Keeping the outside of your house clean is important. Over time, dirt, mold, and other grime can build up on the walls, driveway, deck, and other outdoor areas. This makes your home look old and dirty. Pressure washing uses a powerful stream of water to blast away this buildup from surfaces. But how often should you pressure wash your house?
Regularly pressure washing the exterior removes unsightly stains and growth. It protects your home’s siding, walkways, and decks from damage caused by mold, mildew, and dirt. Pressure washing is an easy way to make the outside of your house look fresh and new again. It increases your home’s curb appeal and value.
Understanding Pressure Washing Importance
Pressure washing is important for keeping the outside of your home looking good and preventing damage. It uses a high-powered stream of water to blast away built-up dirt, mold, mildew, and other yucky gunk from surfaces like siding, decks, walkways, and driveways. More than just making things look clean and new again, pressure washing protects these exterior areas by removing the mold, mildew, and dirt that can cause rot, decay, and structural harm over time if left uncleaned. By pressure washing regularly, you easily get rid of this harmful buildup that eats away at outdoor materials, thereby prolonging the life of your home’s surfaces and preventing costly repairs down the road.
Read: 16 Benefits of Pressure Washing Your Home
Factors Influencing Exterior Pressure Washing Frequency
Location
The climate and environmental conditions where your home is located greatly impact how often you’ll need to pressure wash. Homes in humid or coastal areas tend to require more frequent washings, perhaps every 6 months. The moisture in the air allows mold, mildew, and grime to accumulate quickly on exterior surfaces. Drier climates may only need an annual washing. Paying attention to how rapidly contaminants build up on your home’s siding, deck, driveway, etc. can guide your pressure washing schedule.
Mold/Mildew Buildup
Mold and mildew growth, common in shady areas or spots with poor drainage and moisture control, create an unsightly appearance when allowed to spread. But beyond just visuals, these fungal buildups can be hazardous if left unchecked. Mold can produce allergenic spores that impact respiratory health. Mildew can cause permanent staining and “eat away” at surfaces. Frequent pressure washing prevents mold/mildew buildup by blasting away growth as soon as it appears. For heavy infestations, additional chemical treatments may be required along with pressure washing.
Repainting
If your home’s exterior is due for a new paint job, pressure washing is a crucial preparatory step that ensures professional-quality results. The high-pressure water spray removes all loose, chipped, and flaking paint from previous coats. It also cleans away any dirt, chalk, mildew, and environmental contaminants accumulated on the surface. This provides an ideal clean slate that allows for maximum adhesion and durability of the new paint. How recently you’ll need to pressure wash depends on your paint’s current condition – if it’s severely degraded, washing just before repainting is recommended.
After Storms
Major weather events like thunderstorms, hurricanes, or blizzards can wreak havoc on your home’s curb appeal by plastering the exterior with mud, debris, dirt, and residues. While appearing unsightly, these accumulations can actually cause damage by trapping moisture that allows mold/mildew growth and contributes to materials breakdown over time. It’s advisable to promptly pressure wash after severe storms to restore your home’s clean appearance and protect exterior materials from lingering pollutants. The precise washing frequency depends on the intensity of the storms hitting your area each year.
Selling Your Home
When listing your house for sale, you’ll want to ensure its exterior looks impeccably clean and well-maintained to maximize curb appeal and resale value. An unkempt facade can turn off potential buyers. Pressure washing is an easy way to instantly revive your home’s appearance and make a strong first impression. The high-pressure spray revives weathered surfaces by stripping away built-up grime and stains. It’s recommended to pressure wash 1-2 weeks prior to listing, allowing time for any repairs/paint touch ups as needed after the surfaces dry. This minimal investment can substantially increase perceived home value for buyers.
Conclusion
Pressure washing the outside of your home regularly is very important. It keeps everything clean and prevents damage from dirt, mold and mildew buildup. Understanding when to pressure wash based on your climate, repainting needs, major storms, and home selling are key. Following a routine schedule for pressure washing maintenance ensures your house always looks great and lasts for many years. By pressure washing at the right times, you protect your home’s exterior surfaces and materials. This small effort provides big rewards for your home’s beauty and value over the long run. If you need professional pressure washing services please call us right away.
