As your commercial property becomes stained and dingy, you might consider a professional pressure washing service to brighten the building and surfaces. However, the potential project timelines might thwart you if you want to avoid crews working during business hours.
How long does pressure washing take to complete? Concierge Community Services offers pressure washing in Columbia, SC. We use our extensive experience to help you gauge a potential itinerary.
What Elements Determine the Service Time?
What determines the time frame of a pressure washing project? Equipment capabilities and crew numbers vary by service provider. A professional pressure washing company with a sizable crew and more powerful equipment will complete most jobs faster. However, the following elements influence project duration, regardless of crew and equipment.
Exterior Materials
A dense, porous surface material takes longer to clean than a smooth, nonporous one. For example, concrete, brick, and wood absorb fluids and feature tiny crevices or pores where mold and debris can hide. Vinyl or metal surfaces don’t have those nooks and crannies and quickly rinse away.
Square Footage
Time estimates largely depend on the surface area. More square footage means a lengthier project. Crews can cover more ground with small buildings.
Accessibility
Does your commercial property feature structures high above the ground or oddly shaped architecture? These elements can negatively impact accessibility. Your crew might need extra time to move equipment, access rooftops, and scour tucked-away nooks.
Time Between Services
When did you last hire pressure washing services to clean your building? As debris accumulates, it wedges deeper into the material and creates layer upon layer of filth. The amount of dirt and damage extent throughout exterior walls, concrete surfaces, parking lots, and other structures will impact your project timeline.
Professional Pressure Washing Steps
How long does pressure washing take? Professional pressure washing services involve more than powering up the old washer and aiming the water stream at a surface. Experienced crews undergo a multi-step process to fully refresh commercial buildings.
Setup
The crew begins equipment setup upon arrival. They unload and connect wands, nozzles, and hoses before fueling the machines. They also don goggles, gloves, and other protective gear to practice proper pressure washer safety.
Prep Work
Next, crew members apply cleaning solutions to lift and remove layers of dirt and mold. These powerful formulas soak into the materials for about ten minutes before the washing step begins.
Washes
Top-to-bottom is always the best approach during any cleaning task, and pressure washing is no different. Crew members aim their nozzles at the top of each wall, allowing the loosened dirt to flow downward. They may stop to gauge whether they need more products and reapply accordingly.
How long does pressure washing take? Most of the time and effort goes into this step. After the initial wash, the crew might wash each surface two to three times. Then, they apply after-wash formulas that brighten the structures and remove rust.
Rinse
Finally, all that excess soapy water has to go somewhere. Otherwise, it will dry out on the washed surfaces. This can damage the surfaces, which makes the materials more susceptible to environmental damage in turn.
The crew thoroughly rinses the worksite with clean water. They use the same top-to-bottom approach as when they washed the surfaces.
Site Breakdown
The last step involves breaking down and loading the gear. It adds some extra time to the service since the crew must:
- Drain and roll up hoses
- Empty water tanks on machinery
- Allow the pressure washers to cool down
- Guide leftover water away from the building
- Load heavy machinery into their vans or trucks
After all, a reputable service provider never leaves your property in chaos.
How Long Does Pressure Washing Take?
You need a detailed estimate from your service provider to get a more accurate idea of the project’s time frame. However, you might predict the service time based on the type of commercial property listed below:
- Parking lots and sidewalks may take one to eight hours depending on the surface area.
- Single storefronts can take up to three hours.
- Restaurants and large retailers often need one or two days.
- Stadiums can take up to one business week to complete.
If you want a shorter service time, you can always consider soft washing as an alternative. Some business owners choose this method because it takes fewer hours and works well for more fragile materials like wood. Your crew uses lower-pressure machines and gentler cleaning formulas, and may limit some of the steps listed above.
If you choose soft washing over a full pressure-wash service, you might shave 25 to 75 percent off the process. You can also limit service times by scheduling regular pressure washing services and consistently rinsing dirt off each surface.
Ask Community Concierge Services About Commercial Pressure Washing Services in Columbia, South Carolina
How long does pressure washing take? The project itinerary depends on building size, dirt density, and material. Can you save time and money by pressure washing your commercial space with in-house employees?
Brush up on the dangers of DIY pressure washing before you attempt what should be a professional service. Then, call 800-742-9176 to request an estimate from Community Concierge Services. Let us assist you.