Power washing removes mold, mildew, dirt, loose paint, and debris that may cause damage over time. It also keeps sidewalks, parking lots, and loading docks safe by removing dangerous gum, moss, and grime.
Understanding the differences between pressure and soft washing helps you select the right Pressure Washing Services for your property. Learn about costs, safety considerations, and cleaning benefits so that you can make the best decision for your needs.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing involves the use of high-powered jets of water to clean mud, dirt, grime, mildew, loose paint, moss, algae, and other residue from surfaces. It is often used on exteriors of homes and commercial buildings. While many people try to do pressure washing themselves, it is a task best left for professionals who understand how to use the equipment safely and effectively. They can get rid of the build-up quickly, leaving surfaces looking newer and better maintained. The service can also help prevent damage to surfaces by removing substances that are harmful to them.
Dirt and other debris can cause structural damage to a building, leading to cracks and leaks. Regular pressure washing removes the build-up and prevents damage. In addition, it extends the life of paint and other materials by preventing them from being worn down or eroded by the elements. It also helps make a home or commercial building more attractive, enhancing its curb appeal and increasing its value and resale or rental potential.
Professionals are also experienced in using the equipment to wash sensitive areas, such as around or under decks and patios and other outdoor structures. They know how to balance the amount of pressure with the right cleaning solution and can avoid damage to wood, vinyl, stone, brick, and other materials. In addition, they can safely and effectively reach areas that are difficult to access with a ladder or other tools.
Another benefit of hiring a professional is that they can save time and effort compared to manual scrubbing, especially on large areas or those with multiple levels. The powerful jets of water can reach all areas and crevices, resulting in a much deeper and more thorough clean than manual methods. They can even rinse away chemicals and soaps that are harmful to the soil, reducing environmental pollution.
In addition to saving time and effort, professional pressure washing can help prevent costly repairs down the road. It can eliminate a number of common problems, such as mold, mildew, and moss growth, which can destroy surfaces if left untreated. It can also prepare a surface for staining or painting, as stains and sealants adhere better to a clean surface.
Power Washing
Pressure washing is a quick, powerful way to remove stubborn dirt and grime build-up from exterior surfaces. By using high-pressure water spray, surface contaminants like mold, mildew, rust, and other stains are blasted away, leaving a clean, refreshed appearance that enhances your property’s curb appeal. Power washing is especially effective for concrete surfaces that are heavily soiled and difficult to wash by hand.
When a professional power wash group arrives on your doorstep, they’ll bring industrial-grade electric pressure washers that can produce up to 30,000 psi (580 MPa). The machine’s volume of water (measured in gallons or liters per minute) is typically designed into the pump and not variable, while its power is adjustable with specialized nozzles. Professionals will adjust the water pressure for each surface type and stain to ensure safe, effective cleaning without damage.
The physical force of the high-pressure water blast is the core cleaning factor, but introducing heat into the process boosts its effectiveness and speed. The hot water lowers the surface tension of stains and chemicals, allowing them to penetrate more easily for quicker removal. It also sanitizes the treated surface, eliminating bacteria, germs, and other harmful substances, promoting healthier environments for people and pets.
While power washing is effective on most exterior materials, it’s important to test your surfaces before committing to the service. The heat from the water can cause damage to some delicate materials and finishes, including vinyl, wood, stucco, and certain metals. In addition, the high-pressure water can strip paint and warp brick if it comes into contact with them for too long.
A regular, seasonal or annual schedule of power washing services can help maintain the beauty and value of your property. It’s a great option for homeowners and businesses alike that are looking to restore or maintain their outdoor spaces. By removing mold, mildew, stains, and other surface contaminants, a professional power wash can breathe new life into your property, helping you avoid expensive renovations in the future. It’s a great investment that can boost your home’s curb appeal and improve its overall value.
Soft Washing
Keeping your property clean is important for the overall health of your home, whether you are looking to maintain a pristine lawn or keep your siding looking fresh. Rather than using power washing, which can damage delicate surfaces and structures on your property, try soft washing services instead. This gentle cleaning method uses low pressure and biodegradable chemicals to eliminate dirt, mold, mildew, and other contaminants from outdoor surfaces.
Like power washing, soft wash services use a sprayer to apply a mixture of water and cleaning chemicals to your exterior surface. This allows the cleaning solution to penetrate into and dissolve organic stains that have built up on your structure, including mold, mildew, and algae. While this may not be as effective for removing tough stains, it is a safer and more environmentally friendly way to clean your property.
One of the biggest benefits of soft washing is that it protects your roof and other delicate materials on your property from high-pressure damage. This is especially true if your roof has recently been replaced. Power washing can cause granule loss on your roof, which can reduce the life of your roof and void your warranty. Soft washing is a much gentler process, which means it can remove the same build-up on your roof as a power wash without damaging it.
Another advantage of soft washing is that it can kill the fungus and bacteria that can cause organic stains on your surface. This prevents them from growing back, which can save you money in the long run. It also helps surfaces stay cleaner for longer because it gets to the root of the problem instead of simply washing away the surface stains.
Soft washing is a safe and effective option for a variety of surfaces on your property, from patios and decks to driveways and siding. It can be used to remove mold, mildew, and fungus from concrete, brick, wood, and other building materials. It can even be used on your roof to kill moss and other plant growth.
Although the equipment used for both processes looks similar, there are significant differences in terms of pressure, water volume, and chemical mixtures. This is why it is always best to have a professional handle your soft wash or pressure wash project, as they will know the proper combinations of nozzle extensions and water pressure to ensure the safety of your property.