Pressure Washing FAQs

Pressure washing is one of the best ways to clean almost any surface around the home, regardless of whether it is siding, a wood deck or patio pavers. If you have been considering hiring a pressure washing service, you may have some questions about what they offer. The following frequently asked questions (FAQ) can help:

Why should I hire a professional pressure washing service?

Although it may be true that pressure washers can be rented at some locations, there is a method that is involved to the overall pressure washing process. It not only includes picking the right pressure but also picking the proper wand, tip, type of pressure washer and even any cleaning product that may be included. In doing so, it not only helps to keep your home clean but it also keeps the surface clean for an extended amount of time.

How frequently should I use a pressure washing service?

Although this is something that may differ from one situation to another, it is generally recommended that you have pressure washing done on your property at least once every two years and in some cases, on an annual basis. One of the factors that can help to extend the amount of time between pressure washing is the chemicals that are used during the process. Without some of those chemicals, a problem with mold and mildew is going to resurface very quickly but those chemicals help to keep the problem from becoming an issue for a very long time.

Will a pressure washer damage my home?

This is actually a very good question. The high pressure associated with a pressure washer can absolutely harm any surface, regardless of whether it is wood, concrete or siding. That being said, using a professional pressure washing service allows you to take full advantage of the pressure cleaning associated with a pressure washing machine without having to worry about any damage to the home. In the hands of an unskilled user, only other hand, it is possible to etch many of those surfaces and damage them permanently.

Our equipment has the capacity of applying up to 3,500 – 4,000 psi of water pressure to a surface, but our m.o. is to apply only that amount of pressure that is required to get the job done well. We prefer to pre-treat with a solution so that it’s not necessary to blast a surface in order to get it cleaned. Our technicians typically apply water at 1800 psi and are able to effect an outstanding clean without putting the integrity of the surface at risk.

Is there a difference between pressure washing and power washing?

These two terms can be used interchangeably and they refer to the same method, using high pressure water to clean a variety of services. Regardless of whether you refer to it as being pressure or power, it will leave your home clean.

What does the chemicals do?

Our cleaning solutions typically contain detergents and surfactants. When applied to surfaces and allowed to dwell, the solution breaks down mold and grime. Subsequent pressure washing then lifts off the mold and grime and is able to deeply clean the surface underneath.

What is the cost of pressure washing?

This is a question that can be difficult to answer without knowing the specifics of the project. It depends upon a number of different factors, including the part of the home that is being cleaned and how large of an area is being cleaned. For example, you might pay $100 or more for cleaning a standard area of concrete but if you want to have your entire home or your roof cleaned, you should call for a free estimate.

What chemicals are used during the pressure cleaning process?

There are a wide variety of chemicals that can be used during the pressure washing process but it is not always necessary to use them. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a deep cleaning solution but we choose one that is as green as possible. In many cases, a chemical will not be necessary during the cleaning process but chemicals can be added to help keep mold and mildew from being a problem.

Will the chemicals cause any damage to the landscaping or to my home?

Since we use chemicals that are ecologically friendly, they will not cause damage to the landscaping. Additional preventative measures can also be taken to reduce the likelihood that any problems would occur, including pre-wetting of the landscaping and plants ahead of any pressure washing that is done.

Why is it necessary to pressure clean concrete?

Most people tend to overlook the concrete on their property. It doesn’t matter whether you are talking about concrete driveway, a patio or the sidewalk in front of your home, it is an area of your property that can get dirty over the course of time. In most cases, the discoloration that is seen on concrete occurs over time and fairly consistently so it is difficult to know that you actually need to have it cleaned until the cleaning takes place. A high quality pressure washer can blast away the mildew and make the concrete look brand-new again.

Can pressure washing help with a gray fence or deck?

Over the course of time, wood begins to turn gray as it is exposed to various types of weather. Some people like this change in the color of the wood but others appreciate the new look. When pressure cleaning is used, it helps to completely get rid of the weathered look and brings the natural beauty of the wood to the surface. In many cases, it is not even necessary to use chemicals to see the drastic difference.

Is everything cleaned at the same pressure?

No, there are a variety of different pressures that may be used, depending upon the application. For example, you may use a high pressure water stream with a fairly wide nozzle to clean a concrete sidewalk but if you were cleaning aluminum siding, it would likely be done with a mixture of eco-friendly chemicals and a softer pressure.

Does it have to be sunny to pressure wash a home?

When we pressure wash a home, it is going to get wet and there is no way around it. There is no difference to the services we offer, regardless of whether we are pressure washing in the sunshine or pressure washing in the rain. The only reason we wouldn’t pressure wash is if there were dangerous weather conditions in the area, such as lightning.

Do you use hot water?

We have the capacity for using hot water. This is important for the removal of stubborn substances such as gum, oil and grease.