Pressure Cleaning And Concrete Cleaning Techniques
Different applications for pressure cleaning including applications and types. Pressure cleaning can be a very effective means for surface preparation including concrete cleaning although in few cases hot water equipment may be required.
Pressure cleaning is known by several other names such as waterblasting,
pressure washing or hydrocleaning and refers basically to the use of water that is propelled at regulated speeds. This is essentially used for cleaning materials and surfaces such as concrete cleaning. When you focus and pressurize the water steam, force gets generated and has the power to remove membranes and sealants from concrete, gum from sidewalks, rubber from runways, paint from highways, metal and walls etc. Cleaning operations using water jetting technology has four standardized methodologies - low pressure, high pressure water cleaning, high pressure water jetting and ultra high pressure water jetting.
Applications
Pressure cleaning is used for surface preparation, airfield rubber removal and general surface concrete cleaning. The cleaning techniques adopted differ according to the surface that needs to be cleaned. It must be understood that employing a wrong technique causes more harm than you can imagine. Cleaning surfaces require some amount of knowledge on the kind of chemicals to use and the amount of pressure to apply. Inexperienced hands can result in unnecessary damage and additional financial costs.
Pressure cleaning becomes effective when combined with cleaning agents. Cleaning agents could be a simple household detergent or bleach solution or plain soap and water. This cleaning agent will help in emulsifying mildew, mold and dirt thereby making washing easier and quicker. It is imperative that these agents make no contact with shrubs and plants while you clean surfaces. If there occurs a contact, make sure that you rinse it off appropriately.
Types of pressure cleaning
In low pressure washing, the pressure levels can be toned down by making use of cleaning agents. Nozzles with larger diameter can be used. This way pressure comes down without making a compromise on the water flow. Less pressure implies lesser damage on the surface. Pressure washers, many a times, imply high pressure washing. Most of these washers have the ability to put out approximately 2500 to 4000 pounds per square inch. Rotary or turbo nozzles work well in high pressure cleaning. Complementing this pressure washer with a surface cleaner is considered to be highly effective. It works best on cemented areas when concrete cleaning like driveways or patios.
In case of high pressure washing, there are two broad categories: one that uses cold water and the other that makes use of hot water. The latter offers extra cleaning power but does not need very high pressure unlike the former. Hot water cleans relatively better when compared to cold water. In this case, a burner is attached to a pressure washer that heats up water. Burners usually run on propane, kerosene or diesel fuel. But care must be taken to ensure the temperature of water since it can cause damage to certain surfaces.
The type or technique of pressure cleaning method that you want to adopt relies heavily on the surface that needs to be cleaned. Also, the choice of method depends upon your usage (domestic or business). When you understand the techniques that can be employed and the associated rules, pressure washing becomes an effective tool for cleaning.
