Pressure washing is a process by which water is forced through a nozzle at high pressure to clean surfaces. Pressure washing is an effective way to clean the exterior of a house, as it is powerful enough to remove dirt, mold, mildew, and other unwanted substances. It also helps to preserve the life of paint, as well as other materials used on the outside of the house. Additionally, it can improve the overall curb appeal of a house.

Pressure washing is relatively easy to do and can be done by most homeowners. No wonder it’s considered an essential part of annual home maintenance!

3 benefits of pressure washing your house

Pressure washing is an effective way to clean and maintain your home’s exterior. It can effectively remove dirt, mold, mildew, and other unwanted substances from the surface of your home. This helps to enhance the lifespan of your home’s paint and other materials while improving the curb appeal. Pressure washing can help you to keep your home looking its best with minimal effort. It’s an easy and efficient way to keep your exterior looking clean and fresh.

1. Pressure washing removes dirt, mold, and mildew

Pressure washing is a great way to clean the exterior of your home, removing dirt, mold, mildew, and other unwanted substances. Pressure washing uses high-pressure streams of water to blast away any buildup on the outside of the house. This cleaning method is more thorough than other methods, as it can reach all the nooks and crannies of your home. Pressure washing will make your home look great and extend the life of your paint and other materials. It’s also an excellent way to improve your overall curb appeal and make your home stand out.

2. Pressure washing prolongs the life of paint and other materials

Pressure washing helps to prolong the life of paint and other materials used on the house and can help keep exterior surfaces looking newer and cleaner for longer. Additionally, pressure washing helps to extend the life of the paint, which is important for protecting the home from the elements. Pressure washing also helps to protect other materials, such as wood, stucco, and brick, from weather damage and other environmental factors.

3. Pressure washing improves overall curb appeal

Pressure washing is an effective way to improve your home’s curb appeal instantly and make your home look brighter, cleaner, and more inviting. Pressure washing also removes built-up grime that can cause paint and other materials to break down over time, helping to prolong the life of your home’s exterior. If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to maintain the exterior of your house, pressure washing is a great option.

4 tips for pressure washing your house

When pressure washing your house, it’s important to do it correctly to get the best results. First, you’ll want to choose a quality pressure washer that fits your needs. Next, you’ll need to prepare the house by covering outdoor furniture or plants and masking windows and doors.

When it comes time to clean, start from the top and work your way down, so the dirt and debris don’t settle back onto the house. Finally, be sure to maintain your pressure washer by cleaning out the hoses and nozzles after each use. Following these tips will help ensure a successful pressure-washing job and keep your house looking great.

Tip 1: Choosing a pressure washer

When choosing a pressure washer to use for cleaning the exterior of your house, it’s important to consider your needs and the size of the job. There are a few different types of pressure washers available, each with different power levels, so you should choose one that is appropriate for your project.

For smaller jobs, like cleaning siding and walkways, a lighter-duty model with 2000 to 3000 PSI (pounds per square inch) should be sufficient.

For larger jobs, like removing paint from brick or concrete, a heavier-duty model with over 3000 PSI is recommended. Additionally, you should consider the nozzle type and hose length when selecting.

Tip 2: Preparing the house

When preparing your house for pressure washing, make sure to cover any outdoor furniture, plants, and other items that could be affected by the pressure washer. Remove any items that cannot be covered and remove debris from the exterior walls and surfaces. Remove any loose items, such as window screens and shutters. Check for any cracks or holes in the walls, as pressure washing can cause further damage. Make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from the pressure washer.

Tip 3: Cleaning the house

Cleaning the house is an important step in the pressure-washing process. Start by spraying the house from the bottom up, sweepingly. Move the pressure washer nozzle constantly from the house and work in small sections. Rinse each section until the dirt and debris have been removed. Be sure to pay attention to areas with heavier dirt or mildew buildup. When finished, move the nozzle away from the house and turn off the pressure washer.

