Commercial buildings in the UK take a year-round battering from the elements. Whether it’s adverse weather, traffic pollution, moss, mould, or graffiti, contaminants soon build up. As a result, commercial pressure washing is regularly needed for practically all commercial premises.
Not only does this rejuvenate the aesthetic, but a commercial pressure washer service builds longevity into your property, providing a great way to restore hard surfaces, improve safety, and stay compliant.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the commercial pressure washing process works, what to expect, and how to get the job done properly. Perfect for those with warehouses, factories, retail stores, and public sector buildings, we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
What is Commercial Pressure Washing and Why is it Important?
Commercial pressure washing, also known as commercial jet washing, is when an expert uses high-pressure commercial water equipment to clean surfaces found in commercial properties. These can include concrete, brick, stone, render, and more.
It’s a hugely important aspect of building and cladding cleaning and helps prevent the buildup of unwanted contaminants and boost safety. From general dirt to oil and fuel stains, slippery stains, and more, regular commercial pressure washing keeps your building in great shape for longer.
When is Pressure Washing Needed for Commercial Buildings?
Commercial pressure washing is a vital aspect of any maintenance programme, but some properties need more love than others.
Here are some obvious signs that pressure washing is needed:
- Green patches or slippery footpaths
- Darkened, dulled walls or paving
- Oil spills or heavy stains
- Poor drainage
- Graffiti
- Complaints by staff
Available as a one-off service or as part of a regular maintenance plan, commercial pressure washing tackles all of these issues and more for schools, healthcare facilities, warehouses, and factories.
Pressure Washing For Commercial Buildings: A Step-By-Step Guide
Every commercial property is unique, so your pressure washing requirements will depend on surface materials, their damage or state, and access requirements.
However, most commercial pressure washing services follow similar core steps.
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Site Assessment and Planning
A professional team of commercial pressure washers will visit your site and carry out an assessment to identify surfaces and materials, hazards, and access. They’ll also check drainage and the environmental impact of pressure washing, which helps them figure out which products to use.
After the visit, method statements and risk assessments will be created. The correct equipment will also be determined, and which combination of PSI levels and soft wash techniques may be required.
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Preparation of Surfaces
Before pressure washing starts, debris and other obstacles will need to be removed. Doors, windows, and electrical fittings will also be protected to prevent damage or water ingress, as well as vents, if necessary.
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Pressure Washing Commences
Now we’re into the nitty gritty, the pressure washing itself. With high-pressure water jets, experienced professionals will tackle the areas that need cleaning in your commercial property.
Where appropriate, such as with old masonry, signage, or soft, delicate rendering, soft washing techniques may be used. This is a combination of low-pressure water and biodegradable cleaning products.
No matter the technique, operators will ensure full and adequate coverage without pressure damage to surfaces. There’ll also be no marks, and specialist equipment like nozzles may be used for harder to reach areas.
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Another Inspection
Once the commercial pressure washing service is complete, the team will conduct a final inspection. This is to guarantee uniform coverage and a clean finished area. The area will then likely be rinsed with a clean water solution in order to remove streaks and residues.
The final result for your commercial property should be brighter and noticeably cleaner, with previously identified slip hazards now safe, and an all-round better appearance.
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Tidy Up
Of course, all equipment will be tidied away and wastewater dealt with in line with environmental guidelines. Run-off, for example, would be directed to suitable drains and contained where necessary. Protective sheeting will be removed at this stage, too, and any items that were removed to carry out the wash will be put back in their original position.
This leaves you with a clean and tidy, rejuvenated commercial site, built with safety in mind.
Which Surfaces Can Be Pressure Washed?
At Pressure Washing Co., we have vast experience working on various commercial surfaces.
These include, but are not limited to:
- Concrete yards
- Brick walls
- Stone facades
- Rendered exterior and interior walls
- Metal and powder-coated cladding
- Car parks
- Internal and external paving
- School playgrounds
- Business signs
- Walkways and accessibility ramps
Of course, these are all different and each require a bespoke approach. That’s why we never approach a job automatically assuming we know what needs doing, and why nothing we provide is off-the-shelf.
How Long Does Commercial Pressure Washing Take?
How long’s a piece of string? Every site is different, and the size and condition of surfaces will influence how long the commercial pressure washing service will take.
However, roughly speaking, you can expect the following timescales for different properties:
- Small retain unit or office forecourts: 2-4 hours
- Medium warehouses or medium-sized car parks: Half a day to a full day
- Larger commercial sites: 1-2 days, or more
Because we understand the importance of keeping your business running, we work around your timeframes and schedule. This can include overnight and weekends if required, or during quieter periods for your business.
How Often Should Commercial Pressure Washing Be Completed?
Annual pressure washing is advised for the majority of commercial sites. Busy areas like loading bays and walkways may require more frequent cleans, and seasonal projects may be needed depending on your industry and location. If you’re near roads or the coast, for example, you’ll likely need to tackle cleaning more often.
For hospitality premises and schools, it’s often advised to get commercial pressure washing carried out before reopening periods or peak seasons.
Should You Use a Professional Pressure Washing Company or Do It Yourself?
Commercial pressure washing is much more than it may sound, and requires powerful, professional equipment.
Not only this, but you need to understand how each surface should be treated and manage key environmental and drainage issues effectively. There’s also the question of compliance with insurance and health and safety, which is best achieved with a professional team of pressure washing experts.
Of course, you’ll also get more long-lasting results using a professional, particularly those with experienced, trained operatives and experience on similar jobs and commercial premises.
At Pressure Washing Co., we tick all of the above boxes and understand what it takes to get your property clean and compliant. We also work around your schedule to get the job done, and only ever carry work out to the highest standards.
Final Thoughts
Pressure washing for commercial properties sounds simple on paper, but it’s much more complex than you might imagine. It also brings with it untold benefits, from boosted kerb appeal to better safety standards, longer surface life and compliance with insurance.
If your commercial property needs pressure washing, we’re here to help. Working across the UK and with years of experience in the industry, we offer one-off cleans, scheduled maintenance, and full site refreshes, no matter your requirements.
Get in touch with the experts at Pressure Washing Co. to find out more.
