The Ultimate Guide to Pressure Washing
Pressure & Power Washing Services
We provide both commercial and residential pressure washing services, and are able to offer high pressure, low pressure, hot water washing, sanitation with the highest quality service.
Residential Pressure & Power Washing
The property value & curb appeal of your home goes way beyond having a new patio or siding. Think about it, the first thing a visitor or prospective buyer to your home sees is the exterior and its condition.
Commercial Pressure & Power Washing
We combine state of the art equipment and top tier training with the level of service you would expect from a family owned business, all with competitive costs.
The Eco-Friendly Pressure & Power Washing
We combine state of the art equipment and top tier training with the level of service you would expect from a family owned business, all with competitive costs.
Pressure Washing Overview
Pressure washing Services or power washing services is the use of a high-pressure water spray to remove mold, mildew, sun damage, algae, bacteria, dirt, and debris from various surfaces. The water is sprayed from a nozzle at a rate measured in gallons per minute (GPM) at a specific pounds per square inch (PSI). The nozzle you choose for your pressure washer ranges in size from 0.86mm to 2.44mm and will depend on the GPM and PSI of your machine. Choosing the right nozzle is important as a nozzle that is too large will reduce the pressure of the stream, while a nozzle that is too small may cause damage to your machine. The nozzle may fire a direct stream or fan out from 15⁰ to 65⁰. Pressure washing can be a fast, safe, eco-friendly way to keep your home or business clean and maintain property values.
Roof Cleaning: How to Pressure Wash Your Roof
Tools needed:
| Time for job:2-4 hours Difficulty:Intermediate |
Pressure washing is the most common method of roof cleaning and roof maintenance. Deciding whether or not to pressure wash your roof will largely depend on the type of roof you have. For heartier roofing materials, a hot, high-pressure machine may best suit your needs. For more delicate roofs, you may instead prefer a low-pressure or soft wash roof cleaning.
| Type of Roof | Pro Tip! | Should I pressure wash it? |
|---|---|---|
| Composite Shingles |
|
Check with the shingle manufacturer |
| Cleaning roof shingles depends a lot on the type of material, definitely check if your shingles can handle a pressure washer! | ||
| Wood Shingles |
|
Yes |
| Make sure not to spray up into the shingles! | ||
| Clay Tiles |
|
|
| What is the condition of your clay roof’s glaze? | ||
| Slate Tiles |
|
Yes, low-pressure only |
| If your roof has a protective coating, it may be damaged by high-pressure streams. | ||
| Corrugated Metal |
|
Not recommended, low-pressure use only |
| High-pressure water can damage a corrugated metal roof. Try sponges or microfiber cloths instead for metal roof cleaning. | ||
| Asphalt Shingles |
|
No |
| Asphalt shingles are protected by a layer of granules that can be damaged by a pressure washer. | ||
| Copper |
|
|
| Pressure washers can damage a copper roof’s patina. | ||
| Rubber |
|
Yes for an RV, No for a building |
| Protect your RV’s paint and windows from damage with tarping! |
Here’s a handy checklist before taking on the task of pressure washing your roof:
- Safety first! Make sure you can safely walk on your roof, wear appropriate shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles, and be sure to wear skin and eye protection. Keep in mind that pressure washers can kick back so balance is very important! If you’re worried at all about working on your roof, it may be best to trust this job to a professional.
- Plan the job for a calm, cloudy day. Too much sun will cause the cleaning solutions to evaporate quickly.
- Protect your plants! They can be harmed by bleach cleaning solutions. Give them a good watering before covering them with plastic tarping and rinse them again when the job is done.
- Cover and protect anything installed on your roof (solar panels, HVAC, satellite, etc.)
- Clear the gutters to make sure the roof dries off quickly.
- Clear the roof of larger branches and leaves using a leaf blower if needed.
- Use the 5-gallon mixing bucket to mix your cleaning solution as per the instructions. If no instructions are available, a safe roof cleaning solution recipe to use is about 1 part cleaner for every 9 of water. Pour your solution into the garden sprayer and apply it to your roof, following all recommendations by the manufacturer.
