Top 10 Areas of Your Commercial Property That Need Regular Pressure Washing

Construction worker power washing a concrete surface on a rooftop with buildings in the background, safety gear equipped.
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Pressure washing is incredibly effective for maintaining your commercial property’s cleanliness and curb appeal. Beyond aesthetics, regular pressure washing can prolong the lifespan of various surfaces, prevent damage from grime and mold, and create a more inviting atmosphere for customers and employees. While the entire property can benefit, here are the top 10 areas that should be on your priority list:

  1. Building Exterior: Your building’s facade is its first impression. Building exterior cleaning through pressure washing removes dirt, grime, algae, and pollutants that accumulate on brick, concrete, metal, or wood surfaces. This reveals the true beauty of your building materials.
  2. Sidewalks and Walkways: These high-traffic areas require regular sidewalk cleaning. Pressure washing is ideal because these places are most prone to debris, gum, food stains, and whatever dirt imaginable. Cleaning them ensures people don’t slip and enhances your property’s overall look.
  3. Parking Lot: Oil stains, tire marks, and grime make parking areas look neglected. High-pressure cleaning of parking lots removes these stains, prevents the buildup of harmful substances, and helps maintain the integrity of asphalt or concrete surfaces.
  4. Dumpster Area: Spills, leaks, and general mess are most common in dumpster areas. Pressure washing helps maintain a sanitary environment and deters pests. It also eliminates foul odor from old garbage stuck on the floors.
  5. Outdoor Seating Areas: Regular patio cleaning is required to remove dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris. This makes your outdoor seating spaces more inviting for customers and employees.
  6. Awnings and Canopies: Weather and pollution can stain and discolor these structures. Awning cleaning through pressure washing revitalizes their appearance and maintains their protective qualities.
  7. Signage: Signage is an essential branding element. Using a pressure wash for signage cleaning removes dirt, dust, and bird droppings, ensuring your signs remain bright, clear, and impactful.
  8. Storefront: Fences and gates, whether wood, metal, or vinyl, benefit from pressure washing as part of storefront cleaning. Removing dirt, algae, and moss improves their appearance, prevents deterioration, and extends their lifespan.
  9. Rooftops: Pressure washing rooftops is essential and requires specialized techniques and equipment. Removing debris, moss, and algae can prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your rooftop.
  10. Driveways: Driveways are prone to accumulating dirt, oil stains, and tire marks. Driveway cleaning, especially through power washing, removes harmful substances and helps maintain the surface’s integrity.

Remember: A poorly maintained commercial property not only deters potential customers but also significantly reduces its property value.

What is the Cost Of Pressure Washing Commercial Buildings?

Pressure washing services are a valuable investment in preserving your commercial property’s durability and aesthetic appeal. Costs can vary depending on several factors:

  • Property size: Larger properties naturally require more cleaning time and resources, resulting in higher costs.
  • Number of surfaces: Cleaning multiple surfaces like the building exterior, sidewalks, parking lots, and signage will generally be more expensive than focusing on a single area.
  • Level of dirt and grime: Heavily soiled surfaces may require additional cleaning solutions or more time to achieve optimal results, potentially increasing the cost.
  • Accessibility: The price can also be affected by whether certain areas are difficult to reach or require specialized equipment (like rooftop cleaning).
  • Geographic location: Prices for pressure cleaning services can vary depending on regional labor costs and competition.

In general, commercial pressure washing is often priced per square foot. Depending on the abovementioned factors, you can expect to be charged anywhere from $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot. Some companies may also have packages for multiple services or discounts for regular maintenance.

Pro-tip: It’s always best to get quotes from several reputable pressure cleaning services to compare prices and ensure you get the best value for your investment.

The Frequency of Pressure Washing

The frequency of pressure-washing commercial properties depends on various factors, including:

  • Location: Properties in areas with high pollution, heavy foot traffic, or frequent bird activity will naturally accumulate dirt and grime faster which would require more frequent cleaning.
  • Weather: Regions with high humidity or lots of rain tend to experience faster algae and mold growth, requiring more frequent pressure washing to maintain a clean and safe environment.
  • Material: Certain materials, like wood or unsealed concrete, are more porous and susceptible to staining, often requiring more frequent cleaning than less porous materials like metal or sealed concrete.

What We Suggest

Considering the factors above, some areas of your commercial property will require more frequent pressure washing than others. We recommend doing the following:

  • Sidewalks and walkways: Given their high traffic and exposure to the elements, these areas typically benefit from pressure washing every 3-6 months or even more frequently if your commercial property sees a high volume of visitors.
  • Building exteriors: Depending on the location and material, cleaning building exteriors 1-2 times a year is usually sufficient to maintain a fresh appearance and prevent buildup.
  • Parking lots and garages: These areas can often be cleaned once a year, although more frequent cleaning may be necessary for high-traffic parking areas or those prone to oil spills.
  • Outdoor seating areas: If these areas are used frequently, especially during warmer months, they may need to be pressure washed every 3-6 months to keep them clean and inviting.

Remember, these are just general guidelines. Your property’s specific pressure washing frequency will depend on your unique circumstances. A commercial pressure washing service can evaluate your property and suggest a customized cleaning schedule.

Conclusion

Regular pressure washing is an investment in your commercial property’s appearance, longevity, and overall value. Maintaining a clean and well-kept exterior creates a positive impression on customers, employees, and the surrounding community. If you’re ready to take the next step in enhancing your property’s curb appeal, consider scheduling a commercial pressure washing service today.

About the Author

Nikolay Nikolov is a professional gutter and window cleaner. Nikolay is proud when he can help his fellow locals unclog and clean their gutters, clean their windows, driveways, and eavestroughs and install their holiday lights. He loves what he does, and his motto is to make the world a happier & cleaner place one home/business at a time.

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