Category: blog

Like all machines, an industrial pressure washer will last longer and require less maintenance when used in ideal conditions. Although industrial devices are much more resilient than the alternatives designed for home use, here are some rules to follow to ensure a long service life.

• Do not remove the machine from the frame on wheels and do not place it directly in the water or on a wet surface.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
• Always inspect your unit for fluid leaks and visible hose damage prior to each use.
• Always take time to dry the pressure washer if it gets wet. This can lead to corrosion and a shortening of the service life.
• Inspect and clean the sprayer nozzle to avoid any clogs or inconsistent flow

Among the types of industrial pressure washers, the most important thing to consider is the intended use. The power, size, and operation required for cleaning the fine instruments of a production line are completely different from those required for cleaning smog and dirt on the facade of a building. Unique Industries offers mobile and stationary units of multiple sizes, if you are unsure which unit is best for you just give us a call.

While a large water spray on the central unit can harm specific pressure washers, other heavy-duty models can withstand rain. Looking for an IP rating on your pressure washer is a useful rule of thumb for determining whether or not it can handle wet circumstances. While gas-powered pressure washers are more water-resistant than electric pressure washers, they still contain an engine, which might cause problems if used in the rain.

There is a reason why the machines are labeled “Do not use the machine to clean yourself” because the high-pressure water jets can damage the parts of the machine. The same goes for heavy rainwater, where droplets fall at such a high velocity that they can damage small pipes and other parts. Of course, this does not mean that you should quickly put an umbrella over your pressure washer at the first drops – but it’s worth paying attention to weather conditions and avoiding work during a thunderstorm.

Industrial Pressure Washer Maintenance Schedule?

Like all machines, industrial pressure washer maintenance will be based on a schedule and amount of use. Although the device is much more resilient than the alternatives designed for home use, there are some things to know to keep your industrial pressure washer properly maintained:

• All cleaning units have a specified pressure washer maintenance schedule, so if you have multiple units, their maintenance schedules could be different.
• The specified pressure washer maintenance schedule is broken up by the amount of time the unit has been run for.
• If you skip maintenance steps, problems could compound quickly and it will greatly shorten the life of your cleaning unit.

There is no other cleaning equipment on the market that functions as well as these mobile and fixed devices. Unique Industries creates cutting-edge Kem-O-Kleen hot water pressure acid cleaning systems that dynamically allow customers to execute a variety of tasks more quickly. For building restoration, industrial cleaning, masonry cleaning, and even acid etching for Architectural Precast and GFRC, Kem-O-Kleen systems are utilized across the country to speed workloads and create safer work conditions.

If you have questions about pressure washer maintenance on our machines or expected lifespan when properly they are properly maintained give us a call so we can help.

Industrial pressure washers are ideal for removing dirt, stains, paint  and other debris from buildings, brick, concrete and asphalt. In many cases, they are also used for acid etching, GFRC etching, finishing architectural precast products, chemical masonry cleaning and disinfection when the introduction of chemicals is required. These machines are used in many industries, such as manufacturing, food processing, and construction. How do industrial pressure washers work? What are the advantages of purchasing? We explore these questions in this article.

Almost everyone is familiar with pressure washers, if not from other sources, then from self-service car washes. But these devices are not the same as the industrial units we are talking about. Key differences include: the ability to introduce chemicals, a constant flow of heat and higher pressure capabilities.

Another difference is that we build our industrial pressure washers or chemical etching systems with premium materials and commercial grade components. Stainless steel axle and frame, two-wire braid/wrapped pressure hose, stainless steel wand pipe, commercial rated engine and pump, and stainless steel recirculation tank are among the premium materials used to build our industrial pressure washers.

We only use 304, corrosion free alloy, instead of the cheaper, corrosion prone variety used by many industrial pressure washer manufacturers. Due to our rigorous engineering and testing each part of the machine provides: ease of use, performance, durability and safety in a rugged environment.

Applications of  Industrial Pressure Washer

Industrial-grade power washers are utilized in many industries because of their ability to quickly clean even the most special surfaces while providing a superior finish than other washing units. One of the most common industries to use industrial power washers is the commercial construction industry, as there are many areas of application like architectural precast, masonry cleaning, acid etching, GFRC etching and more.

Other common applications include:

• Airports: To improve the safety of arriving and departing aircraft, large high-pressure cleaners are used to remove rubber and paint deposits from runways. In addition to cleaning aircrafts and concrete in hangers.
• Municipalties: Graffiti removal is performed by municipalities using high-pressure cleaners with chemical agents like our MK Series Mobile Cleaning and Chemical Etching Systems
• Ports and ships: All water-affected areas of harbors are infested with algae, including ships and walkways and engine rooms which require constant cleaning for safety and maintenance reasons.
• Buildings: commercial building owners use pressure washers to keep their buildings clean, to etch concrete and GFRC applications.
• Masonry cleaning: Masonry restoration and maintenance uses heated high-pressure water and chemical washing techniques to maintain the exterior surfaces of buildings.

 

There are numerous benefits offered by our high-pressure washing units, including: 

• Portable or stationary, depending on the needs of the user.
• Requires less manpower
• Provides a superior finish
• Can be used in small spaces while minimizing splash or over spray
• Allows for the introduction of acid or chemicals
• Is more cost-effective compared to traditional methods
• Water pressure and temperatures are more consistent.
• Commercial trucks and construction equipment
• Mining/oil & gas

 

At Unique Industries, our industrial pressure washers are developed to meet the most specific needs in any industry. Equipment is designed to provide the right mix of pressure, heat, and chemicals required for the job.