- Once you have applied the cleaner as specified by your machine, let the cleaner do its work. Let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. You don’t need to reapply more cleaning solution if you still see some algae, moss, or other stains. Rain will wash some away and the rest you can clean manually without the aid of a pressure washer after your efforts and the rain have loosened them up. Too much high-pressure water can damage some roofing tiles, so it is important not to overdo it.
Why is roof maintenance important?
Cleaning your roof is a tough job, but maintaining your roof with regular cleaning is important for the longevity of your roof, and cleaning roof stains is very important for curb appeal. Pressure washing isn’t the only method for cleaning your roof, but if it can handle the pressured stream of water, it is an excellent solution for maintaining the roof of your home or business. Regular roof/gutter cleaning also keeps your drainage working properly, preventing build-up of dirt and grime.
How to Pressure Wash Your Home
Tools needed:
| Time for job:2-4 hours Difficulty:Intermediate
|
A pressure washer is a fantastic solution for removing mildew from siding, prepping your exterior for fresh paint, or just for regular maintenance to keep your home looking immaculate. The stream of pressurized water is great for removing built up grime from your home. It can be used to clean all types of home exterior surfaces such as vinyl siding, wood, stucco, and more.
Step 1: Choosing your pressure washer
- Harder surfaces like vinyl siding or steel can withstand a higher powered pressure washer (2500-3000 psi) along with a smaller nozzle (15 degrees). Softer surfaces such as soft-grain wood or stucco should instead use a washer rated for 1200-1500 psi with a nozzle between 25 and 40 degrees.
- Decide now if you are going to purchase or rent your pressure washer. Some washers have onboard detergent options, while others are used strictly for water. If you use one just for water, you will need a garden sprayer or some other method of applying detergent to your home before pressure washing.
- Depending on your house, you may need to set up scaffolding to safely wash your home. We don’t recommend using a ladder as the force from the washer is enough to knock it over, even with support.
Step 2: Preparing the area
- Remove or cover any light fixtures, air conditioner compressors, or any plants that could be damaged by the washer. For plants, give them a good rinse and cover them with plastic tarping. Rinse them again when the job is complete to protect them from any cleaning solution that may have splashed onto them.
- Make sure you securely cover any gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior, along with any electrical outlets.
- Before you begin working, make sure you put on your safety goggles, gloves, and any other safety equipment you need.
Step 3: Preparing the pressure washer
- If your chosen pressure washer has a detergent delivery system, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on drawing the cleaning solution during the washing process. Otherwise, you can use a garden sprayer to apply the solution before you pressure wash. Using a 5-gallon mixing bucket, mix together your detergent and water according to the instructions. One part chlorine-bleach solution to nine parts water would be appropriate, if no instructions are available.
- When you’ve situated your detergent, locate your washer’s hose mount and attach one end of your garden hose to it, and the other to your home’s outdoor faucet. Attach your chosen nozzle nozzle and quickly test your pressure washer by standing with the nozzle about 3 feet back from the wall and carefully spraying against the house.
- After you’ve tested, If you have a multiple-story home, attach the extension wand to your pressure washer and set up your scaffolding. Remember to lock any wheels in place before standing on the scaffolding.
Step 4: Work from the bottom up
- Using your secured scaffolding, start with the top floor of your home, working from the bottom up. Spray a six to ten foot section with your mildewcide solution. Using a soft siding brush, gently scrub the section. You work up to prevent suds from running down and potentially obscuring other spots needing to be washed.
- Once you have thoroughly scrubbed your first section, make sure your safety goggles are on. With your pressure washer nozzle three feet back from the wall, begin pressure washing the scrubbed section. Angle the stream of water downwards close to 45 degrees to prevent water from getting under the siding.
- If this distance from the wall allows you to clean effectively without damaging the siding, keep that distance and complete the first section. If not, move the nozzle closer four to six inches at a time to gauge the cleaning power, and continue working at whatever distance works best for you.
- Be careful to maintain balance while working to keep spraying downward while washing gutters and overhangs. Never point the nozzle of the pressure washer at another person or at a pet.
