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-pressure stream of hot water to blast away dirt and debris from outdoor surfaces. It’s designed to tackle tougher jobs. These include removing mold and mildew, grease stains, salt residue, and chewing gum. Think of a power washer as the more ‘heavy duty’ option.

Pressure washing also uses a high-pressure blast of water, but the liquid is at room temperature.

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 household use, pressure washing is the best choice. It’s less harsh on surfaces and is ideal for masonry, brick, concrete, and for giving your patio or deck a quick clean. For larger jobs, like a big commercial space, or extra-large driveway or patio, power washing is the way to go. Stick to hard surfaces only, like concrete. Softer surfaces can sustain damage from the force of the hot water.

Key Benefits of Pressure Washing

Pressure 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. Pressure washing gets into the tiniest crevices and stops damage before it can wreak havoc.

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.

Pressure washing primes 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 or twice a year, in the spring or fall.

The Price Tags

The average labor cost for professional pressure washing can range from $50 to $160 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 30 to 80 cents 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-WASH (5959), or visit our website to request a free estimate.