Hydra Pressure Washing LLC

We really put the pressure on dirt by turning up the heat.

Tag: health

Own a Swimming Pool? Remember to Power Wash It!

Now that summer and its record-breaking temperatures are over and done with (at least for the most part), it’s important to take stock of your home’s surroundings and figure out what needs to be cleaned up as we head into the cooler months. You won’t always have the time to do some fall cleaning, what with the holidays just around the corner.

One of the components that is most affected by this transition relates to those who own an in-ground pool. With that in mind, we’re going to run down why exactly you should have your pool power washed in the first place!

Remove the Health Hazard

During the summer, a pool can be a great place for friends and family members to gather and have a great place to relax. There’s nothing quite like heading home after a long day’s work or on the weekend and kicking back or partaking in a nice swim.

So why should you clean your pool in the first place? This is determined by the type of impact the weather had in your area and how often you used your pool. A common problem facing anyone who owns one is the buildup of algae, dirt, and other bacteria over time. This can become a real hazard if it isn’t treated properly. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to solve this problem is through a power washer!

Not All Swimming Pools Are Created Equal

But let’s take a step back for a brief moment. Swimming pools come in all shapes and sizes and are made from a variety of different materials – some far more robust than others. As a result, whoever you hire to pressure wash your pool must take extra care when performing this service.

For example, pools made from concrete or plaster can handle the pressure, so to speak, of power washing. Fiberglass and vinyl pools, on the other hand, need to have a more delicate approach with chemical solutions such as chlorine. Most people fit into the earlier category, but it’s always safe to do some research first before making the call.

The Process of Power Washing a Swimming Pool

First things first, the pool will need to be drained of any water if you haven’t already done so with summer being over and done with. Here’s a helpful tip – you can use any water from the pool for other chores around the home such as washing your car, cleaning your deck or garage, and more. Once the pool has been drained, any debris on the pool’s floor will need to be swept up.

From there, a gas or electric-powered pressure washer will be used to easily remove any encrusted stains (which are especially prevalent depending on how long it’s been since you last cleaned your pool), mud, grime, and other filth that may have accumulated. After the chemical solution has been applied to ensure long-term results, the pool is rinsed once again to remove those properties.

While owning an outdoor pool is a homeowner’s dream, it comes with a lot of responsibilities you may not have expected. Since any dirt and debris can build up over time, it’s important to stay on top of cleaning and maintenance to avoid any health and safety hazards from taking place. It may be one of the smartest things you do this fall season!

Why Pressure Washing Your Deck is a Smart Move

We have spoken in the past why you pressure wash certain areas of the home in order to increase its overall resale value. This can be crucial, especially in the seller’s market. As a result, you may feel inclined to look at other areas that may require a nice pick-me-up. One of those exterior surfaces happens to be your deck!

The Importance of Power Washing a Deck

First things first – let’s discuss why exactly this is a smart move, to begin with. Say you are looking to paint or stain your deck for the first time in years. While we wouldn’t exactly call this prerequisite, it can help to remove away any old finish or stains in a quick and efficient manner.

Not only that, but it also removes any shreds of debris that could be laying around between the deck boards, preventing the growth of rot, grime, rust, or other hazards that could remain visible even after applying a new finish.

Plus, since a pressure washer is simply using water to spray away any contaminants, you won’t have to worry about it warming any surrounding vegetation with noxious fumes. Obviously, if you’re installing a brand new deck, this isn’t required unless you’re using reclaimed wood that could use a thorough washing.

What to Do Beforehand

Now we get to the most important part – how to get everything primed and ready to go to have this service performed. Chances are, you may not have a lot of experience in this area. This is why hiring a professional is the best way to go. After all, the last thing you want to do is run the risk of damaging your precious new deck by being overly aggressive with this piece of equipment.

With that in mind, what they’ll do first is typically remove any type of finish that has already been applied to the wood deck. If this doesn’t happen, the new finish may start to prematurely fade in quality. It’s the same scenario when someone applies new wallpaper or a coat of paint over an already existing layer – at best, the results may start to look uneven in areas.

