The main difference is that power washing uses highly pressurized steam to do the cleaning while pressure washing just uses unheated tap water, without the help of a heating element.
Power washers are not only faster than pressure washers, but they are also environmentally friendly. Professional power cleaning services save time and money by eliminating the need for scrubbing or scraping your hard floors or carpets, or surface-level grime that builds up over time.
Negatives – Using a pressure washer to clean your home may not be all that it is cracked up to be. The pressure can blast through wood, asphalt and even concrete if close enough. So, you're forcing water behind the siding which could cause problems within your walls and you wouldn't even know until it's too late.
Your house is built to withstand rain and other moisture, and it can even withstand a low PSI with a pressure washer, but when pressure washers are used at full capacity, you may end up with soggy carpet, wet attics, and mold.
Damage From Power Washing
A pressure washer delivers water 30 to 80 times stronger than your garden hose. You know you've damaged your concrete due to a bad power washing job if it looks etched, creating an uneven surface and an unappealing driveway or surface.
Another thing to keep in mind is that power washing with water is not as effective as power washing with a cleaner. This is because water can only remove so much dirt and grime.
Pressure washing without detergent is like showering without soap. Sure, water and scrubbing will get the job done, but it's not the same without soap! Use Different Nozzle Tips for Different Projects- Most residential pressure washers come with 3-5 different nozzle tips for various projects.
While pressure washing may remove small weeds, it won't do much if there's an extensive root system. So, the final answer is that you technically can remove these unsightly plants with a pressure washer, but it won't necessarily rid your yard of weeds.
All three unanimously named Karcher, Simpson, and Generac as top pressure washer brands. Some other brands they mentioned as great options include Sun Joe, Ryobi, Greenworks, and DEWALT. Williams says, "In my experience working with different pressure washer brands, I've learned that not all machines are created equal.
Pressure Washing and Vinyl Siding
The answer is: YES, pressure washing absolutely can damage vinyl siding if done incorrectly. We have seen countless homes and buildings that have damaged areas because someone without the proper training has tried to pressure wash their building.
Power Washing Can Damage Your Siding
If you're a novice with this cleaning technique, you can essentially break your exterior—setting you back hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in repairs. The power of pressure washing can result in holes in your siding, breaking off vinyl panels, and more.
Choosing a Pressure Washer
Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi).
The pressure used in this technique is typically much more substantial than what can be done with soft washing, making it the perfect choice for homes covered in tough stains or paint. The downside to using pressure washers is that they tend to cause damage to surfaces that are too delicate.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn we can power wash a home in around half an hour to a few hours. There are a number of factors that determine the amount of time a cleaning will require.
After pressure washing your house, you have to wait for it to fully dry before you can paint it. This waiting time can be anywhere from 24 hours to 3 days. Pressure washing isn't for beginners. If you're not experienced, the high water pressure can easily damage portions of your house's exterior.
On the majority of modern cars, it is completely safe to spray the engine bay with water. Today's vehicles have covered air boxes and weather-proof wiring connectors throughout the engine bay. Avoid spraying things like the alternator, intake, or sensors with high-pressure water.
Cleans grease, oil and road dirt from engine and engine compartment prior to painting or performing engine repair. Use to clean transmission housings, hydraulic equipment, enclosed electric motors, generator housings, gear casings and hand tools.