Guide to Pressure Washing Surfaces
While pressuring washing is an excellent solution for cleaning a variety of surfaces, it is essential to use the correct washer and PSI for specific surfaces. Understanding your material will help determine whether electric, gas-powered, or hot-water pressure washers best suit your individual applications.
We at Cam Spray always recommend testing your pressure washer on a small section of your washing surface to determine your project's correct PSI and nozzle. This way, you can avoid streaking, harming, or breaking throughout the pressure washing process.
Below are various surfaces and associated washers for specific industries. Contact Cam Spray for additional information and our team will gladly assist you with all pressure washer questions.
Brick Siding
As a material, brick is more fragile than it appears. Despite being a solid substance used for many construction projects, it is highly porous. As such, pressure washing must be performed with care and at low pressures. High-pressure washing can damage or break the brick. Avoid this by adequately patching holes or cracks before washing and using low pressure during application. For extra care, a brick-and-mortar sealant may be applied after washing and drying to ensure a proper, long-lasting finish.
Industries that utilize brick siding and may benefit from pressure washing brick include:
Cam Spray recommends industrial electric pressure washers for washing brick siding. The cold temperature and lower pressure are ideal for the care needed for brick applications.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is commonly used for its convenience, low maintenance, and inexpensive nature. Vinyl siding can be treated with steady pressure to remove mold, mildew, and other substances from its surface. Take care to direct the pressure washer with firm, even strokes. Begin at the bottom and apply horizontally, following the vinyl pattern while moving up the siding. Proper pressure washing will ensure vinyl siding will remain in good condition for many years.
Typical industries using vinyl siding for projects include:
Cam Spray recommends using industrial gas-powered pressure washers for vinyl siding washing. These washers are designed for outdoor use and can complete most tough cleaning applications, including vinyl siding.
Deck & Wood
Decks and wood applications must be treated with extreme care. Wood is easily scarred or damaged, so only low or medium-pressure washing should be applied. The delicacy of wood demands the pressure washer must be used from a safe distance, as direct washing can harm the fibers. When pressure washing, follow the grain of the wood and do not stay in any one place for long, or the risk of damage increases considerably. Use a sweeping motion to ensure constant movement and better protect the surface.
Deck and wood surface washing relates to industries including:
Recommended pressure washers from Cam Spray for deck and wood surface pressure washing are electric pressure washers designed for lighter-pressure applications. Their portable designs allow easy access to all deck parts and provide the correct PSI for wood applications.
Concrete
Concrete is one of the most common materials for pressure washing. Concrete pressure washing applies to virtually all industries. From warehouse floors to driveways to sidewalks, concrete is found everywhere. Keeping concrete surfaces clean through pressure washing is essential across all trades.
Both electric and hot water pressure washers are recommended by Cam Spray for concrete applications, depending on the application. Electric pressure washers are ideal for interior applications, while gas-powered pressure washers remove dirt, grime, and stains from exterior applications, including driveways, sidewalks, and other concrete materials. Both gas-powered pressure washers and diesel-powered power washers are designed for outdoor, heavy-duty applications.
Fences
Fences are made from a variety of materials, so determining the correct pressure washer and PSI will depend on the composition of the fence. Wooden fences should be treated with care, similar to the gentle treatment of decks, to prevent scarring or damage. Durable fences made from aluminum or steel can withstand much stronger pressure and can be treated with more powerful machinery. Understanding the fence’s material will determine the strength to pressure wash.
Industries that commonly utilize fencing include:
Because fencing materials are varied, Cam Spray recommends electric hot water pressure washers for low-pressure applications and gas-powered or diesel-powered hot water pressure washers for more durable fences.
Cam Spray Provides High-Quality Pressure Washers for All Industrial Applications
No matter your application, Cam Spray provides the tools you need for success. Our pressure washers are designed for specific applications to ensure you get exactly what you need. With customization capabilities, we can even manufacture specialty washers.
Contact Cam Spray with any questions or request a quote to get started on your pressure washing projects today.
