Pressure Washing A House – Portland

Pressure Washing A House

Pressure washing a house is an important step prior to doing any exterior painting.  Pressure washing, also known as power washing, involves using a high-velocity water spray to clean dirt, residue and moss from the exterior of a house.  This type of cleaning is an important step before painting or re-painting your house.  A clean surface will allow new paint to last longer.  You can use pressure-washing equipment on most types of housing material once you learn the basics of pressure washing a house.

Pressure Washing A House – STEPS

Before and After Gutter Cleaning

1.  Choose a pressure washer that is best for the job is crucial when pressure washing a house.  Different housing materials can withstand various water pressures.  The size, or spray power, ranges from 1,200-3,000 pounds per square inch (psi)

• Stronger non-painted surfaces, such as vinyl, clean better with a more powerful 2,500 to 3,000 psi model.  These models work the fastest because they are more powerful.
• Softer housing materials, such as painted soft-grain wood and aluminum, require 1,200 to 1,500 psi model to prevent pressure damage.  You may need a wide spray nozzle to disperse water pressure for even more vulnerable materials, like stucco.
• If you plan on using a cleaning solution, select a pressure washer that has a detergent dispenser.

2.  Protect the outside fixtures and landscaping of your home by covering them with plastic or drop cloths.  As previously mentioned, pressure washers are high-velocity so make sure and secure plastic covering or drop cloths with duct tape if necessary prior to pressure washing a house.

Residential pressure washing

3.  You may need to manually scrub any heavy mildew, if you’re using a retail-grade pressure washer.  Professional pressure washing companies use commercial grade equipment  and detergents that will definitely remove all the grime and dirt without the need to scrub the surface first.  In the long run, it may save you time and money to call a professional.

4.  If you bought a pressure washer with a detergent dispenser, you’ll want to mix approximately 1 pound (.455 kilograms) of non-phosphate concentrated cleaner for every 4 gallons (15.4 liters) of washing water.

5.  Connect a garden hose that is hooked to water supply directly to the pressure washer.  When you’re ready, turn on the water.

6.  Hold the pressure washing nozzle with both hands approximately 3 feet from the house.  Move in closer until you feel the spray is strong enough, but be careful not to get too close because damage can occur.

7.  Always start at the top of the house and work your way down.  Make sure to include roof overhangs, underhangs, and gutters.  Spray with a steady stream in a side-to-side motion.

8.  Once you’ve completed the initial cleaning, it’s time to rinse the house down.  You can either disconnect the hose from the pressure washer and rinse with the garden hose, or leave the hose attached to the pressure washer and rinse with the wand.  You’ll want to stand a little further back when rinsing.  Also, make sure the detergent dispenser is turned off before rinsing if there’s an On or Off switch.  Make sure all detergent/soap residue is rinsed off the house.

You’ll want to allow 24-48 hours for the house to dry before painting, depending on the weather.

Fence cleaning

Pressure Washing a house – The experts

Pressure washing a house can be very time consuming and could cause possible water damage if not done correctly.  That’s why it may be wise to contact a professional pressure washing contractor to get an estimate before tackling it on your own.  The professional pressure washing contractors are experts in this line of work.  Like I said, they use commercial-grade equipment and detergent to ensure the dirt and grime is removed.  Make sure to find one that is licensed and bonded in your area.

Concrete cleaning

You might also consider cleaning your sidewalks,  driveway or fencing.  Spring time is a great time of year to spruce up the exterior of your home.

Pressure Washing A House – Local Areas We Serve

Oregon:  Beaverton, Bend, Canby, Central Oregon, Clackamas, Dayton, Dundee, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Hood River, Keizer, Lake Oswego, McMinnville, Newberg, Oregon City, Portland, Sherwood, St. Paul, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Woodburn and more.

Washington:  Bellingham, Bremerton, Camas, Centralia, Chehalis, Edmonds, Everett, Federal Way, Fife, Kalama, Kelso, Kent, Kirkland, Long Beach, Olympia, Pasco, Port Townsend, Ridgefield, Seattle, Vancouver, Woodland and more.

Champion Property Improvement is a preferred pressure washing contractor in Portland, Oregon and Washington.  Call us today for a free consultation at 503-969-6613.  We’d love to earn your business!