Understanding Local Regulations in St. Louis, Missouri
As pressure washing services continue to grow in popularity for residential and commercial property owners in St. Louis, Missouri, it’s crucial to understand the local regulations and best practices that govern these activities. The City of St. Louis has established guidelines to ensure pressure washing is conducted in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Compliance with Storm Water Regulations: The St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) requires that all pressure washing activities adhere to their stormwater management regulations. This includes properly containing and disposing of wastewater, as well as using biodegradable detergents to prevent contaminants from entering the storm drain system. Homeowners and businesses must obtain the necessary permits and follow MSD’s guidelines to avoid penalties.
Noise Ordinances: The City of St. Louis has noise ordinances in place that limit the hours of operation for pressure washing services. In residential areas, pressure washing is typically allowed between 7 AM and 7 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM on weekends. Commercial and industrial properties may have different time restrictions, so it’s important to consult with local authorities.
Environmental Considerations: The St. Louis Department of Health oversees the use of chemicals and the disposal of wastewater from pressure washing activities. Pressure washing service providers must use eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products and ensure proper containment and disposal of all cleaning solutions to minimize the impact on the local environment.
Pressure Washing Techniques for Sensitive Surfaces
While pressure washing can be an effective way to clean and rejuvenate various outdoor surfaces, it’s crucial to exercise caution when dealing with delicate or fragile materials. Improper techniques can lead to costly damage, so understanding the right approach is essential.
Wood Siding and Decking
Recommended Technique: For wood siding and decking, it’s best to use a lower-pressure setting, typically between 500 and 1,000 PSI (pounds per square inch), and a wide-angle nozzle. This gentler approach helps avoid stripping away the protective coatings and causing water damage that can lead to warping, rot, and structural issues. It’s also recommended to use a biodegradable detergent specifically formulated for wood surfaces.
Cost Estimate: The average cost for pressure washing wood siding or decking in St. Louis ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot, depending on the size of the project, the condition of the surface, and any additional cleaning or sealing required.
Asphalt Shingles
Recommended Technique: Pressure washing asphalt shingles should be avoided, as the high-pressure water can dislodge the protective granules, leading to accelerated wear and tear of the roofing material. Instead, consider using a soft-washing technique with a low-pressure setting, typically less than 500 PSI, and a gentle cleaning solution designed for asphalt roofs.
Cost Estimate: The cost for soft-washing asphalt shingles in St. Louis typically ranges from $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot, depending on the size of the roof and the complexity of the project.
Older Masonry
Recommended Technique: When cleaning older brick, stone, or concrete surfaces, it’s essential to use a lower-pressure setting, usually between 500 and 800 PSI, and a wide-angle nozzle. The high pressure can potentially dislodge mortar, leading to structural instability and costly repairs. For these delicate surfaces, it’s recommended to use a mild detergent and test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaning method does not cause any damage.
Cost Estimate: The cost for pressure washing older masonry surfaces in St. Louis typically ranges from $0.75 to $1.75 per square foot, depending on the condition of the material, the complexity of the project, and any necessary pretreatment or post-cleaning sealing.
Painted Surfaces
Recommended Technique: Pressure washing painted surfaces, such as siding or trim, should be done with caution, as the high-pressure water can strip away the paint, leading to the need for repainting. It’s recommended to use a lower-pressure setting, typically between 500 and 800 PSI, and a wide-angle nozzle to gently clean the surface without causing damage. Additionally, the use of a mild, pH-neutral detergent is advised to avoid compromising the paint’s integrity.
Cost Estimate: The cost for pressure washing painted surfaces in St. Louis ranges from $0.50 to $1.25 per square foot, depending on the condition of the paint, the accessibility of the area, and any necessary touch-up or repainting required after the cleaning.
Eco-Friendly Pressure Washing Practices in St. Louis
In line with the City of St. Louis’ commitment to environmental sustainability, pressure washing service providers are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices that minimize the impact on the local ecosystem. This includes the use of biodegradable cleaning solutions, proper wastewater containment and disposal, and the implementation of water conservation techniques.
Biodegradable Cleaning Products
Pressure washing service providers in St. Louis must use cleaning solutions that are environmentally friendly and comply with local regulations. These biodegradable detergents are designed to break down quickly and prevent the introduction of harmful chemicals into the storm drain system or local waterways.
Cost Comparison: Biodegradable detergents for pressure washing typically cost between $15 to $30 per gallon, which is comparable to the price of traditional, non-eco-friendly cleaning solutions. However, the long-term benefits of using environmentally responsible products outweigh the slightly higher upfront costs.
Wastewater Containment and Disposal
According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), all pressure washing wastewater must be properly contained and disposed of to prevent it from entering the storm drain system. Service providers are required to use vacuum recovery systems or temporary berms to capture the dirty water, which is then transported to an authorized disposal facility or treated on-site before being discharged.
Cost Estimate: The cost for proper wastewater containment and disposal in St. Louis can range from $50 to $150 per job, depending on the size of the project, the volume of wastewater generated, and the specific disposal methods employed.
Water Conservation Techniques
To minimize the environmental impact of pressure washing, service providers in St. Louis are encouraged to adopt water conservation practices, such as using high-efficiency nozzles, adjusting the pressure and flow rate to the minimum required, and recycling or reusing the water when possible.
Cost Savings: Implementing water conservation techniques can result in significant cost savings for pressure washing service providers, as they reduce the overall water consumption and disposal costs associated with each job.
By adhering to local regulations, utilizing appropriate pressure washing techniques for sensitive surfaces, and embracing eco-friendly practices, pressure washing service providers in St. Louis can deliver high-quality results while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Homeowners and property managers in the area can trust that their outdoor surfaces will be cleaned and maintained in a responsible manner that preserves the integrity of their property and the local environment.
For more information on pressure washing services in St. Louis, please visit https://pressurewashstlouis.com/.
