Mold, mildew, grease, and other unwanted elements eventually take up residence on the exterior of our home. When the gunk starts to show, it’s time to give the siding a deep cleaning.

There are two main ways to do this. Power washing and pressure washing. So, what is the difference between the two methods?

A power washer uses a high volume – low pressure stream of water, called a soft wash to, remove dirt and debris from outdoor surfaces. It’s designed to tackle tougher jobs. These include removing mold, algae, and mildew. Think of a power washer as the more ‘heavy duty’ option.

Pressure washing also uses a high-pressure blast of water for use on hard surface such as brick, stone or concrete.

It eliminates dirt, but isn’t as good at removing moss, mold, and tougher substances that are stuck to a surface. 

How to Make the Right Choice

For regular a house wash, power washing is the best choice. It’s less harsh on surfaces and is ideal for siding, composite and wood decks. For driveways, walkways, patios, brick and retaining walls, pressure washing is the way to go. Stick to hard surfaces only, like concrete.

Key Benefits of Power and Pressure Washing

Power washing prevents damage. Dirt, grime, and mildew can build up on outdoor surfaces and eat away at them. These surfaces include paint and concrete sealant. Corrosion also damages the materials underneath, like vinyl siding and wood.

It saves money, time, and energy. If damage is stopped in its tracks, you will save money on costly repairs. It’s very difficult to do the scrubbing yourself. A pressure washer does a much more thorough job of cleaning.

It boosts curb appeal. If you’re preparing to sell, a good exterior cleaning will enhance the curb appeal of your home. A clean appearance will impress potential homebuyers. 

It promotes good health. Dirt and grime build-up on our home exterior can cause bacteria to grow which can make us sick. Mold, mildew, and algae left on the outside of a home can make allergies worse. A deep cleaning will blast the harmful allergens away.

Power washing preps surfaces for painting. A clean exterior is essential before you put down a fresh coat of paint. If you get rid of built-up dirt and grime, the paint will go on more smoothly. 

It extends the life of your home exterior. Keeping the outside of your home clean is key to prolong the siding, brick, or other surfaces. However, some materials, like vinyl, are more delicate. It’s best to leave the cleaning of sensitive surfaces to the professionals. 

How often should you power wash your home? Experts say a home should be power washed once a year.

The Price Tags

The average labor cost for professional pressure washing can range from $50 to $150 per hour. The rate for power washing is normally based on the square footage of the area being cleaned. The price tag usually ranges from .50 to 2.00 per square foot. 

Home Exterior Dirty?

If you are ready to deep clean the exterior of your home or deck, the professionals at Peak Power Wash can help. We use a technique called “soft wash”, which uses a much lower amount of pressure and reduces potential harm to surfaces. Contact us at 336-717-5959 or visit our website to request a free estimate.