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With warmer weather upon us, it’s a great time to spruce up your property with a fresh coat of paint. Before hiring a painting contractor, it’s important to create a clean canvas with pressure or powerwashing services. While these terms are often used interchangeably, understanding the distinction will help when selecting the most appropriate service for your needs. To shed some light on these cleaning methods, Harbour Painting has shared some key differences between pressure and powerwashing.

Pressure Washing vs. Powerwashing

Function & Purpose

powerwashingBefore delving into the differences, it’s important to understand each method’s main function. Powerwashing is employed to remove the toughest surface materials, residue, stains, and contaminants from patios, decks, and driveways by applying pressurized, heated water to the unwashed surface. These materials typically include dirt, mud, mold, mildew, and even chewing gum. While pressure washing also uses highly pressurized water to clean, it provides more of an all-surface clean, since it is a less harsh cleaning method.

Water Temperature

The main distinction between pressure and power washing is the water temperature used. While both methods use a powerful stream of high-pressure water, a power washer will heat up the water, whereas a pressure washer won’t. This high pressure and high temperature combination is highly effective at removing residue including salt, mildew and mold from your patio, driveway, and deck. This also gives power washing an advantage when it comes to removing truly stubborn and stuck-on materials, such as gum on concrete or grease on driveways. With pressure washing, the emphasis is on the water pressure, while the water temperature will remain normal.

Real World Applications

When determining which process to use, remember that the method you choose should be entirely dependent on the job. If you’re in need of cleaning for regular household use, pressure washing is the best option. Since it’s less harsh on surfaces, it will not compromise delicate masonry, brick, concrete, and other building surfaces. Pressure washing is the go-to option for quickly washing down decks and patios, for example.

If, however, you have an oversized driveway or patio that will require greater power output or a larger commercial project, powerwashing is the better option. The heated water created through this method will move the job along more quickly, loosening unwanted debris as it cleans. Just make sure to be selective about which surfaces it’s used on, as powerwashing can damage some softer surfaces. Regardless of which method you choose, it’s advisable to hire a professional to ensure that all surfaces remain safe and protected throughout the entire cleaning process.

If you’re looking for reliable powerwashing services, look no further than Harbour Painting in New London, CT. Since 1977, this residential and commercial painting company has provided clients across New London County with everything from powerwashing, to paint siding, to carpentry. To get started on your next home improvement project or obtain some painting quotes, give them a call today at (860) 444-0705 or visit their website for more information.

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