Are Power Washing and Pressure Washing the Same Thing?
Almost. The terms are used interchangeably by most people, but there is one major difference: water temperature. Both use high pressure (between 1,500 and 4,000 psi, depending on the needs of the job and the surface being cleaned). But power washing adds a heating element that raises the water temperature to between 150 and 200 degrees. We use power washing for particularly tough jobs, such as destroying mold, mildew, grease, or gum. Check out our blog for more information on how power and pressure washing differ.
Does Water Temperature Really Make a Difference?
In a word, yes. We compare it to the difference between washing your dishes with hot water and cold water. For example, if you’re cleaning a dish with baked-on grease, you need the extra oomph you get with really hot water. We get similar results cleaning really tough stains with power washing instead of pressure washing.
Hot water also disinfects surfaces, which is why we use it when attacking a mold or mildew problem.
Is Pressure Washing Safe for the Exterior of My Home?
Yes, when done correctly, power washing is safe on nearly all siding materials. Much depends on the angle and nozzle used, which is why it’s best left to experienced professionals. We have the tools and know-how to safely pressure wash aluminum, brick, stucco, vinyl, and wood.
What Other Parts of My Home Can be Power Washed?
In addition to the exterior walls, Dakota Power Washing cleans roofs, patios, gutters, decks (both composite and wood), driveways, and walkways. Our process won’t damage the surface, either. Even ceramic barrel tile roofs are safe in the hands of our seasoned pros.
Is Power Washing Safe for Vehicles?
Yes, when you use the proper technique, it is perfectly safe to power or pressure wash vehicles. In fact, Dakota Power Washing offers fleet washing services. It’s a great way to make sure your vehicles look great and keep running for as long as possible. The dirt and debris they pick up on the road or at the job site can cause a variety of issues. It also makes a nasty working environment for the mechanics maintaining your fleet.
Is Power Washing Safe for My Pets?
Yes, we use eco-friendly cleansers that are safe for pets. Plants and humans are safe, too.
Will Power Washing Harm My Landscaping?
No. The chemicals we use are safe for plants (and pets and children, too). And our teams have the experience and training to keep the spray where it’s supposed to be and away from your landscaping.
Can You Get Rid of Graffiti?
Of course! Our process removes paint-based graffiti thoroughly and safely without damaging the underlying surface.
Does My Heavy Equipment Really Need Power Washing?
Only if you want to maximize its lifespan. Excavators, backhoes, bulldozers – whatever heavy equipment your crews use, it attracts dirt and debris like a magnet. Part of that is the working environment, but it’s also thanks to the grease and oil that keep the machine’s parts lubricated and moving. Over time, all that gunk makes its way into the mechanics of your equipment and slowly destroys it. Adding power washing as part of your regular maintenance goes a long way toward extending the life of your equipment. And your mechanics will thank you when they no longer have to muscle their way through built-up dirt and grease to work their magic.
What Power Washing Services Do You Perform on Industrial Buildings?
We clean everything from the floor to the ceiling, inside and out. We’ll degrease your floors, knock out paint stains, and even clean your bathrooms. Outside, we clean the dirt and grime that build up on the building’s walls as well as the property’s boundary walls. We also power wash parking lots, loading docks, walkways, roofs, awnings – nearly any space you have that needs cleaning.
Can You Remove Paint?
Yes, both graffiti (see above) and the paint stains that inevitably follow painting your home or business. Don’t forget, Phoenix’s blazing sun is great at curing paint splatters. Call us as soon as possible so they’re easier to remove.
Does Power Washing Remove Oil Stains?
It sure does. Whether you have oil stains in your driveway, parking lot, or fleet yard, we can knock them out without damaging the surface. Don’t wait for your HOA or governing board to complain; call us for a free quote.
Can You Remove Gum with Power Washing?
Yes, we can remove gum from sidewalks, parking lots, or any other surface (although for hair, we recommend ice cubes and patience). Gum removal is one of the many commercial power washing services we offer.
Will Power Washing Damage Brick?
Done incorrectly, yes. Like concrete, brick is porous, which means it’s both difficult to clean and easy to damage. Luckily, the team at Dakota Power Washing has the training, experience, and equipment needed to clean dirt and grime off of bricks without harming them.
Do I Need to Seal My Concrete Pavers?
If you hope to protect your investment, yes, you really want to seal your concrete pavers. Even though we don’t have to worry about snow and ice here, we do have to worry about the sun and it can be brutal. That’s why Dakota Power Washing uses a UV-resistant sealant that guards against fading. Sealing your pavers also enhances the stones’ natural color, repels insects, helps guard against weeds, and protects the surface against monsoon damage.
Only if you want to maximize its lifespan. Excavators, backhoes, bulldozers – whatever heavy equipment your crews use, it attracts dirt and debris like a magnet. Part of that is the working environment, but it’s also thanks to the grease and oil that keep the machine’s parts lubricated and moving. Over time, all that gunk makes its way into the mechanics of your equipment and slowly destroys it. Adding power washing as part of your regular maintenance goes a long way toward extending the life of your equipment. And your mechanics will thank you when they no longer have to muscle their way through built-up dirt and grease to work their magic.
We clean everything from the floor to the ceiling, inside and out. We’ll degrease your floors, knock out paint stains, and even clean your bathrooms. Outside, we clean the dirt and grime that build up on the building’s walls as well as the property’s boundary walls. We also power wash parking lots, loading docks, walkways, roofs, awnings – nearly any space you have that needs cleaning.