For older decks, this also means removing the gray surface layer of oxidation in order to ensure you get the final look you desire. It goes without saying that if you’re going to invest in this clean-up project, you may as well do it right the first time.

With this helpful information in mind, we recommend pressure washing your deck at least once a year (depending on the weather patterns) to keep it in prime condition, ideally sometime in the early spring. That way, you’ll love the look of your home every time you gaze upon on it for the remainder of the year!

How to Prevent the Growth of Mold During Summer

So the time has finally arrived. We have passed the summer solstice and are now in the midst of warmer months. That means camping, trips to the beach, and soaking in those rays to give our skin that healthy glow we’ve been craving. But aside from making sure you wear plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin, there’s something else you should take great care in defending from the effects of a brighter sun – your home!

When you’re dealing with dark and damp areas, such as your basement or attic, this can become a haven to mold, one of the most dangerous types of contaminants. However, the best way to avoid the growth of mold spores is through proper air circulation!

Using Your Air Conditioner to Avoid Mold Growth

One of the best things you could do to avoid mold growth inside your home during these humid months is to keep the air conditioner on especially in an area that is typically dark. This type of closed environment is a perfect storm for mold spores to grow.

By simply having the air conditioner going for a bit, it will help to cool your home and remove any moisture while also circulating and filtering the air of any contaminants. As mold thrives when the humidity levels are at 70 degrees, you can set the thermostat on the air conditioner to the low 70s with the fan blowing to deal with this potential problem.

If you live in a particularly humid climate, you should at the very least keep any doors open between rooms (including closet doors), keep air ducts clean, and overall ensure all the areas of your home are properly ventilated. Also, open your windows during sunny days and move any furniture away from walls to improve the airflow in your home.

Conclusion

Of course, if you feel that the problem has become pronounced and you have been experiencing some of the side effects of mold (allergic responses, infections on those with impaired immune systems, other irritants), it is recommended that you get in touch with your primary physician to ensure there isn’t a health risk on you or your family.

You should also strongly consider hiring a professional to perform a home pressure washing service to treat the problem areas thoroughly. By taking the steps to properly ventilate your home, you won’t have to put up with the more dangerous risks associated with mold any longer!

The Effect of Mold and Mildew on Your Home

You may have heard at some point how damaging mold and mildew can be. Chances are you have seen the effects for yourself in person at some point in your life. But whereas many would see these two as simple fungi, there is a far greater risk at play.

The Dangers of Mold

Let’s talk about mold. When you think of mold, you typically think of blotchy food, fabric, or wood. This destructive organism can cause a lot of health concerns including eye irritation, respiratory problems, sneezing, rashes, fatigue, and other very harmful characteristics that can cause flu or allergy symptoms. Black mold is the worst of the bunch as it can lead to severe complications.

Bottom line – mold is an awful substance that needs to be eradicated early. A lot of lives well beneath the surface of the material it is affecting. In many ways, it can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Sometimes the best way to find it is through the foul, pungent odor it emits.

The Risks with Mildew

Mildew, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as dangerous as other types of mold. You can usually find mildew in wet areas and it can be identified by a grayish-white appearance that can turn brown as it starts to grow.

The good news is, it’s typically a lot easier to clean since it lives only on the surface of a material. While mildew can cause the same allergic reactions as mold does, this is far less a threat in the grand scheme because it is easier to eliminate. On the other hand, it can be incredibly unsightly and can harm the curb appeal of your home.

Mold can be a serious concern especially if you’re in the process of building or renovating a home. As we said, mold loves moisture, so the best way to combat it is to make sure moisture stays far away from your house. Since mold can be invisible, this can be an extensive and labor-intensive process if you attempt to do this on your own.

Conclusion

The key to treating this fungus is by wiping it out of your home in its totality. Through the use of techniques including mold and mildew power washing, you can help keep you and your family free from the harmful effects these terrible fungus brothers can wreak. In moments like these, you can be far better off seeking professional help.

Do you have any questions or concerns regarding mold or mildew? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!