High vs Low Pressure

When you are thinking about power washing your home, a couple of things come to mind. The most important question though is the difference in the pressure used and why it matters. In this short guide, you will be informed of the top four differences to consider when using low and high power cleaning pressures to clean the outside of your home.  

1. Type of material

The number one reason to know the difference of pressure to use when power washing your home is the kind of surface you will be cleaning. Different materials have a different softness to them. Hardened surfaces such as concrete and most metal can stand a high-pressure wash. But surfaces such as vinyl siding, brick, or wood are more fragile and can only tolerate a low-pressure cleaning. If too high of a pressure is used on these surfaces, they can sustain damage and cause you financial distress to perform the repairs.  

2. Damage

One of the main reasons to observe the differences in pressures when power washing your home, is the damage that could be caused by too high of a pressure. Just as with other home repairs, damage can occur if you are not appropriately knowledgeable on ‘do it yourself' projects. Make sure to research the appropriate pressure you should be using on your home's exterior before power cleaning your home for the first time. If you feel that you are not up to the task or do not have the time, make sure to call a local pressure washing company to perform the work for you!

3. Stripping

Another reason to use a lower pressure is if you have painted metal on the surface of your home or fencing that you will be pressure washing. Too high of pressures at proximity can strip the paint off any metal surfaces you have on or near your home. It can cause more damage than what it is worth.

4. Non-house surfaces

The last reason to consider when deciding on the type of pressure to use on your property when performing power washing is the many surfaces you will be cleaning, other than the house. The driveway and sidewalks can handle a high or very high pressure without incurring any damage. The backyard patio may also stand high pressure, depending on the surface you are cleaning. The wood fence, metal gazebo, and outdoor patio furniture will all need to be at a lower pressure to prevent stripping the wood, removing the paint, or tearing a hole in the furniture, respectively.  

There are probably many more differences in the pressure used to perform power cleaning of your home than you would have thought. If you follow our advice on the top four differences to consider when using low and high power washing pressures on your home, you will have the cleanest, brightest, and most damage-free home on your block!