Pressure Washing, Power Washing & Water Blasting
Pressure washing, power washing and water blasting are three closely-linked exterior cleaning processes used to remove stubborn dirt, algae, mold and other contaminants from outdoor surfaces. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are some important distinctions between them. Knowing the difference between them is important for any homeowner or business owner who needs to spruce up an outdoor area.
Pressure washing is the most common type of exterior cleaning. It uses a mix of pressurized water and detergent to blast away dirt and debris. Pressure washing works best on vertical surfaces like siding, stucco, masonry and concrete. It can also be very effective on wooden decks, though you must be careful when using pressure washers on softwoods.
Power washing is similar to pressure washing but uses much higher water pressure to remove more difficult stains and spots. It is not recommended for most surfaces and can be a dangerous method of cleaning, as the high pressure can cause damage to some surfaces and has the potential to cause serious injuries to the user. It is best used for cleaning vehicles, hardscaping such as brick and stone, and heavily soiled concrete.
Water blasting is the most extreme of the three methods, as it uses streams of extremely high-pressure water to remove dirt, dust and stains. It is generally used to clean industrial and commercial structures, such as warehouses and factories, and is not recommended for use on residential structures. It is best left to trained professionals because of the potential to cause extreme structural damage to surfaces.
No matter which type of exterior cleaning process you choose, it is important to understand how to use it properly and safely. Pressure washers are powerful tools, and improper use can cause serious damage and injuries. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before use and never point the nozzle of a pressure washer at yourself or at anyone else. Be sure to wear protective clothing and PPE when handling power washers and water blasters.
Pressure washing, power washing and water blasting can all be great ways to spruce up the outdoors and make sure that any outdoor space is safe, clean and welcoming. While each process can have different advantages for different surfaces, understanding the difference between the three is important for making sure that you use the right methods for the job.
Which is better pressure wash or power wash?
For regular household use, pressure washing is the way to go. It’s less harsh on surfaces, which makes it ideal for use on things like masonry, brick, and concrete. This is what you want to turn to when you’re looking to give your deck or patio a quick clean.
Power washing, on the other hand, should be reserved for more complex surfaces, such as roofs and industrial equipment. Since the cleaning power is higher, it’s the better choice when you need to really break down dirt, mildew, and debris.
What is the difference between sandblasting and pressure washing?
Generally, pressure washing is ideal for removing contaminants while sandblasting is ideal for removing paints that are on a surface and preparing a surface for repainting or new paint (for steel especially) clickandbuy . Pressure washing mainly uses water, whereas sandblasting uses an abrasive material such as sand or other media. Sandblasting is much more aggressive than pressure washing, and therefore requires greater safety considerations and should always be carried out by certified personnel.
What is Waterblasting?
High pressure water blasting, otherwise known as hydrojetting or high pressure cleaning, is the process of spraying pressurized water onto a surface to remove surface material and contaminants. Waterblasting is commonly used for a variety of cleaning purposes, such as graffiti removal, removing rust, cleaning concrete, and cleaning heavy equipment.
How do you price someone to powerwash?
It typically costs between $0.08 and $0.35 per square foot to do pressure washing. This figure depends on the average rates in your region. A pressure washer will charge $0.40 to $0.80 per square foot if there are problems like stains, dirt or mold that take longer to clean, according to CostHelper. Additionally, you may need to factor in additional costs such as those for extra equipment, sealing or staining services or additional time spent should the job take longer than usual.
Pressure washing, power washing and water blasting are terms used interchangeably for the same purpose: the fast removal of dirt, debris and other substances from a surface. This technique is used in a variety of industries, including car detailing, building washing, graffiti removal and cleaning auto parts. No matter what you call it, there are a few key differences between each term and a few benefits of employing each technique for certain jobs.
Pressure washing is a method that uses pressurized hot and cold water to remove dirt from hard surfaces. The pressure of the water ranges from 500 to 5,000 PSI, or pounds per square inch. While pressure washing uses mostly water, detergents can be added to tackle more stubborn substances. This method is typically used to clean and maintain driveways, sidewalks, decks, patios and other outdoor hard surfaces.
Power washing, also known as high-pressure cleaning, is similar to pressure washing, but with much less water pressure. This technique is suited for more delicate surfaces and is often used in cleaning around windows, siding and delicate surfaces like wood fencing. It produces a spray of highly pressurized, hot water that has enough power to remove dirt and grime, while still leaving the surface safe from damage.
Water blasting, or hydro-jetting, is the most powerful and robust form of pressure washing available. This involves using a pressurized stream of cold water that can reach pressures upwards of 40,000 PSI, or even more in some cases. This technique is used to gain access to areas that are nearly impossible for pressurized water to reach such as concrete or steel surfaces, or for tough jobs like removing gum and graffiti.
Although all three of these methods involve using some form of pressurized water to clean, each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Pressure washing is a great way to quickly and effectively clean larger areas. It is fast, efficient and can easily cleaning off large surfaces with relative ease. Power washing’s gentler approach is better suited for more delicate surfaces and is also useful for cleaning off smaller and more detailed surfaces. Furthermore, it is useful for cleaning crevices and angles that would otherwise be hard to access with a hand brush. Water blasting, however, is the most powerful form of pressure washing out there. It is often used for tougher cleaning jobs and is the best way to clean stubborn grime and stains.
No matter what job you have, there is a pressure washing technique that is suitable. From removing tough stains to cleaning hard-to-reach areas, pressure washing has proven to be an invaluable tool for both commercial and residential use.