The arrival of spring always triggers thoughts of spring maintenance.
The exteriors of our homes have taken the blasts of winter, with all the moisture and dirt that come with the season. Before you start to paint or seal exterior wood or concrete, you have to remove the dirt and grime.
Last year I purchased one of those gasoline-powered pressure washers. Power pressure washers have a tip that can be adjusted to such a fine spray that, without adequate care, it can cut into soft wood. I also discovered Newton's theory of every action having an opposite and equal reaction when I used the sprayer while atop a ladder. The power from the sprayer can push you backward.
I present three models you might consider:
Coleman Powermate: It's available in several models, including the Premium Series, which is rated from 1,500 to 2,100 psi. The Premium Series with a 5-horsepower motor is rated at 2,400 psi. The Professional, with a 6.5-horsepower motor, is rated at 3,000 psi; the monster 13-horsepower model is rated at 3,500 PSI. Visit www.Colemanpowermate.com on the Web.
Campbell Hausfeld: It has a standard-duty model rated at 1,300 to 2,200 psi; a model for the serious user rated at 1,300 to 3,000 psi; and, for the extreme user, a model rated from 2,200 to 3,200 psi. Campbell Hausfeld washers are available throughout the United States and Canada. Its power washers retail from $299 to $799, depending on the model. For a retailer near you, telephone toll-free 888-CHPOWER (247-6937) or go to www.chpower.com on the Web.
DeVilbiss/Ex-Cell: These pressure washers come in various sizes with various price ranges. The Do-It-Yourself homeowner models are $299 and rated at 2,300 psi, while the $399 model is rated at 2,400 psi. professional models, from $699.99 to $999, are rated in the 2,600-to- 3,500 psi range. DeVilbiss is available nationwide or by telephoning toll-free 800-888-2468. On the Web go, to www.devap.com .
Pressure washers come with a high-pressure hose (length varies with each model), a spray attachment and a cart system for transport.
Make sure you choose a model that has a detergent attachment. It is an intake port on the pump system at which you can attach a suction hose for siphoning detergents and cleaners.
Detergents are applied under low pressure and allowed to soak into the work area. Detergents and cleaners will dramatically reduce work time. Make sure you use only those cleaners manufactured for pressure washers.
(Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home-improvement questions at PO Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702 or send him e-mail at d.barnett@insightbb.com.)
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