Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is an unsung hero of home maintenance.
We’ll look more closely at the specific benefits below, but let’s set the stage a bit first. Regardless of the age or type of siding you have, you’ve likely noticed that stains, mildew, and discoloration accumulate over time. Not only is it unsightly, but this buildup can compromise the lifespan of your paint or stain, making a thorough cleaning invaluable. It brings back your curb appeal, while also keeping your surfaces healthy.
Should you power wash yourself, or hire a professional? We recommend hiring a professional pressure washer, just because there’s a lot more to it than simply pointing and spraying. You need to consider the age, nature, and condition of your siding, and be mindful of access points that make water intrusion a very real possibility. If the job isn’t handled correctly, you can do damage to your home, and also could hurt yourself.
To be perfectly clear, Nash Painting doesn't extend residential pressure washing services on their own. We use it as a preparation tool before painting or staining, ensuring that we have a clean substrate for the best product adhesion.
Benefits of pressure washing your Nashville home
Refresh your exposed surfaces
Wash away unsightly dirt, mold, and mildew
Remove stains that accumulate over time
Increase the lifespan of your existing paint and stain
Remove slick accumulation from patios, decks, and poolside areas
We would also add that routine house washing is an ideal way to inspect your home, watching for damage or wood rot. We’re big proponents of proactive maintenance. If you make pressure washing a springtime routine, for example, you’ll erase dirt and grime from the winter season while also checking your property for vulnerabilities that you might have otherwise missed.
Understanding our power washing process
As we touched on above, power washing can actually do a lot of damage if you aren’t trained. Focusing an intense stream of water on deck boards, for example, can cause “etching” (fine surface scratches). Blasting damaged wood around your soffit or trim can rip apart rotten sections, doing more harm than good. Or, if you have a brick home, you could easily force water right through the highly permeable surface, causing water intrusion while also damaging weak, brittle sections of mortar.
Here are a few other facets of our own approach to the house washing process:
We avoid directly blasting windows and doors since we prefer to keep water outside your home, and assume you probably do too.
We avoid using harsh chemicals and cleaners that could kill plants and grass.
Using chemicals also runs the risk of leaving residue that interferes with paint adhesion. Not many homeowners realize that. We use cleaners very minimally and carefully around doors and windows prior to painting, and only to remove mold. The exterior paint we use has mildewcide in the formula, so any residual spores will be eliminated during the painting process.
We generally avoid washing surfaces that won’t be then painted or sealed.
Why choose Nash Painting?
Power washing may not be a standalone service, but it’s all tied into our commitment to doing the job right. No cut corners, no quick fixes. Our clients know that we’ll guide them through every step and stage of the process, creating the best value we possibly can.
Too many painters are willing to power wash a home with abandon, offering a quick cleanup without really considering the ramifications. And homeowners don’t often know the difference, or what they’re risking.
Here are a few more reasons why you should partner with Nash Painting, both for house washing and painting:
We offer a no-hassle experience.
We have over 15 years of residential painting experience, with over 1,000 homes completed.
We meet our deadlines, every time.
Our costs are competitive, and our value is unparalleled.
Our skilled team can handle any painting work you need completed, no matter how specialized.
Power washing FAQ
Why hire a professional power washer?
The process has to be done correctly, factoring in your specific surfaces. Otherwise you open yourself to the risk of damage and moisture intrusion.
What kind of surface can be pressure washed?
Vinyl siding, stucco, brick, driveways, fencing, decks, patios… Nearly any outdoor surface. Just remember, at risk of being repetitive, that you have to approach every surface differently. The right power and nozzle setting for concrete washing is NOT the right option for a wood deck, or easily-damaged mortar.
What are the best seasons for power washing?
Springtime is a great time! And a nice opportunity to rinse away grime and residue left behind by the wetter winter months. Overall, between March and November is ideal.
How often should I pressure wash my home?
It depends on how it looks. An annual wash is generally enough, or before a painting or staining project to ensure a clean surface. Power washing concrete driveways is a great spring cleaning task too.
How do I wash exterior brick?
Gently! We recommend soft washing: even a garden house will do. The approach is drastically different than it is for pressure washing vinyl siding.
Should I DIY pressure washing?
No, we recommend that you do not. Professionals will have better equipment, safety standards, and know how to protect your home and outdoor spaces during the process.
Should I use chemicals when I pressure wash?
We only use chemicals for spot surface cleaning, by hand. Otherwise you run the risk of hurting your grass and plants, plus you can create a residue that prevents your new paint from adhering properly.
