Your property is exposed to dirt, dust, ultraviolet rays, insects, mold and other contaminants all day and night, every day of the year. The buildup this can cause on your siding, driveway and roof can be significant. Thankfully, regular powerwashing can go a long way toward keeping every surface of your home looking new.
What Is Powerwashing?
Powerwashing involves cleaning outdoor surfaces using pressurized water. This can remove dirt, algae and other contaminants that are stuck to the surfaces and may be difficult to clean with traditional cleaning methods.
Powerwashing Vs Pressure Washing
Powerwashing and pressure washing may sound interchangeable, but there is one important distinction. Although it is true that both methods employ highly pressurized water for removing materials from hard surfaces, power washing uses hot water, whereas pressure washing does not.
However, powerwashing is also sometimes used as an umbrella term to convey that pressurized water is being used for cleaning; most powerwashing companies also offer pressure washing services.
High-Pressure Washing
High-pressure washing is needed for highly durable surfaces such as concrete. Its porous nature means that contaminants can soak into its surface, and high pressure is the best way to flush them out.
High-pressure washing is also appropriate when a strong surface needs a thorough cleaning prior to painting or another treatment. For example, when a deck needs to be repainted or resealed, the proper amount of pressure can help remove loose paint and sun spots. However, this is something that requires professional services, as too much pressure can damage a deck.
Soft Washing
Soft washing uses less pressure, with cleansers and a soft bristle brush stepping in to handle the tougher areas. This is the preferred method for washing siding, and the precise amount of pressure used will depend on the type of siding the home has.
It is also a good choice for cleaning a roof, as it will not damage delicate asphalt shingles. Although very little pressure is used, cleansers ensure that algae, black streaks and other types of dirt can be removed thoroughly.
Why Power Wash?
Cleaning exterior surfaces by hand can be extremely time-consuming, and it is not very effective for stubborn dirt. In addition, it can be difficult for people to access certain areas that power washers can easily reach from a distance with their stream of water, such as the roof and the upper part of a building’s façade.
Powerwashing is a faster and more effective way of cleaning. First, a cleanser can be applied to help loosen contaminants from the surface, such as mold, mildew, algae, grime and dirt. This is followed by a rinse using an appropriate level of pressure for the surface in question to wash everything away. Any spots that don’t seem to budge can be addressed with a soft bristle brush before powerwashing again.
Benefits Of Power Washing
Powerwashing can protect your home from damage. Not only is the buildup of contaminants on surfaces like siding unsightly; it can also cause irreparable damage and rot. Mold, mildew and algae growth can migrate beneath the siding, causing health concerns as well as the need for expensive replacements. Mold spores, meanwhile, may cause asthma-like symptoms. A regular maintenance schedule of power washing can keep your home cleaner and healthier.
It can also help you to save money over the long run, as regular power washing enables you to avoid prematurely replacing certain parts of your home. It is also a great way to prepare your home for other projects. Paint and stains adhere best to clean surfaces and may crack or chip if applied over dirt or grime, so this can also help you save money and keep your home looking good for a longer time.
Another big benefit of powerwashing is that it can raise your home’s curb appeal, and, by extension, its value. A clean exterior makes an excellent first impression, and it can even add money to your home’s sale price.
Is Powerwashing Right For Your Needs?
For regular household use, pressure washing may be enough, as it is less harsh on surfaces like brick, concrete and masonry. It is ideal for giving a smaller space a quick cleaning.
For bigger jobs, however, power washing is the better choice. The heated water can make tasks like cleaning large driveways, patios or commercial spaces go much faster, as the heat can loosen up the dirt dramatically. However, it is important to use caution, as the force of the hot water may damage softer surfaces.
Work With The Power Washing Experts
Whatever type of cleaning method you choose, it is advisable to hire professional powerwashing services with the proper training to use the machine safely and avoid damaging your property. The water pressure you get from a household unit does not compare to the power of industrial machines.
If you want to make your home’s exterior look like new in the most efficient way possible, get in touch with the power washing experts at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration online or over the phone at (484) 265- 9646.