For more information about Unique Industries Industrial Pressure Washer machines, visit our website or call us. Our Customer Success Team will be happy to help you find the right solution.

 

Brick buildings can be the most spectacular and beautiful structures. Though brick is durable and relatively easily maintained than cut stone or wood, some maintenance is necessary to keep the brickwork looking optimal.

Many older properties lack the upkeep necessary to preserve their appearance. For these buildings, restoration may help keep the buildings in good condition, improve neighborhood appearance, and improve resale value.

PLANNING FOR RESTORATION

If you have a vintage brick building that needs restoration, you’ll need to plan before starting the project. You should first assess your building’s state and determine whether the mortar that holds the brickwork together is worn out. This is something that frequently happens.

Brick mortar can begin receding, cracking, or spilling between the joints of bricks over time. If not attended to, the mortar can fully break and lead to the collapse of the wall.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Before starting on a project like this, you’ll need to make sure you have all the materials necessary. Assembling all the materials before you start will make a difficult project much easier.

• Safety glasses
• Dust mask
• Waterproof gloves
• Mortar mix
• Brick trowel
• Hammer
• Wheel rake or jointer tool
• Flat utility chisel
• Contouring tool
• Pointing trowel
• Whisk broom

If you lack these tools, don’t try to bumble through the job on your own without them, and don’t be afraid to call a professional before that happens!

RESEARCH

Brick restoration can be more complex than you might think, as different brick structures are made of varying materials. Thus, a one-size-fits-all approach to restoring brick buildings is not suitable.

It would help if you took the time to make sure that you have the right specialized cleaning products to clean your brickwork. Soap and water will not be sufficient, and the average hardware store might not have salespeople with the expertise needed to point you in the right direction. Most masonry companies sell the cleaning products that you’ll need.

The replacement mortar will need to be compatible with the historic mortar to prevent a stark difference in color or mortar joint size after re-pointing. Mortars that are incompatible not only look dissimilar, but they can also damage brickwork through cracking spalling (deteriorating brick), and interior rotting of the mortar.

SAFETY FIRST

Before beginning, make sure you have safety equipment to minimize harm. This will include proper clothing, shoes, gloves, mask, and glasses. Always prioritize safety.

CHIPPING OUT OLD MORTAR

Using a hammer and chisel, about an inch of the old mortar will need to be removed. If there is damaged mortar that runs even deeper, chipping may need to continue until a solid base is reached.

In the worst situations, bricks may have to be removed and re-set with a new mortar. Cases with cracked mortar can also require careful procedures, including relief cuts made with a chisel or angle grinder. After the old mortar is properly removed, loose particles should be brushed out with a whisk broom before moving on.

NEW MORTAR

Mortar should be mixed until it’s similar in consistency to peanut butter. It should rest for at least 10 minutes before being remixed. It then will be ready for use. Small batches should be mixed at a time, as the mortar starts drying out after 30 minutes.

You can use a trowel to push the mortar in between the bricks, filling the horizontal sections before the vertical ones. Use small amounts of mortar, as using too much can get it on the brick face. The mortar should be packed tightly, and deeper joints can be filled in multiple stages.

After the first stage, a wheel rake or jointer can be used to even out the mortar or add more as needed. Once that’s done, excess mortar on the bricks should be scraped away with a mortar brush.

DON’TS OF BRICK RESTORATION

There are many ways that brick restoration can go wrong, some of which involve inappropriate cleaning methods. These are just a few to keep in mind:

Don’t sandblast. This is a cleaning method that uses a machine to propel sand, glass, and other abrasives onto a hard material. Sandblasting can be used for concrete, but it’s one of the worst things that can be done to brick structures.

Although it would remove dirt and grime, sandblasting can destroy the brickwork and irreversibly damage the building. Some contractors argue that dry abrasive cleaning is harmful, but that wet abrasive cleaning is safer. This is not true–abrasive cleaning is never a good preservation option.

Don’t use high-pressure spray. Like sandblasting, these can also harm your building. This can be appealing because high-pressure water cleaning can seem like an effective way for one person to clean a building, but the high pressure can loosen the old mortar. Masonry can also be stained when cleaning chemicals are pushed too far into the brick to be rinsed out.

Don’t use chemical or water treatments during times when temperatures can go below freezing. This can introduce moisture into masonry surfaces. When liquid freezes, it will expand, which can cause cracks in your bricks.

Don’t use waterproof coating everywhere. Though waterproofing is essential in small increments, too much waterproofing can trap water inside the masonry. Waterproofing is not in itself a full solution for your brickwork.

 

UNIQUE INDUSTRIES BRICK RESTORATION

 

Brick buildings can look brilliant when they are properly maintained and cared for. Restoration can be done on your own, but it’s a work-intensive process, and you can damage your intricate brick structures if you don’t do it properly. At Unique Industries, we can help with your restoration and provide help with ongoing maintenance to keep your brick building looking majestic and stately.

If you are not sure about how to approach brick restoration, contact Unique Industries for assistance! We can help you find solutions for your brick problems, prevent costly mistakes, and make sure the job is done the first time correctly.

Contact us and trust professionals with your bricks!