If you are a homeowner, you probably know that feeling of driving up to your house and seeing that coat of green and brown on the outside. That coat is the thickest during the spring and summer months. It’s because more debris is riding the wind, from neighbors cutting grass to more things being kicked up because there isn’t that blanket of snow holding it down. According to Tampa Bay Pressure Washing Services, who specializes in power washing in Tampa, it is also prime time for anything to grow.
When you start to notice this coat, there are a few things that can be done to remedy the situation. You can either power wash it, pressure wash it or soft wash it. All these options are effective ways to clean the exterior of your house. You might be wondering what distinguishes them from each other, or even what they are exactly.
Power Washing
Power washing is the process of removing surface material such as dirt, mud, mildew, mold and other contaminants from the exterior of your house by blasting pressurized, heated water onto a surface, according to the Roof Wizard. Power washing uses pressured water that is heated to a very high temperature, unlike pressure washing.
According to the PowerWashStore, the temperature of the water can top out at 331°F. Water that is heated at that high of a temperature will easily break down any contaminated material that is on the exterior of your home, much easier than regular water.
Since power washing is done with heavily powered washing equipment, it has an enormous amount of force and heat coming off it. So, it can be dangerous to operate.
The Roof Wizard, also, recommends that the power washing is only done on hard, exterior surfaces such as patios, sidewalks, fences, decks, and driveways. These areas of the house will need that extra force and heat to get rid of all that grime and dirt anyway.
Pressure Washing
There isn’t too much that distinguishes power washing and pressure washing. Most of the time they are even considered to be the same cleaning services. But by looking more in-depth on how they are performed, we can see how these slight differentiations make them completely different services.
While power washing uses water that is heated to a very high temperature, pressure washing uses water that is at a normal temperature. Since this is the case, then wash all depends on the force of the water that is being compressed out, rather than the temperature that it is at.
The intense water pressures produce such a tremendous force that it can blast away dirt, mold, mildew, and any other hazardous materials.
Again, this uses heavy-duty machinery to operate. So be careful of what is being washed. It should only be done on hard exterior surfaces. The velocity of the water is so high that it can strip away paint and damage screens easily.
Soft Washing
Soft washing is a completely different story compared to power and pressure washing. Soft washing relies on eco-friendly, environmentally safe, chemical solutions to clean the outside of your house.
The exterior of your house is very durable against the harsh, outer elements. But it has extremely delicate features, as well. For example, there are several protective coats against the weather, and layers of paint that can be chipped away easily by high powered, pressure washers or even power washers.
Now, even though the chemicals that are applied are eco-friendly, they are hazardous to the extent that they should be applied by professionals. They do it by applying the chemical solution to the exterior in a safe manner. Then, they let the chemicals sink into every crack and pore.
During this time, it allows for the chemicals to break down anything that was listed above. Once the chemicals have sat for a good amount of time, they will use a low rinse system to get rid of the solution and dirt. The system is just a little bit more pressurized than a regular water hose.
You might be thinking about the next step which would be actually doing the thing. Apart from soft washing, power washing and pressure washing can be easy DIY projects.
According to HomeGuide, you could potentially be spending $130-$160 per hour on average for the services. It will take about 2.5 hours for a professional to finish up.
In which case, the price of the service goes up pretty quickly. But I have been power washing my house for years. Like anything you do, there is a learning curve on what the best way to do it. But the best part is there isn’t just one way. Once you get your hands on a machine and start spraying it becomes second nature.
I have been using the 3000 PSI Electric High-Pressure Washer With Patio Cleaner. It has the ability to do all these services in one and its only $169.95. 3000 PSI is industry standard, it can heat up water to 104°F and there is a soap tank. So, if you want to save a few bucks and don’t mind getting a little wet, this is the best product out there. Good Luck!
