The FAQ Section

DIY? Have a look at our FAQ's before you start. Even if you aren't about to use any of our services and want to do things yourself, you are still always welcome to give us a call anyway for tips, advice or any specific questions you need answering. After all, forewarned is forearmed...

 

What is pressure washing?

Pressure washing is the act of using an engine powered pump to skoosh water from the end of a lance under extremely high pressure. Depending on the power of the engine and capacity of the pump, a high pressure jet of water will clean just about anything from the surface of anything else. Dirt, graffiti, grime, algae, traffic impurities - no match for a high pressure power washer.

 

What shouldn't be pressure washed?

Common sense should tell us that anything likely to sustain damage by using a pressure washer shouldn't be targetted - with tiled roofs being the most likely to receive a beating. Tiled roofs leave the factory with a special sealing coat which a pressure washer will remove and could leave you facing a repair bill. Slate roofs are fine however.

 

If you are considering washing a particular surface but aren't sure whether or not you should be, give us a call and we'll give you a good idea of how best to go about it.

 

What type of machine should I consider?

This really depends on the job. For instance, you don't want to buy a small electric washer if you're doing your 20m x 20m patio or monoblock drive but in saying that, you don't want an industrial unit just to wash the car on Sunday's. If you have a large job to do (like the patio and conservatory once a year), it would most likely be cheaper to hire the professionals as a short term solution however a good quality and properly maintained washer will last years so with that, you will save pennies in the long run.

 

Basically, small electric units for small jobs (best buy Karcher), large petrol units for larger jobs in which we would always recommend Briggs and Stratton or a Honda powered unit but only if it is fitted with an Interpump, Cat or Comet pump.

 

Brand name washers?

For electric units we would only ever recommend Karcher. For petrol driven units then we would only really recommend Briggs and Stratton as parts and servicing is easy to come across should it break.

 

Most Honda powered units are very good but keep in mind that Honda make engines - not power washers. Some companies buy Honda engines and attach cheap pressure pumps that dont last long and pass them off as top quality units under the "Honda quality" name. If you consider a Honda powered unit, make sure it is fitted with either an Interpump, Cat or Comet triplex pump. If not, walk away.

 

Also, beware of cheaper or unheard of models as parts and servicing for them may be non-existent if things go wrong.

 

Detergents?

Again, this really depends on the job. After all, you wouldn't put a caustic TFR (traffic film remover) on a thatch roof. Things like stone, concrete, masonry, decking, patio or paving surfaces only require the power of the jet to clean them while things like conservatories, caravans or UPVC can withstand a non-caustic TFR with no problems and will bring these surfaces out to an almost new finish.

 

Oil and petrol stains, chewing gum removal etc require pre-treatment however. These chemicals, along with a good quality TFR, can be bought from any chemical supply store in your area who will be able advise you on what is best for the job at hand.

 

This FAQ section covers the basics. If what you're looking for isn't listed here, feel free to give us a call for free friendly advice.