You Will Always Find Someone That Can Do It Cheaper...

This meme has got to be one of the truest memes in this business. You can find someone to do it cheaper, but this blog post will show you why you shouldn’t.

When it comes to power washing your home, driveway, patio, deck, fence, pool deck, or any other surface that may need washing, it is important to ensure it is done right. There will always be people with personal power washers, purchased at the local hardware store, who can complete a job for a “bargain price” but it won’t be a professional job by a professional company. AND, a ton of things can go wrong that will cost you a lot more money in the long run. If you want it done right the first time, then hire a professional company - one that is properly licensed and insured. A professional company will invest in the best commercial equipment and proper training for their employees. They will also participate in their Professional Association through membership and convention attendance. They will seek certifications. They will be up-to-date on such topics as the best cleaning techniques and environmental practices.

Throughout this post, there will be pictures of what can happen when power washing is not done correctly. We often get called to repair the damage done by an inexperienced power washer who lacks the right equipment and knowledge to get the job done correctly. Sometimes we can help. Sometimes the damage is too extensive. We have seen it all! Word of caution, these are hard to look at. If you are squeamish in ANY WAY, look away. Just kidding, they only make professionals squeamish. Enjoy!

Siding

This first picture is vinyl siding. Those dark lines are the damage that a regular, hardware store bought DIY power washer can do. Sometimes, people have said, “for that price, I can get my own power washer and do it myself.” If that is the route you want to take, this is the possible outcome you may get.

More Siding

Once again, this was done by the neighbor, gardener, family friend, who used a personal machine. Streaks, stripes, and scratches are a possible outcomes when going with this option.

Wood Decks

This is what happens when power washing is put in the hands of a novice. As said prior, these are POSSIBLE outcomes. But why risk it when it can be done correctly the first time!

Concrete

This is a small concrete patio. However, this can happen to any, I repeat, ANY concrete surface. Sidewalks, walkways, driveways, pool decks, all of them. When concrete is not washed with the correct tools and cleaners, this is a possible outcome. As my teacher used to tell me, “do it right, or do it twice!”

Driveway

This was done by the homeowner or neighbor. By using the incorrect tools to complete the job, the job is done incorrectly. Let the professionals handle this!

Sidewalk

Need I say more? You’ve invested a lot in your home or property. Don’t give the job to amateurs!

Garage Door

This is my last one. Honestly, would any homeowner want their garage door to look like this? I hope not.

We charge fair and reasonable prices. It the price is too good to be true, there is a reason.

East Coast Powerwashing is fully licensed and insured. We actively participate in the Power Washing of North America PWNA Association. We recently received PWNA Environmental Certification. We are certified by the Power Wash University for House/Building Washing. Additionally we have been award Angie’s List SUPER SERVICE Award 7 years in a row.

What is That Yucky Stuff on my House?

The yucky stuff that we most commonly see growing on the siding of a house is mold, mildew (mold in early stage), or algae. Homeowners often ask these questions: 

So, what is mold? Mold is a fungus that produces spores - light-weight seeds. Mold spores are smaller than a human hair and multiply quickly. Spores can travel through the air to attach themselves to surfaces. When landing on damp spots, they begin to grow. So when we have a lot of rain, beware. Damp, dark conditions are ideal for mold growth. Mold is a necessary part of the environment. Without mold, leaves would not decay and soil enrichment would not take place. While mold is necessary for the environment, it is not necessary for inside or outside surfaces of your home.

What is the different between algae and mold? The difference between algae and mold is that algae is a plant, not a fungus. Algae is merely a plant that enjoys sunlight and moisture. It is a naturally occurring, moss like plant, that is spread through airborne spores, like mold. However, algae will not damage your home like mold will, it simply looks bad and can bring down the curb appeal on a home. 

            How does mold grow? Mold requires moisture to grow. That moisture can come from excessive rain or lack of sunlight. That’s why you may see mold growing only on the side of your house not exposed to the sun. Mold can begin to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Mold can also grow if there is a buildup of dirt. Fungus feeds on dirt and dust as well. Mold will continue to grow if steps are not taken to remove it.

            Is mold harmful? Yes, mold can be harmful to both your home and your health. Remember how mold is necessary for the decay of leaves? That is what it can do to the inside and the outside of your home. Mold eats away at surfaces and will eventually penetrate the surfaces. Almost all materials can be damaged by mold over time as mold feeds on organic materials such as wood, paper, fabrics, and even glue. Once the mold begins to eat away at these materials, it can cause rotting, decay and destruction of the surfaces. If not removed, in extreme cases, mold can cause enough damage to collapse of ceilings, walls, and even floorboards. The mold on the exterior of your home can enter your home through open windows and doors. Better to just remove it as soon as you see it!

            How can mold on the exterior of a home be harmful to your health? Mold is a health hazard and can affect breathing, especially if an individual suffers from asthma or allergies. Children, the elderly, and those already suffering from illness are particularly susceptible to mold-related health problems. Children, and even pets, are susceptible to having a reaction to outside mold if they play outside near the home. 

            What can I do about mold? East Coast Powerwashing offers a service called a “soft wash.” Soft washing does more than just clean the dirt and pollen that has been collecting on your siding all year long.  It also kills and removes mold that is growing. When we soft wash, we use a soap mixture that contains a detergent to clean the siding and bleach to safely kill and remove the mold. After we pre-rinse the home, we apply this mixture to the house allowing it to penetrate the mold spores, killing them at the root. Rinsing the home with a low-pressure rinse follows this step. This safeguards the siding from damage and removes any existing mold from the home. Doing this once a year will keep most homes mold-free.