Frequently Asked Questions: Pressure Washing
Pressure washing brings an instant facelift to hardscape of all kinds, from driveways to patios to pavers! This is a process that is so satisfying to watch, and creates impressive before and after pictures, but that also involves a surprising amount of skill and technique. If you’ve been wondering about what pressure washing does or what the process looks like, look no further :) We rounded up the questions about this service that we get the most so that you can find all the info you need all in one place. See ya, moss!
Is pressure washing safe for my exterior surfaces?
Skilled technicians can safely pressure wash most hard surfaces such as concrete, brick, and wood. We use different techniques for different surfaces to ensure that only dirt and grime is blasted away, with no damage to the underlying material. The forces involved in pressure washing are no joke, and, without the proper training, it is very possible to damage certain surfaces through pressure washing. Some surfaces, such as siding and roofs, respond better to soft washing. Other surfaces, such as wood, can be pressure washed under most circumstances with the right techniques. For more information about soft washing, check out our dedicated page here.
What kinds of surfaces do you pressure wash?
Pressure washing is safe for most hard surfaces including concrete, brick, and wood. Some specific areas we can target are pavers, driveways, sidewalks, paths, patios, decks, fences and many other exterior surfaces. If you aren’t sure whether pressure washing is appropriate for cleaning the areas you have in mind, just reach out and we can advise you on the best approach!
How do I know if an area needs to be pressure washed?
Generally speaking, if an area looks grimy then it would benefit from pressure washing! This is a great option for any hard exterior surface that has organic infestations (such as moss, mildew, or algae), or that has become stained and dirty (from smoke, dust, pollution, etc). Often, particularly grimy areas will get slippery - this is when pressure washing can become a more immediate concern so that you aren’t risking any nasty falls on your paths, stairs, decks, and walkways. Just like everything else, hardscape gets dirty over time. Pressure washing is the best way to refresh these surfaces and bring them back to life.
Should I just buy my own pressure washer, or hire a professional?
This really depends on your confidence with tackling your own projects, and on how you prefer to balance your money and time spent on home maintenance! As with many home maintenance tasks, doing it yourself usually brings an improvement but may not yield a professional result. It can take practice and professional equipment to throughly and safely clean surfaces without leaving behind stripes, missed spots, or damage. But we know how satisfying pressure washing can be! So, if you prefer to rent or buy your own equipment, just make sure you wear the proper safety gear, read the instructions, and do a test patch in an inconspicuous spot before you get started. The best results will come from working slowly and methodically in small sections.
What are the benefits of pressure washing?
Pressure washing is about more than just aesthetics! Keeping your exterior surfaces clean does the following things:
It increases traction. Mossy or dirty surfaces are much more slippery than clean ones. Keeping walkways, patios, and steps clean will help prevent slips and falls around your property.
It decreases erosion. Things growing on your hardscape can lead to cracking and additional wear on the surface as seasons and temperatures change. Removing organic infestations helps prevent premature aging of your sidewalk, driveway, patio, and more.
It looks good. Dirty, stained, or mossy hardscape can really drag down your curb appeal and create a constant “ugh” of a job undone. This kind of grime is just very hard to ignore! Having fresh, clean hardscape gives your property an instant lift and can be a big boost to the pride you have for your home! You can get full enjoyment from your outdoor spaces when they are properly maintained.
If you are interested in pressure washing or any other services from Beautiful Day, you can get a free instant quote on our website right here! Or you can give us a call at (253) 414-5304. We service the greater Tacoma area, including all of Pierce County, Federal Way, and Lacey :)
