Power Washer vs Pressure Washer
When it comes to cleaning driveways, sidewalks, decks, and patios, many property owners are unsure of the difference between power washing and pressure washing. Both methods use high-powered water streams to remove dirt, grime, and other buildup; however, there are some key differences that set the two apart. Here’s a quick rundown of the difference between these two popular methods of cleaning outdoor surfaces.
Power vs Pressure Washing: The Key Differences
Water Temperature
One of the key differences between power washing and pressure washing is water temperature. Power washing uses hot water to remove tough stains, while pressure washing uses cold water. If you’re dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, power washing will be more effective since hot water can breakdown grease and oil more easily.
Chemical Cleaners
Another key difference is the use of chemical cleaners. Power washing always involves the use of some type of chemical cleaner to loosen stubborn dirt and grime; however, pressure washing does not always require chemicals—just cold water under high pressure.
Equipment
Perhaps the most obvious difference between these two types of cleaners is the equipment that is used. A power washer is a self-contained unit that heats water before it’s sprayed under high pressure; conversely, a pressure washer does not heat water—it simply outputs cold water under high pressure using an attached hose.
Damage Potential
Because power washing involves the use of hot water and chemicals, there is a greater potential for damage to surfaces being cleaned. If you’re not careful, you could easily strip paint or damage delicate brickwork. Pressure washing poses less of a risk since it uses only cold water; however, if you hold the nozzle too close to a surface or use too much pressure, you could still cause damage.
Which is better?
To sum it up, power washing is generally considered to be the more powerful and thus more effective on tougher stains and heavier build-up. However, because it uses such a high-pressure stream of water, power washing can also be more dangerous. You’re more likely to cause damage to your home’s exterior if you’re not careful. As such, power washing is generally best left to the professionals.
Pressure washing uses less pressure than power washing and is a safer option for DIYers. That said, it’s not quite as effective at removing tough stains and heavy build-up.
Now that we’ve gone over the key differences between power washing vs pressure washing, hopefully you have a better understanding of which service is right for your needs. If you’re still not sure or have any questions, our team at Avid Contractors would be more than happy to help. We offer both power washing and pressure washing services, so no matter what you need, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today at 833-GET-AVID to get started with your free quote.