Step 5: Finish up and let dry
- Once you have finished one section, repeat Step 4 until you’ve finished pressure washing the rest of the house.
- Consult the owner’s manual for instructions on turning off and storing the pressure washer, including safely disposing of the cleaning solution.
- Use a garden hose to rinse off any suds that may remain on your house and admire your work! If you intend to paint, wait at least two days for the house to completely dry. Remove the drop cloths, plastic tarping, and duct tape. Give your plants a rinse to make sure you remove any lingering detergent.
Is house washing a DIY job?
Pressure washing your house is a tough job but is a great way to keep up the look of your home and maintain property value. Many homes can be cleaned completely DIY, but experience is the best tool for the best results. If you think you’d benefit from a professional taking care of your house washing job, the experts at Judge Mobile Wash have years of experience and the right equipment for your home.
Note: If your house was built before 1978, have your exterior paint tested by an EPA-licensed lead-remediation specialist before you pressure wash your house. Chipped lead paint is not biodegradable.
Pressure Washing the Driveway
Pressure washing is a fast and efficient way to remove years of wear and tear from your driveway. The pressurized water is ideal for removing stains from your concrete driveway.
Tools needed:
| Time for job:2-4 hours (plus 1 day of non-use for sealant to cure) Difficulty:Intermediate |
Can I pressure wash my driveway if it’s made of something besides concrete?
Driveways come in many different varieties. Pressure washers are great for surfaces that can withstand the pressurized water they bring, but that power can damage some non-permeable paver driveways. They are not appropriate for driveways made of permeable pavers, turf, or gravel. Consult this chart for more information:
| Type of Driveway | Pro Tip! | Should I pressure wash it? |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete |
|
Yes |
| A surface scrubber will save a lot of time! | ||
| Asphalt |
|
|
| Always reseal your asphalt driveway after pressure washing! | ||
| Brick / Non-Permeable Paver |
|
Maybe, check with the manufacturer |
| Custom paver driveways can vary greatly in how best to clean them, so check manufacturer’s specifications for tips on maintenance. | ||
| Permeable Paver |
|
No |
| A vacuum-sweeper is the tool you need for this job, not a pressure washer. | ||
| Turf |
|
|
| Turf driveways require specific maintenance and pressure washers will damage them. | ||
| Gravel |
|
|
| You’ll need new gravel after you wash away your driveway! |
Note: If you also plan on pressure washing your home and roof, start with the roof and do the driveway last, as the soap and dirt coming off of your home will undo your work on your driveway.
Additionally, if your home’s water source is well-water, plan the job for a day where you have a lot of water available. Avoid laundry day and droughts.
Step 1: Prepare the area
- Clear the area of any toys and vehicles. Cover any nearby glass or anything delicate with tarp. Also cover any nearby plants with tarping. Make sure you have your safety equipment and the area is clear of people.
- Never point a pressure washer wand at a person or a pet.
Step 2: Spot clean with degreaser
- Bad buildup can require a little extra to remove. Scrub degreaser into any rust, oil, paint, or other stains with a stiff-bristled brush or broom.
Step 3: Get your pressure washer ready
- Read the instruction manual for your pressure washer before you begin.
- Connect one end of your garden hose to your pressure washer and the other to your home’s outdoor faucet.
- Connect your extension wand to the pressure washer and set the nozzle to the low-pressure or to the setting specifically for detergent.
- Some pressure washers have a tube you can place directly into detergent. Others allow you to pour detergent directly into the machine. If your pressure washer does not have a detergent-delivery system, use a 5-gallon mixing bucket to mix in 1 part chlorine mildewcide detergent to 9 parts water. Load the mixture into a garden sprayer. Apply the cleaner to your driveway.
- If you have a particularly large driveway, plan to do the job in manageable chunks so the soap doesn’t dry before you finish applying detergent to the whole driveway.
Step 4: Clean the driveway
- Once everything is connected, test the pressure washer by pointing the nozzle at an open spot on the driveway and holding down the trigger for about 30 seconds just to make sure the air is out of your garden hose.
