Get matched with top pressure washers in Dummerston, VT

No matter the material, the best times to pressure wash or power wash a patio are spring and summer during a string of dry days. As long as the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t encounter any cold-related issues. You need those dry days to ensure no algae or mold grows on the wet surface of the patio. 

Combining power and soft washing is a great way to ensure that all surfaces, both fragile and not, get the attention they deserve. Start by power or pressure washing durable materials like vinyl siding and concrete pavement or driveways, then switch the tips on your machine and finish up by soft washing the more delicate elements, like shutters and front doors, for example. 

You should always power wash your driveway before applying a sealant. At any given time, your driveway could be covered with algae and moss, tire residue, oil and rust stains, and any combination of leaves, twigs, and dirt. If you skip power washing, you’ll be trapping the dirt and grime beneath the sealant and lowering its chance of cementing itself to your driveway. While you can expect the cost to pressure wash your driveway to average between $100 and $350, the few hundred dollars beats an unattractive driveway or paying extra to reapply your driveway sealer.

You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.