Don’t want to spend hours standing on a ladder scrubbing your home’s exterior? Try pressure washing as an alternative. Pressure washing your home saves you hours on your home’s maintenance.
Power washing, often known as pressure washing, is a very effective and efficient method of cleaning your home’s exterior. It removes dirt, filth, mold, mildew, and other debris from surfaces.
Many homeowners use pressure washing to clean their home’s exterior, decks, driveways, and roofs. This service alone can revitalize the appearance of your home.
Not sure how frequently you need to do it? Keep reading to learn how often to power wash a house.
Factors to Consider Before Pressure Washing
If you choose to pressure wash surfaces in and around your home you need to consider several different factors. These include the weather, surface, location, and vegetation. Let’s take a closer look.
Weather
The climate in your area has a big impact on how often you need to power wash your house. Mold, mildew, and algae thrive in high-humidity environments. These germs live on moist surfaces and can discolor and damage the exterior of your property, especially in shady places.
Dry and arid areas, on the other hand, may not demand as much power washing. If the environment is much drier, you can deescalate the frequency of your power washing sessions.
Location
The location of your home also influences how rapidly filth and grime collect. You need to consider what local elements may cause dirt to build up.
If your home is near a busy road or construction, it is going to get dirty faster. Likewise, raffic on a nearby road can cause dust and dirt to pick up as well as contribute to local pollution levels. Nearby construction sites also cause the build-up of dirt and grime.
Surface Type
You need to make sure you are using the appropriate pressure based on what surface you’re cleaning. The low pressure setting is best for delicate materials. Higher pressure equipment is needed for concrete and harder surfaces.
The frequency of washing and the pressure setting depends on the surface you are cleaning. Some of the most common types of exterior materials include:
- Concrete
- Brick
- Vinyl siding
- Wood
- Stucco
- Asphalt
- Glass
The key to good pressure washing is to use the appropriate equipment and techniques for each material. Begin with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase as needed.
Consider contacting a professional pressure washing service to ensure the task is done properly and successfully. This is especially the case if you are unsure about specific pressure washing materials or need assistance with the procedure.
Materials like a screen door will require an increased frequency and tender care. In contrast, stronger and more porous materials like brick, will require a higher pressure per square inch (psi) when washing. Professional pressure washers have the experience necessary to handle the wide variety of exterior surfaces on a home.
Local Vegetation
If your home is in a heavily wooded area or has a lot of vegetation, you may need to pressure wash more regularly. Over time, your home may collect leaves, pollen, and sap.
Pollen is released into the air by trees and plants during certain seasons and it can collect on the exterior of your property. When mixed with rain or humidity, it leaves a sticky and difficult-to-remove residue.
If birds are nesting in nearby trees, you may also see a build-up of grime. Birds leave droppings that can eat away at some surfaces. If there is an excessive amount of bird droppings and debris from local vegetation, it’s time to get your home pressure washed.
Recommended Power Washing Schedule
Examine how rapidly dirt, filth, mold, mildew, and other detritus collect on the exterior of your home. Areas exposed to more dust, pollutants, and vegetation may get dirtier faster.
Setting a recommended pressure washing plan for your home is dependent on a number of factors. Below is a quick guide to building out a pressure washing schedule.
Annual Cleaning
An annual power washing session is effective to keep your home looking clean. This helps you add a routine to your home maintenance and ensures that accumulated grime is eradicated on a regular basis.
Bi-Annually
If you live in a heavily polluted area or an ultra-humid climate, you may want to invest in bi-annual pressure washing. Cleaning every six months prevents the build up of stubborn stains.
As Needed
Some people opt to clean on an as-needed basis. Be sure to book a pressure wash after a storm, before selling, or any time you see a large accumulation of dirt.
A storm can make your home exterior very dirty. While rainwater is not unclean in and of itself, it can transport airborne contaminants. After a storm, dust, and other particles can settle on your home’s outside surfaces.
Learn How Often to Power Wash a House
Power washing is an efficient way to keep your home’s exterior looking nice and clean. As a general rule, annual power washing is usually sufficient for most properties. However, depending on your situation you may want to increase the frequency.
Seek professional advice if you need to keep your home looking its best without jeopardizing its structural integrity. Power washing can be a fantastic tool for improving your home’s curb appeal and keeping its value.
Now that you know how often to power wash a house, contact our team at Spartan Home Services for your pressure washing needs today!
