PRESSURE WASHING
High-Pressure Washing
High-Pressure washing is the use of high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime and dirt from solid surfaces. The main focus of this approach is the pounds per square inch (psi) at the nozzle, so a basic homeowner’s electric machine may have 1800 psi with 1.5 gallons a minute; all that pressure is on a very small area and needs to be used close to the surface. Our commercial machines have a psi of 4000 at 6 gallons a minute and can do a wide area quickly, allowing us to stand farther back and use as it as a rinsing tool for the area after soap has been applied. We can adjust the spray tips and the operating speed of the machine to reduce pressure. The machine allows us to use attachments such as a surface cleaner for drive and walk ways
Ideal areas for use are concrete and brick surfaces, or from a distance on solid well maintained sidings.
The downside to high pressure washing is that any loose paint and rotting wood will be removed, and it cannot be used on most roofing and shingles.
SOFT-WASHING
Soft-washing is so named to differentiate the method from powerwashing.
Soft-washing is a cleaning method using low pressure and specialized soap solutions. The decision on the best solution is based on the water source (well water and some city water supplies have more minerals) and the surface material and the condition of the surface. Some areas can be pretreated with bleach\ degreaser or wood renew.
Soft-washing safely removes mildew\ bacteria\ algae and other organic stains and light oils and dirt on all walkways\driveways decks\ roofs\ and all building exteriors\ including windows. The products have all been recommended for use by the NRCA National Roofing Contractors Association. They are considered food-safe and environmentally friendly by the Environment Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Often handtools\ such as brushes on long poles\ are used on windows and rain gutters.
The goal of soft-washing is for the worker to stay on the ground or from the roof edge\ and work from a distance\ reducing the chance of damaging the roofing and creating a safer environment for the worker.