- Once you are ready, start from the highest point on your driveway and apply the detergent using the low-pressure or “soap” setting on the pressure washer. That way, the water will run down away from where you are working. Sweep the nozzle back and forth at a steady pace, overlapping your strokes by a few inches as you go.
- Once you’ve applied the detergent to the driveway, wait 15 minutes before beginning to rinse. You may need to go back over earlier areas of the driveway if the soap begins to dry out.
Step 5: Rinse the driveway
- Switch the nozzle on your pressure washer to the high-pressure setting. Using the same steady back and forth motion, rinse the soap and use the water to remove the grime and stains.
- Start about 6 inches away from the pavement. If something isn’t coming out, slowly inch closer to the stain while sweeping back and forth. Allow the driveway to dry before applying any sealant
Step 6 (Recommended): Apply sealant
- After the driveway has completely dried, apply a sealant to your concrete driveway. This wouldn’t apply if your driveway is made of another material like asphalt or brick, but for concrete driveways this step will help ward off future stains. Use a roller with an extension poll to coat the driveway with sealant.
- Allow the surface to set for a day before using your driveway.
Pressure Washing the Deck or Patio
Whether you have a wooden deck for enjoying the outdoor breeze, a grillmaster’s paver patio, or a concrete pool deck, all will need to be cleaned occasionally. Pressure washing is an ideal solution. It lifts grime and dirt from these surfaces safely and efficiently. It’s ideal for removing mold, mildew, and algae from wood. It’s among the best ways to clean a pool deck. Cleaning pavers can be intimidating but a pressure washer can make the job much simpler. Power washing your deck can be fun and simple. Check out our process.
Tools needed:
| Time for job:2-4 hours Difficulty:Basic
|
What cleaner is right for my deck?
Make sure you read all labels to ensure you have the right cleaner for your deck. Some people prefer to use a more eco-friendly cleaner with their wooden decks. Chemicals can damage grass and plants, so if tarping is not an option to protect all of the plantlife, you can make an eco-friendly cleaner yourself. Sprinkle baking soda onto the areas of the deck you wish to clean. In a bucket, mix 1 cup of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of mild liquid soap, and 1 gallon of water. Regardless, make sure you have the right cleaner, and never use DIY cleaners with a pressure washer, as anything not completely dissolved can clog the nozzle with disastrous results.
| Type of Driveway | Pro Tip! | Should I pressure wash it? |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Wait at least a day for the deck to completely dry before applying any sealer, finisher, or stain. | Yes |
| Concrete | Consider a surface scrubber attachment for your wand for concrete pool decks | |
| Aluminum | Aluminum decks are expensive but easy to maintain! | |
| Paver | Most pavers are ideal for pressure washing, but since pavers can vary, check first. | Check with the manufacturer |
| Composite | Composite decks are softer than wood and can easily be damaged by a pressure washer. Trust a professional or stick with soap, water, and elbow grease. | No, low pressure use only |
| PVC | You’re better off using a scrub brush with soapy water for washing a PVC deck. Always scrub with the grain! |
Note: Plan to wash your deck when you have a couple days of dry weather if you plan to use a sealant!
How to Pressure Wash a Natural Wood Deck
Step 1
Clear the deck of all furniture, toys, and debris. Water any nearby plants (and rinse them again after) and tarp off anything you want to protect from the cleaning.
Step 2
Pre-rinse your deck with water to allow your cleaner to better spread across the wood.
Step 3
Mix your cleaning solution in a 5-gallon bucket and place the tube for cleaner from your pressure washer to the bucket. Connect your garden hose from your home to your pressure washer.
Step 4
Keeping the nozzle about 6 inches away from the wood, spray your deck with the pressure washer in a controlled sweeping motion with a 40-degree fan nozzle. Repeat this step as necessary until you are satisfied with the amount of grime that has come up.
Step 5
Remove the line connected to the cleaner, spray the rest of the soap out of your hose safely, and rinse the deck with your pressure washer using the same back-and-forth sweeping motion.
Step 6 (Optional)
Wait at least 24 hours for your deck to completely dry before applying any sealant or finish as per the product’s instructions.
