Government and municipal buildings are places where important public business is conducted. As with any government facility, you want the exteriors to make a good impression.
A worn, tired-looking government building will not reflect well on the community. Keeping your property clean can be a challenge, but a government and municipal building pressure washing service like Power Washing Genie will be able to rise to the challenge.
The Importance of a Clean Public Building
What people see when they first glance at your building can tell them a lot about what goes on inside. Dirt, grime, and mold can accumulate on a building over time.
The result is a faded, dingy facility that appears to have been forgotten and neglected. You don’t want to create this kind of impression for your property, which is why regular maintenance is critical. Here are some reasons why regular maintenance is critical for government facilities:
A Good Impression
Nobody wants to visit a government and municipal building that looks like it’s seen better days. If the building looks drab and dreary on the outside, what horrors could be lying in wait inside? A properly maintained public building is inviting and signals an organized and efficient workflow indoors.
Keeps Pests Away
Over time, dirt and grime build-up can give rise to foul smells. These odors can attract unwanted critters like raccoons and insects. Let’s face it — a government facility that’s crawling with pests isn’t exactly ideal. By keeping your building clean, you can ward off any animals and bugs.
A Matter of Public Health and Safety
Dirt, grime, mold, and mildew are all health hazards. They can affect the health of visitors or passersby. They can also become slippery when wet, increasing the risk of accidents or falls. You’re already trying to run an entire branch of government. You don’t want a lawsuit, too!
The Right Cleaning Method for Each Material
Government and municipal buildings are typically made up of various materials, from concrete to glass. Thus, it’s important to know how to clean every type of material without inflicting damage.
Concrete
To pressure wash concrete, first apply a degreaser to remove any oil or grease remnants. Then, it is recommended to use a pressure level of 3,000 PSI, adjusting it depending on the condition and age of the surface. A 25-degree nozzle is suggested for rinsing, maintaining a minimum distance of 8 inches between the nozzle tip and the surface for effective and safe cleaning.
Wood
For soft or old wood, use a low-pressure technique, maintaining about 500 to 600 PSI to avoid damage. Harder wood can take a higher level, but make sure not to go beyond 1,200 PSI to avoid etching the material or chipping the paint. Also, use a 40- or 60-degree nozzle with a fan tip along with a wood cleaner to give you a clean finish. Power Washing Genie uses soft washing techniques for gentle yet effective results.
Brick
Brick walls can suffer significant damages when too high a pressure is used. As such, it is recommended to maintain a pressure level between 500 to 1,000 PSI and use a 40- to 60-degree nozzle to avoid etching the material or loosening the bricks. For more stubborn dirt, use a soft brush to manually scrub the surface, along with the right cleaning solutions. As with wood, Power Washing Genie makes use of soft washing for brick surfaces.
Metal
To pressure wash metal surfaces, it is suggested to use low-pressure hot water, coupled with a phosphate-free cleaning solution and a 25-degree nozzle for maximum efficiency.
Stone and Masonry
For stone and masonry, it is best to use low-pressure water applied using a fan tip kept at least 12 inches from the surface. This is because these materials are more delicate and susceptible to damage. Power Washing Genie uses eco-friendly cleaning solutions that don’t contain acid, bleach, or high-alkaline chemicals.
Glass
Before pressure washing glass windows, make sure all windows are closed and sealed to avoid getting water inside the premises. Then, it is recommended to use low-pressure water (1,200 to 2,000 PSI), a 60-degree tip, and an effective cleaning solution to wash glass surfaces.
Why Pressure Washing Is the Solution
Pressure washing is one of the most effective ways to clean government buildings, parking lots, loading docks and other surfaces. At high pressure, water can remove dirt, rust, and stubborn stains. Water pressure can also be adjusted to ensure the underlying surfaces aren’t damaged. This pressure washing process is important if you want to preserve the integrity of a historical building.
