Before vinyl siding became popular, pressure cleaning was mainly found in the commercial and industrial setting. Storefronts, drive-thrus, and dumpster areas are routinely cleaned for aesthetics as well as sanitation, health and safety reasons. State and city ordinances require public areas such as restaurants, convenience stores and hospitals and many other public related sites to be cleaned on a regular basis.

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With the introduction of residential siding products including vinyl, stucco, EFIS and other composite materials, pressure cleaning has become the preferred cleaning method by the leading manufactures. When combined with the proper cleaning compounds, detergents and specialty cleaners, it is a very effective and efficient means to clean and sanitize.

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Residential pressure cleaning differs from commercial in that it is much less aggressive and usually hot water is not needed. Hot water is generally used to remove gum, grease and other tough trouble spots. Actually, when washing houses, very little pressure is needed at all. A professional pressure cleaner will have a low pressure system to clean the home (siding, windows, soffits, etc...) and a high pressure system used only on brick, cement, ironwork and for stripping decks and patios. A professional pressure cleaner relies on the chemicals and detergents to do the work and the water to do the rinsing and clean up. The volume of water is more important than the pressure of the water.

There are many part time so called "power washers" going around with the retail store pressure washer and gallons of bleach charging the .00 house wash special. The professionals refer to them as the "Splash & Dash." The problem is that most do not carry insurance, hold any certifications and next year they can't be found. We have all heard the stories of broken windows, siding torn off and flowers and shrubs killed by bleach.

Now is a good time to explain that there is a difference in "Power Washing" and "Pressure Cleaning". Anybody can wash anything, but to get it clean requires more than just washing with bleach. Chlorine is an excellent sanitizer and used to kill mold and mildew, but has no cleaning ability to remove dirt, clay, grease or other pollutants. Professionals use specific emulsifying cleaning compounds mixed with chlorine and often times add a wax so dirt, pollen and pollutants will not adhere, making the surface easier to clean the next time.

After hiring a professional pressure cleaning contractor, you should expect them to arrive at the appointed time and take care of everything. A typical professional cleaning should include the furniture, plants and other items moved from porches, decks and other areas that may be in the work area. These items should be covered to protect from any overspray and returned to their proper place when the job is finished. Windows and doors are checked to make sure they are closed and water tight. Screens are removed and safely stored. Porch fixtures and ceiling fans are either covered or completely removed. Hoses are laid out to minimize damage to lawn and flower beds. Chemical pails are placed either on containment pans in case of spillage or located on driveways and sidewalks.

Water is then applied to all surfaces to be cleaned as well as adjacent flower beds, shrubbery and lawn. Cleaning agents are then applied starting at the bottom and working up to avoid streaking. After sufficient dwell time of the cleaning agents, the actual cleaning begins at the top. Gutters are hand brushed using a sodium hydroxide solution to remove the black streaks which is electrostatic bonding run-off from the shingles. Without brushing, the gutters will not come completely clean. Fascia and soffitts are then cleaned of dirt, mildew, spider webs and other contaminants. Working down the wall, windows and sills are hand brushed while the utmost care is taken when working around light fixtures, receptacles and delicate trim. After the walls have been cleaned, porches, steps, and railings are cleaned next using measured amounts of pressure particularly on foundations where clay splatter can sometimes be hard to remove. With the right chemicals, good results removing clay and rust stains from not just foundations, but siding and other areas as well can be achieved.

Moving to the last project, the deck is either cleaned or stripped depending on what the homeowner wants. It is highly recommended to have the deck stripped and then apply a good quality sealer. Decks are expensive and the old pressure treated lumber is far superior to the new EPA. mandated lumber. It would be a waste not to take care of it. Use products that will stand up to the elements without peeling or flaking and will not leave traffic patterns as it wears away.

When the house is cleaned and rinsed, the windows should be dried using a squeegee to eliminate spotting, items returned to their place, flower beds raked and tidy and any debris picked up. A final "walk around" inspection should be preformed to assure nothing was missed and that everything is in it's proper place and the homeowner is satisfied.

Like other professional service providers, the professional pressure cleaning contractor is operating a legitimate business. Insurance, proper chemicals and equipment as well as technical training is utilized to insure the homeowner of their project being preformed in a timely and workmanship like manner.

"Power Washing" and "Pressure Cleaning" - Know the Difference?

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Cyber Monday Crescent CTK170CMP Mechanics Tool Set, 170-Piece 2011 Deals

Dec 02, 2011 15:36:38

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Cyber Monday Crescent CTK170CMP Mechanics Tool Set, 170-Piece Feature

Contains a carefully selected assortment of hand tools needed for most industrial, mechanical, and consumer applications
3/8-inch drive tools and 1/4-inch drive tools are included (SAE and metric)
Tools meet stringent new ANSI and ASME specifications and come with a full satisfaction guarantee
All tools contained in a sturdy, folding plastic case for easy storage and transport
Lock-on sockets will not slip off during use

Cyber Monday Crescent CTK170CMP Mechanics Tool Set, 170-Piece Overview

Cooper Tools CTK170MP 170 Piece Mechanics' Tool SetCooper Hand Tools, a division of Cooper Industries, Inc., manufactures and markets many well-known brands of hand tools, chain, and electronic soldering products, including Campbell; chain, Crescent; brand wrenches and pliers, Lufkin; measuring tools, Nicholson; files and saws, Plumb; hammers, H.K. Porter; bolt cutters, Weller; soldering products, and Wiss; snips.Cooper Tools CTK170MP 170 Piece Mechanics' Tool Set Features:; World famous Crescent; brand; Exceeds ANSI specs; Providing quality tools since 1907 Cooper Tools CTK170MP 170 Piece Mechanics' Tool Set Specifications:; UPC Code: 037103221360; Type of Case: Plastic,Cathedral Door w/Hndl; Catalog Numbers: Mixed SAE and Metric; Number of Tools Included: 170 Piece; Packaging: Industrial Box/Carton; Magnetic bit driver with cushion grip for increased leverage; Set includes an 8" adjustable wrench and 10" tongue and groove pliers; Mechanics' length combination wrenches; 72 tooth ratchet requires only a 5; swing and includes a large quick-release button for easy operation; Lock-on sockets will not slip off