Pressure Washing Business

Weather Conditions That Affect Pressure Washing

While it may seem like a minor factor in the cleaning process, weather conditions play a crucial role in pressure washing. When deciding when to schedule a pressure washing for your business or home, consider these elements that might affect a job well done.

Rain

A rainstorm isn’t ideal while cleaning, but when pressure washing outdoors, it can hinder progress. Some ways rain affects pressure washing are:

Residue staining: Rainwater can leave a slight residue based on its acidity. After finishing a cleaning service, frequent rain may lead to more washing. Re-cleaning a surface a second time will require more time and money.
Watered-down cleaning solution: When using a soft wash or any chemical cleaning agent with your pressure washing, it can become diluted with rainwater. This dilution prevents the wash from being as effective as possible. An effective job will require more time and cleaning supplies.
Interference with vision: Visibility is another factor in rainy conditions and might cause the washer to miss some spots. An obvious point here is also safety. Limited visibility makes a washer more likely to fall or misstep on elevated or uneven surfaces.

Wind

When spraying any water, wind becomes a direct factor. Wind can have the following implications on a pressure washing job:

Direction change: A stream of water fanned out will be carried by the wind, rendering the cleaning less effective in removing dirt and stubborn grime. The water will need a more direct stream, reducing the surface area of water. A weak stream of water means the job may take longer to complete.
Debris and leaves: Cleaning a surface just for it to get dirty right away is frustrating. Blown leaves and debris make a surface just as messy as before. The leaves may stick to the surface, creating staining. To avoid going over an area multiple times, waiting for the wind to die down makes sense.

Temperature

When working with water, temperature can significantly affect the outcome of the job. Here are some factors to consider surrounding temperature:

Freezing water: We all know what happens when water gets too cold. The same principle applies here with pressure washing. Frozen water can affect the cleaning process, slowing down the removal of grime.
Equipment damage: If the water in the tank freezes, it can affect the pressure washer itself and even prolong the duration of the job. Broken nozzles, hoses, and tanks can lead to costly repairs.
Safety hazards: Even if the water pools beneath you, it can still freeze while on the ground and create a safety concern after the job is complete. Employees, pedestrians, and anyone walking around could slip on formed ice.

In warmer climates, pressure washing might seem like a better option. There are still some factors to consider. If the weather is too hot, the cleaning solutions might dry too quickly, leaving residue behind. However, heat might help loosen some of the grime, making it easier to remove. To counter the adverse effects of heat, working during dusk and dawn might produce the best results.

Ideal Conditions for Pressure Washing

Given the factors above, early summer and spring would be best for a successful pressure washing project. Mildly warm days with partial cloud cover will produce the ideal results. Aiming for days with low rain and wind forecasts will optimize the experience for any pressure washing business. This will mitigate safety risks, prevent extra work in the future and maybe lead to increased profits.

Wondering about other pressure washing best practices? View this complete guide for a full scope of pressure washing techniques.

How to Avoid Bad Weather Conditions

Avoiding bad weather may be as simple as waiting until the next season to roll around. However, some things need attention more immediately. This is where weather apps, forecasts, and predictions come into play. By monitoring the weather closely and observing the daily patterns, you can more confidently pick the best time of day during the week to schedule your pressure washing.

When choosing a pressure washing company to tackle your project, it is important to select a company that coordinates with you about weather conditions. Knowing when to reschedule if conditions are not ideal ensures you are getting the best quality service and the best value.

Can I Still Pressure Wash in Other Conditions?

In short, yes. However, it is still essential to understand the implications and risks of not waiting for a more suitable time to pressure wash. Some of the risk factors to keep in mind include:

Safety concerns: Remember that you or another individual will complete the pressure washing task. It will take more concentration and skill to perform under stress and more strategy to complete the job. Safety should be a significant concern, and a skilled operator should be used to avoid injury or damage.
Monetary concerns: Washing outside of ideal conditions may result in the area needing a re-wash sooner or immediately. This may cost more for the rental of equipment, service, or even just time out of your day. Keep this in mind if you are pressed for time or money.
Equipment concerns: Bad weather can easily damage equipment. Pressure washing equipment ranges in price but can be costly to replace. Consider this when renting a pressure washer or accepting a job in a pressure washing business.

H2O Tulsa is Oklahoma’s Premiere Pressure Washing Business

When thinking about when to pressure wash your business or home, leave the planning to us. With our multi-industry experience, we will know when and how to get your pressure washing done right, leaving you with sparkling results. Contact H2O Tulsa to get started today.