If you’re trying to keep your apartment complex in good nick without breaking the bank, you may have looked at some cost-effective exterior building maintenance options. Wondering about soft washing vs. pressure washing?
Community Concierge Services provides soft washing and pressure washing in Austin, TX, and nationwide. Below, we discuss the advantages of powerful exterior cleaning methods like these so that you can choose between them with confidence.
What Is the Difference Between Soft and Pressure Washing?
The basic difference between these exterior surface cleaning techniques is the amount of power each one uses. We measure the pressure of a water stream using pounds per square inch. A garden hose runs between 40 and 60 psi.
With around 150 to 300 psi, soft washing is more effective than using a garden hose, but it doesn’t have the risks of damage or injury that come with highly pressurized cleaning. With a pounds per square inch rating reaching up to 4,000 or so, it shouldn’t surprise you that even regular pressure washing can remove stubborn buildup with ease.
Tips for Deciding How Much Power To Use for Cleaning an Apartment Complex
Soft washing vs. pressure washing: which method is best for your apartment complex or commercial building? If you’re trying to decide how much power the task requires, consider the following questions:
Can the Surface Stand Up To Extreme Pressure?
Even with experts at the helm, excess power can damage certain surface materials. Are you concerned about siding damage prevention? Opt for low-pressure cleaning on:
- Wood siding or fencing, especially cedar
- Vinyl structures
- Asphalt shingles
- Any painted surface
More durable brick and concrete should easily accommodate high pressure levels.
Does Your Apartment Complex Have a Restricted Maintenance Budget?
When choosing soft washing vs. pressure washing, consider the investment. Soft washing uses special detergents for mold and mildew removal on delicate surfaces, so it often costs slightly more.
Do I Need To Time the Jets of Water Around Heavy Foot Traffic for Safety?
The pressure washing safety concerns mean you can’t schedule this service with crowds nearby. The heavy stream of water can knock people over, wet walkways, cause bruising, or even lacerate the skin. Experts take necessary precautions, but it’s safer if you don’t pressure wash while setting up for or hosting an event with tons of people around.
Whether it is soft washing or pressure washing an apartment complex, never attempt to do either task as a DIY project. Relying on professionals keeps tenants and on-site contractors safe.
More Power Often Yields Better Benefits (But Not Always)
When you can pressure wash without damaging the surface, the results are stunning. Building managers invest in this effective exterior cleaning method because it grants the following benefits:
High PSI Creates Long-Lasting Results and Better Cleanliness
With 1,500 psi, industrial pressure washers can eliminate 99.9% of mold, mildew, and other grime that make your building look dingy or unkempt. A clean building creates a good first impression on interested tenants who want to live in a well-maintained complex. It gives the apartment complex a high-end look that tenants will notice.
The More Powerful Option Completes the Job Faster
In comparing soft washing vs. pressure washing, the latter blasts away dirt and grime in record time, which might reduce the labor costs involved. Did you receive word that an executive from the property management company is coming to tour your apartment complex? This last-minute solution cuts through grime fast and leaves a great impression on your supervisor.
The Lack of Detergent Makes It More Eco-Friendly
While soft washing uses green detergents to remove buildup, these diluted chemicals can still affect the surrounding ecosystem in large amounts. Pressurized water alone doesn’t require additives to accomplish similar results. When performed on durable exterior surfaces by a qualified professional, it’s an eco-friendly exterior cleaning solution.
A Wider Variety of Surfaces Can Benefit From Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is a great option for so many surfaces. Cleaning parking lots, sidewalks, and other tough surfaces doesn’t have to be complicated. Deciding to soft wash these large areas will take a bit more time, which is why there’s often a higher price tag.
Schedule Reliable Pressure Washing With Community Concierge Services
Has this advice from Community Concierge Services made your soft washing vs. pressure washing decision easy? Avoid the dangers of DIY pressure washing and the disadvantages of a dirty apartment complex – get our committed customer service professionals on it for guaranteed satisfaction. Request a quote online or call (800) 742-9176 today!