force of the pressure cleaning jet will knock you right off your perch. It’s an unnecessarily foolish risk, so it’s better to avoid doing it yourself. If required, use a retractable handle to do this type of cleaning. But for all such intricate tasks, it’s better to call professionals who are well-trained to handle such convoluted duties.

Driveway Pressure Washing Pointers

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Feb 172010

The foremost commonly utilised half of your home, and also the most neglected part of your dwelling, is your concrete driveway. Most driveways are made of grey-coloured concrete. This could create a lovely sight whilst it is brand new. But, over time, with the dirt, cracks, weeds budding, and oil development; these can all be factors that will deter a possible buyer. Here are 5 tips for repairing and updating a concrete driveway.
(1). Do you have drainage issues? You may see this drawback after it rains. Rather than running off the side of the driveway, it will sit within the middle or lower areas. This is normally the results of concrete that has settled into an insufficient foundation. The rule of thumb is for each foot of driveway, it ought to intensify by one quarter of an inch starting from the street to the house or garage. This will facilitate the drainage away from the house.
(2). If you have oil stains, attempt this solution. While chalk can be easily removed by way of a sensible downpour, or even the water hose, oil takes much more effort. Attempt to use a sprinkle of cat litter or saw dust. Allow this lie for two days, and then sweep it up. This can remove all of the high oils. But, for the deeper oils in the concrete, you’ll need one more ingredient. Sprinkle a layer of dried up concrete powder on top of the mark. Permit this to sit for two days. This will help absorb the oils immersed within the concrete. Then sweep this up. Obviously, verify the weather conditions are ideal. If it rains on the concrete powder, you’ll retain a patched concrete area.
(3). Pressure washing is a preferred methodology of getting a pleasant and uniform cleaning of one’s driveway. There are cleaners exclusive to driveways, footpaths, or just concrete in general. Use these because they can perform an abundantly better job than simply water and a pressure washer.
(4). As soon as the driveway is clean, and gives a pleasant consistent look, it is time to use a concrete sealer, or concrete sealant. Bear in mind, concrete is permeable, which suggests that it has very little openings in it. Grime and oils easily get down into these holes. The normal rains you get will not rinse these out. The most effective means to keep these away is to seal the driveway. Sealants can be rolled just like paint, and will provide a nice shiny appearance. Some will even make the driveway appear as if it is still wet. A concrete sealant is your best bet for overall protection. You’ll want to use every 3 years or so.
(5). If you’re simply dissatisfied with your driveway, then provide it with a facelift. There are plenty of ornamental finishes you can apply for your driveway. Hardware supplies will contain a complete division dedicated to concrete finishes. See if some of these have the charm and look you desire.

These five suggestions will aid in reinstating your concrete driveway, along with protecting it. Most individuals never pay any attention to the present area, however it’s the first half of any home you actually step foot on top of. Just follow the information above, and you’ll bring your driveway to its original appearance.

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