You may have seen satisfying videos online of people slowly blasting away the grime on their sidewalks and yard furniture with a pressure washer and wondered if the process might also benefit your exterior surfaces. While it is true that washing the outside of your home or business provides numerous benefits, from greater curb appeal to longevity and safety, you must first understand some of the fundamentals of the process before you can decide what strategy is right for your situation. A professional can help you understand, for example, the difference between pressure washing vs power washing and which one is most suitable for your exterior surfaces.
Pressure Washing vs. Power Washing
Despite the two terms being commonly interchangeable in conversation, there is a distinct difference between pressure washing and power washing. Pressure washing is the more common term, boasting a high powered spray generated by an electric pressure washer machine. This spray is powerful but affordable, making it a frequent option for those who want to maintain an immaculate outside space.
Conversely, power washing is the use of high powered spray as well, with one important difference: the water is hot. Power washing is also affordable, but it is especially useful in situations in which tough grime and dirt has built up. The hot water is excellent at removing stuck stains and other challenges that a typical pressure washing may not be able to.
What Pressure Washing Can Achieve for Your Building
Both pressure washing and power washing are valuable tools for maintaining your exterior surfaces. While there is something to be said for maintaining an aesthetically pleasing curb appeal—whether you are trying to sell your residential home or attempting to bring in new foot traffic as a business—removing the grime on your outside surfaces does more than just boost the visual features of your property.
When algae, mold and even pests like spiders choose your exterior as their favorite place to be, they can cause damage over time and even compromise the structure of your brickwork, siding or other features. A mossy patch, for example, may collect moisture that causes cracks to develop in your stone siding, resulting in water gaining easy access to your interior walls. By pressure and power washing your exterior, you protect it for the long term and can also enjoy how nice it looks afterward.
When To Choose Pressure Washing Vs Power Washing
In general, heavily soiled surfaces will benefit more from power washing than pressure washing. Pressure washing is typically utilized as a routine process at an affordable cost, with power washing coming in from time to time to tackle particularly tough jobs. Power washing excels at removing grease (since the water is hot), as well as salt and mildew. Pressure washers are more commonly used for generalized dirt, mold, mud, dust and other stains like chalk or graffiti.
Why Not DIY?
Many people consider pressure washing their building and, after deciding that this is the right next step, go out and rent a pressure washer. If you are not already skilled in the use of a power washer or pressure washer, it is not recommended that you attempt to DIY this project. The high powered jet of water produced by these machines can be dangerous, not only to you but also to your property.
You may cause injury if you lose control of the water stream or even suffer burns in the case of a power washer, and the force behind the water can degrade and harm your exterior surfaces if you are not familiar with how to operate the machine. This is why it is recommended to hire the services of a skilled power washing and pressure washing professional who understands not only how to safely manage the water stream when people are nearby but also how long to hit a surface and from how far away.
They can also make personalized recommendations on the type of detergent to use and ensure that your project remains environmentally friendly. Opt for a professional when you need power washing or pressure washing so that you remain safe and do not damage your exterior surfaces in the process.
Work With The Experts At Waterproof Caulking & Restorations
Whether you are looking to establish a long-term pressure washing maintenance schedule with a pro or would simply like to try power washing for the first time to see what the results look like, be sure to leave this job to the experts. Waterproof Caulking & Restoration would be happy to tackle this project so that you do not have to worry about exterior damage or the hassle of rental. Reach out to schedule an appointment to discuss which type of washing would be best in your situation.