How to Pressure Wash a Concrete Deck or Pool Deck
Step 1
Clear the deck of furniture, toys, and debris. Water your plants to protect them from the cleaners (and rinse them after). Use tarping to protect anything you need to.
Step 2
Mix your cleaning solution in a 5-gallon bucket and place the tube for cleaner from your pressure washer to the bucket. Connect your garden hose from your home to your pressure washer.
Step 3
Pre-treat any bad spots with a fan nozzle attachment before attaching your surface scrubber to the pressure washer.
Step 4
Use the surface scrubber to carefully scrub away the dirt, grime, mold, mildew, algae, and other contaminants.
Step 5
Remove the surface scrubber, and the line connected to the cleaner. Safely spray the remaining cleaner out of your hose before rinsing the deck. Repeat steps 3 through 5 until you are happy with the results.
How to Pressure Wash an Aluminum Deck
Step 1
Get all of the toys, furniture, and any large debris off of your deck before starting. Be sure to give your plants a little water to help protect them from cleaners, and remember to rinse them again when you’re done. Use tarping to protect any glass or immobile installations.
Step 2
Mix your cleaning solution in a 5-gallon bucket and place the tube for cleaner from your pressure washer to the bucket. Connect your garden hose from your home to your pressure washer.
Step 3
Set the pressure washer to the low-pressure soap setting and coordinating nozzle. Keeping a distance of about 6 inches away from the deck surface, use the pressure washer and move the nozzle back and forth in a controlled sweeping motion.
Step 4
Wait a few minutes for the soap to loosen the grime before changing nozzles and pressure to a higher setting. Pull the trigger towards a safe spot to test the pressure and get the rest of the soap out of the hose before you use the same controlled motion to rinse the deck with the pressure washer. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary.
What about my Composite or PVC Deck?
While these surfaces can be pressure washed, it is not recommended. It is possible to damage these materials with the pressure washer. Your best solution for your deck may be soap, water, and a scrub brush. First-time DIY’ers should tread carefully with low pressure settings, or better yet, trust a professional with the job. If you are in the greater Philadelphia area, Judge Mobile Wash has the cleaning solution for your deck, regardless of the material.
How to Pressure Wash other Buildings
A pressure washer is a fantastic tool for cleaning your home, your roof, your driveway, and your deck. Pressure washing services are also an ideal solution for apartments, condominiums, office complexes, retail stores, warehouses, factories, schools, and more. No matter the type of building, if you are located in the greater Philadelphia area, Judge Mobile Wash can provide you with the expert pressure washing services you need for maintaining your rental property or business.
Pressure Washing Costs and Pricing
The cost of pressure washer rentals and services will vary depending on your location and the particulars of your pressure washing service needs. If you live in the greater Philadelphia area, Judge Mobile Wash has the equipment and the knowledge to meet and exceed your needs. We are the top pressure washing company in the tri-state area.
FAQ
Should I pressure wash my roof?
Maybe. Every roof is different, but some materials are better suited for pressure washing. Clay and slate tile, along with different types of metal roofs are all good candidates for pressure washing because the material is less porous and can withstand the high-pressure water without damage. Other materials such as asphalt shingles, corrugated metal, and copper are easily damaged by pressure washers, and it is recommended to use a soft wash and/or leave the job to a professional.
Can I pressure wash a roof with solar panels?
Yes! Solar panels should be securely tarped off, but can be washed around. Never wash a solar panel with a pressure washer.
Can I pressure wash a roof with an HVAC unit?
Yes! HVAC units and other roof installations should be tarped off and protected from the stream of water.
What is the proper roof cleaning solution recipe?
The solution should be between 75% (1 part detergent to 3 parts water) and 90% (1 part detergent to 9 parts water).
Can I rinse soap off my hands and feet with the pressure washer?
Never point a pressure washer nozzle at a person or pet.
What’s the difference between pressure washing and power washing?
They are mostly interchangeable terms, but power washing tends to refer to hot, high-pressured water. Pressure washing can be either hot or cold, high or low pressure.
How long should I wait before putting a sealant on my deck or driveway after pressure washing?
Always wait for the surface to completely dry before using a sealant. Wait at least 24 hours after washing before beginning the application process.