Question on Residential Powerwashing

[Cut-Rite2]

I will be giving an estimate on a job for cleaning a driveway, sidewalks, pool area, and the side of a 1 story ranch house. The roof overhangs the walls and there are soffit vents under the overhang. My question is....what precautions or methods can I use to prevent any water from the spray gun going through the soffit vents and into the house, and yet be able to clean the wall close to the vents.

Thanks,

Noel

 

[R. E. Crouse]

I have done hundreds of houses and have never had a problem with this. I even tested on my own house with high pressure on the siding close to the soffit. The water gets "misty" and generally does not penetrate the soffit. Just use minimal pressure in those areas, and you will be fine.

 

[Cut-Rite2]

Thanks for your response, and I will follow your advice. That is very helpful to me.

Noel

 

[Aplus]

I will be giving an estimate on a job for cleaning a driveway, sidewalks, pool area, and the side of a 1 story ranch house. The roof overhangs the walls and there are soffit vents under the overhang. My question is....what precautions or methods can I use to prevent any water from the spray gun going through the soffit vents and into the house, and yet be able to clean the wall close to the vents.

Thanks,

Noel

Easy......Don't spray water directly at the soffit vents.

 

[Cut-Rite2]

Originally, I was concerned that the spray would be deflected into the soffit vents if I came too close with the wand, but as you say, if I don't spray directly at the vents, I should be OK...thanks.

Noel

 

[CCPC]

What kind of vents are we talking about? perferatated vinyle, plywood with cut outs? Either way, The others are right, just try to avoid blasting water into them. In reality, even if some water does get in, it's not going to hurt anything. With the kind of heat that builds in attic space it will evaporate very quickly.

 

[pressurepal]

If you direct your wand in the right directions, it shouldn't be a problem. Start powerwshing as close to the vent as possible and move the spray wand away from the vent in the opposite directions. I would think that if you are using scaffoulding - it shouldn't be hard. If not, I would use a l heavyduty ladder and get as eye level to the vent as you can (following the advice above)

The only water leakage that I have ever worried about or encountered is the water comming from the customers faucet. Make sure that you ALWAYS have a few rubber washers in your truck for the hook up hose. Leakage around a foundation (especially an older one), is more damage than a few puddles in a vent.

Good luck!
Chris @ Under Pressure Restoration Services - Toronto, Canada