Homeowner guide · Pressure washing

How to hire a pressure washing company

To hire a pressure washing company, check that it's insured, ask which method it will use on each surface (soft washing for siding and roofs, higher pressure for concrete), and get a written quote that lists every surface. Ask how they protect plants, windows and outdoor outlets.

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1
Insurance
2
Method for each surface
3
Surfaces listed in the quote
4
Plant and property protection

Plain-English, no jargon

What to look for

Liability insurance
Soft washing for siding, roofs and painted surfaces
Experience with your siding or deck material
Before-and-after photos of similar jobs
A plan to protect landscaping

Questions to ask before you hire

Which surfaces need soft washing and which get pressure?
What cleaning solutions do you use?
How do you protect plants, windows and light fixtures?
Do you need my water supply?
Is the price per surface or for the whole job?

Getting and comparing quotes

Ask each company to quote the same surfaces: house, driveway, patio, deck, fence. Bundling several surfaces in one visit usually costs less than booking them separately.

Red flags

Plans to use high pressure on a roof or siding
No insurance
A price with no list of what's included
Can't explain their cleaning solution

FAQ

Common questions

Is pressure washing safe for siding?

It can damage siding if the pressure is too high. Most pros use low-pressure soft washing with a cleaning solution instead.

How often should a house be washed?

About once a year for many homes, and more often in humid or shaded spots where algae grows.

Do I need to be home?

Not always, as long as they can reach an outdoor water spigot and the areas to be cleaned.

Pressure washing

Common pressure washing jobs

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