Pressure washing vs soft washing in Austin

Where high pressure belongs

Hard, non-porous, horizontal surfaces tolerate pressure well and genuinely need it.

• Concrete driveways, walkways and patios.
• Stone steps and retaining wall caps.
• Metal fencing and gates.

Where soft washing is required

Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution that kills the mildew and algae rather than blasting it off. It is slower and it does not destroy the surface.

• Stucco, which will absorb driven water and hold it in the wall.
• Painted brick and painted wood siding.
• Older cottage siding in Clarksville, Hyde Park and Cherrywood.
• Roofing of any kind, where pressure removes the granules.
• Window frames and seals, which pressure will breach.

How often, in this climate

Once a year is right for most Austin homes. Shaded north elevations and lots near the greenbelt grow mildew faster and often want a spring pass plus a fall touch-up.

Questions we get

Will pressure washing damage my stucco?

It can, easily. High pressure drives water behind the finish coat and can open hairline cracks into leak paths. Stucco should be soft washed.

What is the green film on my north-facing wall?

Algae and mildew growing in shade and humidity. It holds moisture against the paint and shortens its life, which is why annual washing is maintenance rather than cosmetics.

Is washing safe for my plants?

With proper pre-wetting and rinsing, yes. Soft-wash solutions need landscaping protected and rinsed, which is a standard part of the job when done correctly.

Keep reading

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• Drainage and grading after an Austin storm · Exterior
• Decks, patios and outdoor kitchens in Austin · Exterior