Power Washing FAQ
What is power washing?
Power washing is similar to pressure washing, and both are the process of using a high pressure water spray to clean surfaces. Unlike pressure washing, however, which is typically associated with specifically using only high pressure to wash surfaces, power washing encompasses the use of pressure washer machines, surface washing attachments, different cleansers, combined with the ability to dial in the appropriate amount of pressure to safely wash the surfaces of one’s home or property. Power washing can be used to clean external surfaces like concrete, paving, and a home’s exterior.
How often should I have my house power washed?
The standard recommendation for a home wash is roughly once a year, though you may want it done more frequently if you live in an area that is especially humid and prone to debris and buildup or algae, mold or other contaminants. In the end, the ideal frequency for a home wash will depend on environmental factors and the condition of the materials to be washed. Contacting your local power washing company will help you to learn what’s best for your area. Taking the time to regularly inspect your home and exterior surfaces will ensure that you can get a home wash before a situation becomes a problem. All that said, it’s pretty hard to overwash a home.
When is it best to power wash a home?
Many Cleveland residents like to powerwash their home in the Spring to prepare for enjoying their home during the nicer summer weather, or they add it as part of their Autumn-maintenance checklist. But really, when you schedule your powerwashing can be determined by what works best for your family and schedule. One thing to note is that during the winter months, powerwashing your home in lower temperatures might be a cause for water freezing issues. Weather in the Cleveland area can be quite unpredictable - but all is not lost if the weather doesn’t cooperate, and power washing can be done rain or shine.
How long does power washing take?
As anyone will tell you, every job is unique, with its own perks and limiting factors at play. A very loose average estimate of 30 minutes to several hours shows the range of time we’re working with. That said, the size of the areas to be cleaned and types of materials, along with the amount of buildup or staining will combine to determine an estimated job length. Regardless of what condition your home, patio, driveway or walkway is in, you can trust that the experts at Chagrin Home Improvements will do a thorough job–we’re only satisfied when you’re happy.
How much does power washing cost?
There are so many variables at play that there is no blanket answer here. At Chagrin Home Improvements we use factors like square footage, scope of the work, and required materials to determine a fair price for each job. Professional power washing can cost anywhere from $0.10 to $1.00 per square foot on average, depending on several factors. This translates to several hundred dollars for a home, and typically slightly less for a walkway, driveway or patio. On top of the abovementioned factors like surface area and level of soiling, your location, the ease of access and the scope of the requested work can also affect the total price. But for what you get, power washing is an affordable investment in your property.
Is power washing worth it?
Well we are a bit biased, but yes, power washing is totally worth the investment. This is especially true if you’re looking to sell, as a newly cleaned home, walkway, patio and driveway can help to increase your property value.
Additionally, power washing can help protect the surfaces of your home from the negative impacts of moisture, uv rays, mold, mildew, and algae growth. Making sure the surfaces of your property are properly cleaned and sealed will help protect your investment.
What does a house wash entail?
A house wash from Chagrin Home Improvements involves using specialized equipment and safe, biodegradable cleansers to efficiently clean your home’s exterior surfaces, removing mold, dirt, grime, algae and staining. We use our soft scrub system to ensure that the level of pressure is ideal–neither too high, to threaten water intrusion, nor too low to be ineffective. Siding and windows are both washed, though surfaces are not hand or machine dried. Beyond a house wash, our technicians are also able to power wash your concrete or paver driveway, walkway, or patio. Opt for a sealant application after they are dry to preserve your exterior surfaces for years to come. Deck sealing services are also available.
Do you need to use my water?
We will need access to your home’s water supply, but even homes that use a well can be easily and successfully power washed. Notifying us of any previous water supply issues at your home will help us with taking precautions beforehand to ensure that your water supply system can withstand our cleaning process. As always, we will keep you in the loop and welcome your questions or concerns.
DIY or hire a pro?
A pressure washer purchased at a retail store is not the same as the power washing equipment and solutions available to a professional. The job will be done faster, more efficiently, and more safely when a professional crew is at work. Experience and knowledge are invaluable here, as too high a pressure will damage surfaces and could cause chipped paint or risk water infiltration. On the other hand, too low a pressure will require extra time, labor and materials to fully clean surfaces.
The expert power washing crew at Chagrin Home Improvements is ready to handle any and all of your exterior cleaning needs. Our employees are trained and have the experience necessary to remove decades' worth of unsightly stains from almost any surface. Contact us today to learn more and plan for your next project.