Power Washing

Most homes benefit from power washing once a year, typically in spring. It removes dirt, mildew, algae, and organic growth that degrade siding and trim over time — and it's a required first step before exterior painting. Homes in shaded or wooded areas usually need it more often.

Soft washing uses low pressure plus a biodegradable cleaning solution that kills mold, mildew, and algae at the root; pressure washing uses high-pressure water alone to blast grime off hard surfaces. The rule of thumb: soft wash anything delicate or painted — vinyl and cedar siding, roofs, stucco, and decks — and save pressure washing for concrete, pavers, brick, and stone. High pressure on siding or shingles can force water behind the surface and cause damage that doesn't show for months, so matching the method to the surface matters more than the machine. On the shaded, wooded lots common across Westchester and Putnam, most homes need soft washing for the algae that grows on north-facing walls.

Not when it's done correctly. Damage comes from using too much pressure on the wrong surface — blasting water behind siding, gouging soft wood, or stripping sound paint. We match pressure and technique to the material, using lower-pressure soft washing with cleaning solution on siding, painted surfaces, and older wood, and saving higher pressure for masonry and concrete.

Siding of all types, decks and fencing, patios and walkways, driveways, stone and brick, steps, and gutters' exteriors. Each one takes a different pressure and approach — a flagstone patio and a cedar-sided wall are not the same job. We'll walk the property and tell you what needs washing and what's better left alone.