Tip 4: Maintaining your pressure washer

Maintaining the pressure washer is an important part of the pressure washing process. After each use, cleaning the machine and its components is important to prevent rust, corrosion, and other damage. This includes draining the pump, cleaning the filter, and lubricating the moving parts. Additionally, it’s important to check the hoses and connections for any leaks or damages and make sure to store the machine in a safe, dry location when it’s not in use. Taking the time to maintain the pressure washer properly will help ensure that it works properly and lasts for many years.

Start with the siding

The most obvious area for home pressure washing is the siding. We’ve all seen that dark ugly growth on siding, especially after a wet fall and winter. The mold – or mildew, moss, or algae – may be unavoidable, but cleaning it off the house is important before it spreads and permanently stains and damages your home’s exterior.

If you have a power washer, a tool that sprays pressurized water, cleaning the sides of the house may sound like a reasonable DIY project. Before you get started, remember that you need to clean the entire house. That includes the exterior on the second floor, the chimney, and all the crevices.

Mold may be worse on one side of the house than the other, but the dirt and grime go everywhere. In addition, handling that high water pressure can be a bit tricky: it’s possible to damage your house – dent siding, knock down bricks, rip screens – if you use too much pressure or aim wrong.

If you decide to DIY, take your time and be very careful. Suppose you prefer to bring in a professional. In that case, Lee Company handymen bring the right power washers for the job, along with the ladders and safety equipment required to thoroughly and safely clean the entire exterior.

What else should I pressure wash?

Keep the big picture in mind whether you do the pressure washing or call in the pros. Look beyond the exterior walls of your home, and consider what needs a good cleaning. Your driveway, deck, patio, fencing – even a pool, if you have one – benefit from regular, high-pressure cleaning. Power washing cleans off mold, mildew, and other growth.

If you’re planning to stain or paint a deck or fence – also a part of regular home maintenance – pressure washing should be part of the prep. Stains, sealants, and paints adhere better to a clean surface. And who wants to immortalize mold under a coat of paint?

The most obvious advantage of staining your deck is how it looks: After you stain and seal a deck, the natural beauty of the wood shines through. However, the stain and seal also protect your deck, preventing sun damage and making it harder for water to seep into the wood and damage it.

Do the stairs of your beautiful deck lead down to a patio? Once you power wash that concrete, remember to seal it too! Concrete is porous; it absorbs fluids. Every time we get a freeze and a thaw, your patio takes a hit if it’s not properly sealed. Sealing protects the concrete and prolongs the life and looks of your patio.

Also, remember the importance of cleaning and sealing other concrete areas, such as driveways, steps, and porches.

In terms of timing and planning, the general rule of thumb is: power wash every year. Apply sealant every other year. If that sounds like a lot of work, remember…you can always call Lee Company and take advantage of our professional handyman services.

Lee Company can help maintain the curb appeal of your home

Removing unsightly mold and grime immediately improves the look of your home. That’s a real plus in any situation, but it’s critical if you want to sell your home. Curb appeal matters. A fresh, clean home will attract more potential buyers and supports a higher sales price.

An annual pressure washing also helps you save money, whether you plan to live in the house for years or sell it. Keeping the siding clean reduces the risk of permanent damage, leading to the need for new siding or woodwork.

There are also potential health benefits from conducting a thorough cleaning. Pressure washing the outside of your home can make life easier for the people inside your home, especially if they suffer from allergies. You might not realize it, but some of those sneezes and watery eyes could be directly related to the mold and mildew growing on your siding.

Along with improving the airborne environment inside your home, power washing is good for the outside environment. Pressure washing is a clean, environmentally friendly chore, completed with no dangerous chemicals.

Contact us today!

Owning a home is the American dream, but it does come with a lot of pressure. Home maintenance creates ongoing demands on limited time and requires expertise, equipment, and energy. Lee Company takes the pressure off. Call us when you need power washing services, help painting your house, or staining your deck! Lee Company’s friendly, well-trained professionals are here to help.