Whether you have been looking for a pressure washing contractor for your home or simply reading the side of a pressure washer’s truck while out driving, you have likely seen references to either high pressure or low pressure types of pressure washing. If you have ever wondered what the difference is then this article is for you.

It’s Not About Dirt

Some people have the impression that high pressure is used on really tough stains like rust while low pressure is used for easy to remove surface dirt. While this statement isn’t entirely wrong it is not focused on the correct usage of pressure. What determines whether or not a pressure washer uses high or low pressure is not the type of stain or dirt, rather it is the material that is to be cleaned that makes the difference.

Know Your Surfaces

One of the most challenging aspects of pressure washing is to really understand the surface or material that is to be power washed. Each surface has a specific amount of pressure that it can withstand and an optimum amount of pressure for cleaning. For example, concrete (such as a driveway or sidewalk) is a very hard material that often has a textured, porous surface. These ridges of texture and semi-porous surface allow stains like rust and oil to sink deep down into the concrete making them difficult to clean. Using low pressure on concrete will only clean the top most layer, leaving the penetrated dirt or stain behind. Pressure washing with high pressure is appropriate because it allows the water and/or detergents to penetrate below the surface and lift out any dirt or stains without harming the concrete itself. In contrast one would never want to power wash the siding of a home with high pressure as this is simply to strong and would severely damage or destroy the siding. Low pressure on the other hand can thoroughly clean any dirt, mold or mildew from a home yet is gentle enough to be used on all types of exteriors including vinyl, brick and stucco.

The Right Tool For The Job

For over 15 years, the team at J&L Professional Services has been providing superior pressure washing services. During this time we have encountered all manner of surface and all manner of stain. This wealth of experience means that no matter what you need to have pressure washed be it awnings on your store front, sidewalks, your home or driveway we not only have the right tools and the right pressure for the job, but we also have the right technique to get it done right the very first time. Call or contact us today to request your free estimate.