Mold, mildew, grease and other unwanted elements eventually take up residence on the siding of our home.  When the gunk starts to show, it is time to take action and give the exterior 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 very hot water to blast away dirt and debris from outdoor surfaces. The device is designed to tackle the tougher jobs, like removing residue left from salt, mildew and mold, grease stains and even chewing gum.Think of a power washer as the more ‘heavy duty’ option.

Pressure washing also uses a high-pressure blast of water, but doesn’t heat it.  The  ‘room temperature’ water blasts away dirt, but isn’t as effective at removing moss, mold and tougher substances that are stuck to the surface. 

Making a 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.  However, keep in mind that this method is best used on concrete and other hard surfaces.  Softer surfaces can sustain damage from the force of the hot water.

Key Benefits of Power Washing

A thorough power wash is essential to keeping the paint on your home looking fresh.  It is especially important to spruce up farmhouse whites and charcoal grays which can show dirt easily.  If your house needs a good paint job, make sure you power wash it first to get rid of built-up dirt and grease. 

If you are preparing to sell, a good exterior power washing will improve the look and curb appeal of your home.  A clean appearance will impress potential buyers. 

Power washing can reveal what’s lurking under the exterior of your home that needs addressing. A quick power wash can help you catch and fix any issues.

Mold, mildew and algae can build up on the exterior of your home and make allergies worse. A good power wash will blast the harmful allergens away. 

Regular power washing can extend the life of your home exterior.  Some outside surfaces, like vinyl, are delicate, and need to be done by a professional.  However, if your home siding is made up of brick or concrete, you can probably do it yourself. 

So, 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 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 443-686-WASH or visit our website to request a free estimate.