Commercial Pressure Washing Services in Metro Detroit

Effective pressure washing is a science that balances water pressure, flow rate, temperature, and cleaning chemistry to achieve optimal results without damaging surfaces. At Dechord Building Services, our technicians are trained to understand these variables and adjust their approach based on surface type, contamination level, and environmental conditions. This expertise ensures superior cleaning while protecting your property from the damage that improper pressure washing can cause.

Pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), determines the cleaning force applied to surfaces. Higher isn't always better—excessive pressure can damage soft materials, etch concrete, force water behind siding, and create safety hazards. Our operators match pressure levels to surface requirements, using gentler settings for painted surfaces and siding while applying higher pressure to heavy-duty concrete and steel surfaces. This calibrated approach maximizes cleaning effectiveness while preserving surface integrity.

Water temperature dramatically affects cleaning performance, particularly for organic contamination and petroleum products. Hot water pressure washing—sometimes called steam cleaning—uses water heated to 200°F or higher to break down oil, grease, and biological matter that cold water cannot effectively remove. The combination of heat and pressure emulsifies these contaminants, allowing them to be flushed away completely. For parking lots, loading docks, and industrial surfaces with heavy petroleum contamination, hot water washing is essential for thorough cleaning.

Cleaning chemistry completes the pressure washing equation. Pre-treatment with appropriate detergents loosens contamination and reduces the pressure required for removal, protecting surfaces while improving results. We use application-specific detergents—degreasers for petroleum products, oxidizers for organic stains, and specialized formulations for graffiti removal—all selected for effectiveness and environmental compatibility.

Parking lots and concrete surfaces face constant assault from vehicle traffic, petroleum products, environmental contamination, and pedestrian use. Over time, this accumulated grime creates unsightly appearance, unpleasant odors, and genuine safety hazards. Professional pressure washing restores these high-traffic areas, creating safer, more attractive facilities that reflect positively on your business.

Oil and grease stains present particular challenges in parking areas. Petroleum products penetrate porous concrete, creating persistent stains and slip hazards that regular sweeping cannot address. Our hot water pressure washing systems, combined with specialized degreasing agents, break down and extract these contaminants from concrete pores. For severely stained areas, we apply pre-treatment degreasers and allow appropriate dwell time before pressure washing to achieve maximum penetration and removal.

Parking structures require additional considerations due to enclosed spaces and drainage requirements. Our teams are experienced in garage cleaning, working systematically through levels while managing water flow and containment. We coordinate with property management to schedule cleaning during low-traffic periods and ensure proper signage and traffic control during operations.

Gum removal is a specialized service particularly relevant for retail and entertainment venues. Thousands of pieces of discarded gum accumulate on sidewalks and entryways, creating an unsightly, unsanitary appearance. Our high-temperature pressure washing dissolves gum adhesives, allowing complete removal without damaging concrete surfaces. Regular gum removal programs maintain clean, welcoming pedestrian areas.

Your building's exterior is the face of your business, creating first impressions that influence customer perceptions and employee pride. Environmental contamination, biological growth, and weathering gradually dull and discolor exterior surfaces, making even well-maintained buildings appear neglected. Professional pressure washing restores building facades to their original appearance, enhancing curb appeal and protecting surface materials.

Different building materials require different cleaning approaches. Brick and masonry can typically withstand higher pressures but may require specialized cleaning agents to remove efflorescence (white salt deposits) without damaging mortar joints. Stucco and EIFS (synthetic stucco) require gentler pressure to avoid surface damage. Painted surfaces need careful pressure control to remove contamination without stripping or chipping paint. Our technicians assess your building's specific materials and condition, developing a cleaning approach that maximizes results while protecting surfaces.

Soft washing—a technique using lower pressure with specialized cleaning solutions—is often more appropriate for building exteriors than high-pressure washing. This approach relies on cleaning chemistry rather than pressure to remove biological growth like algae, mold, and mildew. The cleaning solution kills organisms at the root level, preventing rapid regrowth that often follows pressure-only cleaning. For buildings with significant biological contamination, soft washing delivers more lasting results.

Multi-story buildings require specialized equipment and safety protocols. Our crews are trained in aerial lift operation and utilize boom lifts, scissor lifts, and swing stages as appropriate for each project. All high-work operations follow OSHA safety requirements, including proper fall protection, equipment inspection, and operator certification.

Commercial pressure washing generates significant wastewater that can carry contaminants into storm drains and waterways. At Dechord Building Services, we take environmental responsibility seriously, implementing water reclamation and containment practices that protect the environment and ensure regulatory compliance for your property.

Federal Clean Water Act regulations and local municipal codes prohibit discharge of pressure washing wastewater directly into storm drains. Violations can result in substantial fines for property owners and contractors. Our crews utilize berms, vacuum recovery systems, and filter equipment to capture and properly dispose of wastewater, protecting your property from compliance issues while preserving water quality.

All our cleaning agents are biodegradable and selected for environmental compatibility. We never use chlorinated solvents, and our petroleum-cutting degreasers break down naturally without persisting in the environment. When cleaning surfaces with heavy petroleum contamination, we implement enhanced containment and disposal procedures to prevent hydrocarbon release into drainage systems.

Water conservation is another priority in our operations. Our equipment features adjustable flow control that minimizes water consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness. Reclamation systems filter and recycle water for reuse during large projects. These practices reduce water consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional pressure washing methods.