Why Regular Exterior Cleaning Matters in Florida's Climate? (And When to Schedule It)
Florida has a mild and humid climate. The warmth makes it a great place to live. However, these same weather features are a severe test for the walls of houses. Without proper care, they will quickly lose their attractive appearance. Therefore, the first thing you need to take care of is adequate cleaning of the facade. Below, we will tell you in detail what and how to do.
Importance of Regular Cleaning
The house’s walls are constantly exposed to the negative impact of the environment. Rain, snow, dust, ultraviolet radiation, and temperature changes contribute to the formation of various contaminants on the facades. Particularly dangerous are biological contaminants in the form of mold, moss, and algae, which not only spoil the appearance of the building but can also lead to severe destruction of building materials.
Regular maintenance of the walls of the house allows you to:
- Preserve the attractive appearance of the facade
- Prevent premature destruction of building materials
- Eliminate potential sources of allergens and pathogens
- Increase the service life of the entire building
- Avoid costly repairs in the future
Therefore, regular cleaning not only saves money in the long run but is also important for the health of the whole family. If you do not want to buy a washing machine and do the procedure yourself, the best solution would be to contact Sandpiper Softwash. This way, you will save time and get an excellent result.
Types of Pollution and Their Effects
Each region has different types of pollution. Due to the high humidity in Florida, mold, mildew, and moss are a serious problem. However, this does not mean other substances do not settle on the walls.
Air Pollution and Dust
Dust, soot, and other air pollutants gradually settle on the walls of a house, forming a thin film that can become quite noticeable over time. In industrial areas or near busy roads, such pollution accumulates faster and may contain chemically active substances that accelerate the destruction of the facade.
Mold and Mildew
Mold on the walls of a house is a serious problem, especially in humid climates. Mold spores in the air settle on damp surfaces and begin to multiply actively. Mold destroys building materials, releases toxic substances, and can cause serious respiratory diseases in the house’s inhabitants.
Moss and Algae
Moss most often appears on the north side of buildings, where there is less sunlight and more moisture. It has a developed root system that penetrates the pores of building materials, gradually destroying them. Algae also prefer damp places and often settle on facades in shady areas.
Graffiti and Vandalism
Unauthorized drawings and inscriptions on the walls not only spoil the aesthetic appearance of the building but can also contain chemically aggressive components that penetrate the wall material and destroy it.
Pressure Washer Cleaning
The simplest and most effective method of scheduled maintenance and cleaning of facades from dirt is washing with a high-pressure device. This technology is suitable for almost all types of facades.
Advantages:
- High efficiency in removing various contaminants
- Significant savings in time and physical effort
- Ability to clean hard-to-reach places
- Minimal use of chemicals
Limitations and risks:
- Not suitable for some types of surfaces (e.g., old masonry or plaster)
- It may damage soft materials or force water into cracks
- Requires specific skills for proper use
- Need for a source of water and electricity
The result is visible immediately, not only by the dirty water flowing down during the washing process but also by the difference in the color of the facade before and after the work.
Methods of Pressure Washing
There are several methods of washing facades with high-pressure devices. The most expensive and labor-intensive, but allowing you to achieve impressive results, is treating surfaces with special chemicals using a powerful foaming agent, followed by rinsing with a stream of clean water.
Another option is to apply a detergent to the facade using a fur coat and mechanically manually clean the surface. The treated areas are also washed with water, which removes both dirt and chemical composition.
The last and most common method is removing traces of atmospheric precipitation with a jet of water under high pressure without the use of chemicals. This method is effective if the facade is washed regularly — at least twice a year.
Typically, a high-pressure device is placed on the roof, and industrial climbers use a long hose with a gun and a suitable nozzle. Using the device significantly reduces water consumption compared to the continuous supply method.
However, high-pressure water supply technology cannot be used in all cases: different facade materials may behave differently when washed. For example, a dilapidated plastered facade may crumble and crack. Care should also be taken when working with ventilated facades so as not to damage the internal insulation layers.
When operating buildings, it is important to remember the main thing: regular washing of facades — at least in spring and autumn — is much more profitable in terms of savings than unscheduled expenses on restoration work, repainting and major repairs.
Conclusion
Regular washing of the house walls is the key to their beauty and strength. In the humid and warm climate of Florida, this procedure must be carried out regularly. Otherwise, the walls can become covered with fungus or mold and begin to deteriorate. Pressure washing allows you to solve all the main problems. In addition, it is safe for the residents of the house since it does not use aggressive cleaning compounds.
