You’re looking to get your building’s exterior surfaces clean, and know that turning to a professional is the way to go. While you may have a general understanding of the differences between soft washing and power washing, you may be unsure if one is necessarily better than the other. While pressure washing certainly has its place in improvement projects, there are several reasons you want to consider soft washing your property’s exterior. For first-time cleans and routine maintenance, soft washing brings a few advantages to the table that pressure washing can’t deliver on.
Here are the top considerations to take into account when determining if soft washing is better than pressure washing:
Potential for Water Damage
Commercial pressure washers can shoot water at pressures starting at 1500 psi — comparatively not too destructive — but can go upwards of 3300 psi, which is enough to blast through wood, asphalt, and even concrete if they’re close enough.
If you have a wood frame building with wood siding — such as clapboards, shiplap, shingles, or board and batten — there is a high chance that pressure washing your property will shoot water up under the siding. This has the potential to soak wall cavities, insulation, flooring, plaster…the list goes on. In essence, nothing is beyond the reach of these powerful water guns. Once the water is in the wall, it’s often challenging for it to evaporate.
This is especially risky during the painting process, where a building is pressure washed, caulked and patched, and eventually painted. However, the painter is essentially sealing the water in with fresh coats of caulk and paint.
Returning Mold and Algae
Taking a pressure washer to a surface caked in mold and algae may make for a satisfying before and after, however, it’s typically for the short-term. Aesthetically speaking, the pressure washer removes mold, algae, lichen, and mildew from surfaces, making them appear clean. While this process can bid general dirt and grime adieu, bacteria will find its way back eventually. That plant life typically grows back quickly, as it was not chemically treated and eradicated at the source — something soft washing services take care of with ease.
Compromised Wood Decks
Aside from your roof and siding, your building maintenance checklist may involve effectively cleaning your back deck or wooden surfaces on your patio. When it comes to wood surfaces, high-pressure water can strip finishes, etch soft pulp, and do a number on the lining that holds the pulp together and grants the boards their structural integrity.
Cleaning Solutions Done Right
Pressure washing and soft washing aren’t mortal enemies; there’s a time and place for each. But, it’s crucial to understand how pressure cleaning can impact exterior surfaces around the property, and how soft washing can make up for its potential drawbacks — especially when a pressure or power washer is in the wrong hands. Fortunately, our team is well-versed in getting clean surfaces to stay clean, all without damaging your surfaces.
For more information about cleaning processes and which one is right for your next improvement project, get in touch with our team today!
