Summer is once again upon us, and that means pollen is making its debut again. Pollen is a notorious allergen and a pain in the neck besides. Though it can be a challenge to get rid of, we offer one solution that is especially effective. If you plan to paint soon, we recommend pressure washing pollen off of your surface.
A Bit About Pollen
Before elaborating on the reasons behind pressure washing pollen, let us clarify what pollen actually is. Pollen is a fine yellow powder that plants use to propagate. In order to facilitate the pollination process, pollen grains are tiny, nearly weightless, so they can be carried on the wind or on the legs of insects and birds. While this haphazard dispersion is good for the plants, it does make for quite a mess.
The Problems with Pollen
Despite its size, pollen can prove a great deterrent when painting a property. Though each grain of pollen is miniscule, the grains tend to accumulate. When they get wet, pollen grains become sticky, easily causing paint to clump. In the height of pollen season, the powder is nearly ubiquitous. No surface is safe; cars, siding, gutters, windows, etc. can all become covered in no time.
Worse problems occur when moisture is introduced. Pollen can travel on even a drop of water, seeping into porous surfaces like concrete and wood. Even without water, pollen will stick anywhere. The longer it is allowed to remain where it is, the more likely it is to stain.
In addition to looking unsightly, pollen has many adverse health effects. It can set seasonal allergies on the fritz, resulting in runny noses, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats. In even worse cases, pollen can lead to sinus and breathing problems and even choking.
The Ins and Outs of Pressure Washing Pollen
The key to getting rid of pollen is to do so without delay. For many people, their first instinct is to take the garden hose to the stuff in an attempt to clear it away. Unfortunately, this can often make the situation worse, and the possibility of missing sections is high. Pressure washing pollen is the only way to go.
That being said, even pressure washing pollen effectively can prove difficult because of the nature of the substance. As mentioned above, it becomes sticky when wet, making its removal that much more difficult. Pressure washing must also be done correctly, otherwise you run the risk of damaging your siding or roof.
Pressure washing pollen isn’t the only benefit. The process will also remove other allergens and harmful substances like mold, mildew, and chemicals. These have more serious health challenges than pollen and can similarly affect your ability to paint. They also propagate the growth of more allergens and contaminants. If you have people with asthma or seasonal allergies in your household, you should make sure to pressure wash off any pollen as soon as you can.
Pressure washing pollen is most effective once the height of pollen season has passed, though it can be completed before or after. Washing after pollen season can remove the grains so that they do not stain the house or settle into grooves, cracks, and niches. Cleaning the home before pollen becomes a problem limits how well the substance can stick to the building.
Even if you are not planning to paint in the near future, it is wise to pressure wash your home approximately twice a year. Doing so will improve curb appeal and preserve the structural integrity of your home. Professional pressure washing services can minimize the risk of damaging your property and make the process go more quickly and effectively.
A Clean Surface Before You Paint
Pollen makes the painting process more difficult and damages the paint itself. When it is stuck to a surface, pollen can cause the paint to clump on the surface or on the brush, ruining a smooth finish. This also interferes with paint’s ability to adhere properly to the surface.
The longer pollen is allowed to settle, the more likely it is to hide away in the pores of the paint itself. This can lead to pitting and fading. Over the course of time, pollen embedded within the paint will slowly erode it, leading to peeling or rust depending on the painted surface.
By pressure washing pollen off of your painted surfaces, you can avoid these problems before they begin. Additionally, you can clear away detrimental allergens, making your property safer for those who live and visit there.