The Difference Between Pressure and Power Wash

Although they are both effective ways to clean roofs and other objects and surfaces there are some distinct qualities about each one. Due to the differences between power wash and pressure wash, one may better for certain situations than the other.

Pressure wash

When pressure washing is used, it uses a steady but somewhat powerful stream of hot water. In order to allow the equipment to work properly the temperature of the water is the key. When you set the temperature gauge to a specific temperature it is possible to dislodge items from the roof like wet leaves or chewing gum from sidewalks easily. The stream of hot water is also handy in killing weeds and moss along with ridding the roof of any mildew or mold that has built up. It there is a lot of moss, mold, or mildew to cut through this is the piece of equipment to use.

Power wash

This piece of equipment relies on more of the force of the stream of water than on the temperature. Using a pressure wash is good for cleaning surface dirt from decks, walls, walkways, and patios. You can use this to give your roof a gentle cleaning but it will not get rid of any moss, mold, or anything that is ground into your roof.

People have confused a pressure wash and power wash equipment because both of them do use high-pressure streams of water as one part of the cleaning process. One easy way to distinguish between the two is to remember that when you use pressure wash it can use water of any temperature but with a pressure wash it uses hot water only. You can find either of these pieces of equipment in some hardware store, and at most home improvement stores and lawn and garden shops. What they cost will depend on what size you buy but most of those that are both for home use are affordable. You may also be able to rent one if you are not going to use it that often.

It is important that you read the instructions that come with the pressure wash or power wash equipment before you use them, especially if this is your first time using either one. In the instruction manual you will find how to adjust the water pressure for the different types of surfaces and what temperature the water should be to remove or melt hardened substances easily and effectively from your roof or other surfaces. When using either one make sure that you are wearing protective eyewear to protect your eyes from flying debris. If, after reading the manual, you are still not sure how to operate it call the dealer.