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Don’t Procrastinate on Pressure Washing

You don’t see it right away: the dirt and grime slowly accumulating on the side of your commercial building. While it’s impossible to see the difference from one day to the next, the exterior of your property is gradually being enveloped with a layer of nastiness. And that layer can cause some major problems.

I get it: It’s easy to forget about. As car owners, we know the importance of periodically washing off the road grime, dirt and salt that can damage the exterior finish. But the outside of our buildings doesn’t always get the same attention.

So, in the spirit of spring cleaning, consider some of the primary benefits of pressure washing your commercial facility.

4 benefits of pressure washing

Whether you call them pressure washers or power washers (there actually is a subtle difference), the important thing is to understand why you need this type of exterior building maintenance.

  1. Curb appeal and property value – You might be trying to lease office space in your building or just create an aesthetically pleasing environment for your current tenants, but a well-maintained and clean building exterior creates a solid first impression. After all, if the brick is hazy with dirt or the stucco is growing mold, it really doesn’t matter how nice the inside is. On the other hand, a regularly washed building increases your property value, making it a much more attractive choice for potential tenants or customers.
  2. Improve health – Maintaining a clean exterior helps rid your building of potentially harmful substances, such as pollen, mold, mildew, algae and pollutants. Many of these can even lead to more serious health issues like breathing troubles, asthma and sinus infections.
  3. Reduce injury risk – Sidewalks and parking lots can quickly accumulate substances, such as grease or mold, that can increase the risk for slips and falls, which rank near the top of the most common accidents in the workplace.
  4. Prevent building damage – The accumulating dirt, mold, bird droppings and insect debris not only look disgusting, but they can also increase the deterioration of your building’s exterior. Brick, for example, may begin to wear away if it’s not cleaned regularly. However, pressure washing the walls, windows and gutters each year can slow down this wear and tear and save you big money in maintenance in the long run.

An ounce of prevention

From talking with many property managers over the years, I realize how easy it is to put exterior pressure washing on the back burner. It can be challenging to find room in the budget for preventive maintenance when so many urgent fires need to be put out right now.

Keep this in mind, however: The longer you wait – the longer you allow dirt and grime to build up on your building – the more difficult it is to clean. That means more time, more labor—and more cost. Trust me, don’t put this off.

And it pays to spring for an experienced professional, as explained by the Power Washers of North America:

“Pressure washing professionals understand what it takes to get the job done, and sometimes that requires the use of different techniques that can vary depending on the project. Without the knowledge or experience of using pressure washing techniques, it’s easy for DIY-er’s to damage surfaces, injure themselves, or pressure wash ineffectively.”

SG360 offers high-pressure washing of your entire property exterior—everything from walls to sidewalks, roofs to parking garages. We can remove exhaust, insect debris, dirt and grime, as well as rust, efflorescence, grease and gum.

So, whether you have a 40-story high-rise or a single-level industrial park, we can ensure your building exterior not only looks its best but is ready for the year ahead.

Dave Harvey is the president and CEO of SG360, a facility services company specializing in janitorial, facilities management and restoration services. How often are you pressure washing your building? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page or on Twitter @ServiceGroup360.

 

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