Power Washing in the Rain - Is It Safe?
Todd Rooney • September 26, 2019
When it rains, outdoor activities usually come to a halt. However, when it comes to your home improvement projects, you still can carry on despite the rain. If you didn’t know this yet, power washing in the rain is safe! In fact, most power washing technicians would tell you that light to medium showers can even speed up the washing process.
Rain Slows Down Evaporation
If you’ve ever tried to wash your car on a 90-degree day, you know that the water and soap get dried up before you even finish the job because the evaporation time is increased under the scorching sun. When it’s cloudy or raining, the water evaporates at a much slower pace. The ideal weather for power washing is on an overcast day, with light to moderate showers. Although drying takes more time, this prevents the forming of nasty soap circles that would require additional rinsing.
Rain Increases Comfort and Visibility
Power washing technicians love doing their job under a bit of rain. Power washing on an extremely sunny day is not only exhausting but also tricky. The scorching sun can be blinding, making it almost impossible to look at their work. When it’s raining, there are fewer shadows, and reduced glare and the cooler temperature also makes performing the task more comfortable.
When Rain Becomes a Problem
While a few showers are favorable for power washing, there are times when you need to reschedule. In cases of exceedingly terrible weather, such as heavy rains or torrential downpours, it is advisable to stop and wait for the skies to clear before resuming washing. It’s also not safe to power wash when there are flashes of lightning and thunders. Other extreme conditions include hails, snows, tornadoes.
Safety Precautions to Consider
Professional power washing services always consider safety precautions when power washing in the rain. Remember that it’s dangerous to leave electrical equipment out. Note that all tools must be kept dry and safe. Their technicians are also trained to asses weather conditions and make necessary adjustments to their process based on the situation.
Also, note that newer types of equipment are more reliable because they have undergone certifications. This means that the tools have been tested for electrical safety. If your washer is over 15 years old, it’s advisable to postpone the task and wait for a drier day.
If you have an urgent home improvement job and there are grey skies forming, be assured that you can still push through with power washing even on a rainy day. However, make sure to take the extra precautions and remember this general rule: when in doubt, don’t. If the weather forecast is terrible and the public is advised to stay indoors, it’s best to reschedule.
For inexperienced individuals who like to DIY, power washing in the rain has its hazards. For this reason, it’s advisable to outsource the job to an expert company with years of experience. By hiring a professional power washing service, you not only make use of their quality equipment. You also make sure that the job is done right, despite the weather.
If you’re looking for a professional power washing service, Preferred Power Wash in Kalamazoo MI is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
