When is the best time to pressure wash your house? The cost of pressure washing your house? Let's find out together in this article!
Lots of homeowners know that using a pressure washer is a great way to clean the outside of their house. But figuring out the best time to do it isn’t always straightforward, because each season brings different issues.
Generally, spring is the top choice for pressure washing most areas of a house. Still, there are other things to consider, and we’ll explain them in this guide.
When is the Best Time to Pressure Wash Your House?
It’s generally recommended to give your house a thorough pressure wash once every year. The prime window for this task typically falls during the spring season, when temperatures range from 10 to 25 degrees celsius. Why spring, you may wonder? Well, the answer lies in the aftermath of winter. During the colder months, damp weather tends to encourage the accumulation of dirt, mould, and mildew on various surfaces around your home, such as roofs, gutters, decks, and siding.
While spring reigns as the ultimate choice for a deep clean, the fall season also offers a suitable alternative. However, there’s a caveat to consider: pesky leaves and other debris might descend upon your freshly washed abode, diminishing the immediate impact of your efforts. Nevertheless, this season presents an excellent opportunity to tackle hard surfaces like driveways, patios, porches, and stone features.
Timing Your Pressure Wash for Maximum Effectiveness
When it comes to the timing of your power washing session, you have the freedom to choose any time between dawn and dusk, provided there’s ample visibility to spot areas in need of cleaning. As long as you steer clear of extreme weather conditions, such as heavy wind or rain, you’re good to go. Whether you opt for a bright morning or a serene evening, the effectiveness of your pressure-washing endeavour remains unhindered.
Factors Influencing Home Exterior Pressure Washing
Numerous factors come into play when determining the optimal timing and frequency for pressure washing your house, ranging from the climate to temperature fluctuations and various environmental elements.
Climate Considerations
In regions with high humidity levels, homes often become breeding grounds for mould and mildew, leading to unsightly buildup on exterior surfaces. If you notice a visible accumulation of grime on your home, it’s advisable to schedule a pressure washing session at the earliest safe opportunity, even if you’ve already cleaned it earlier in the year.
Outdoor Temperature Dynamics
The temperature outdoors plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of pressure washing. When the mercury rises above 25 degrees, the combination of heat and direct sunlight can trigger the formation of stubborn stains and streaks post-wash. Conversely, temperatures dipping below 10 degrees pose a risk of freezing during the cleaning process, potentially causing more harm than good to your home’s surfaces.
Impact of the Local Environment
Various environmental factors in your surroundings can contribute to the accelerated accumulation of dirt and grime on your home’s exterior. From the shedding of leaves and sap from nearby trees to pollen, heavy storms, construction activities in the vicinity, vehicle emissions, and even the aftermath of forest fires, these elements can necessitate more frequent pressure washing sessions than the standard once-a-year recommendation.
Keeping a keen eye on these local environmental cues can help you determine when it’s time to give your home a thorough cleaning.
Least Favorable Conditions for Pressure Washing Your House
It’s important to avoid pressure washing your house during periods of extreme temperature highs or lows, as well as during significant weather events. Washing when the outdoor temperature dips below 4-5 degrees can lead to the formation of ice, presenting safety hazards during the cleaning process.
Similarly, pressure washing under blazing sunlight with temperatures exceeding 26-27 degrees can result in the development of stubborn stains and streaks. Moreover, the excessive heat may adversely affect the efficacy of cleaning chemicals, potentially compromising the overall cleaning outcome.
The Cost of Pressure Washing Your House
The cost of pressure washing a house typically falls between $200 and $420 on average, but this can vary based on the scale of the job. If you’re opting for a full-house pressure wash, the expense could surpass $700.
Professional pressure washing services typically charge between $25 and $100 per hour for their expertise. Alternatively, if you choose to rent a pressure washer, expect to spend anywhere from $35 to $175 per day. For those considering long-term investment, purchasing your own pressure washer is an option, with prices ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the quality of the machine.
While the upfront cost of a high-quality pressure washer may seem steep, it can prove to be a worthwhile investment in the long run. By splurging on a top-notch appliance, you’re essentially making a one-time payment for a durable washer that can last for many years, potentially saving you money in the long term compared to repeated rental fees or professional service charges.
DIY vs. Professional Pressure Washing for Your Home
Pressure washing your house can seem like a straightforward DIY task, provided you have a good understanding of how to do it safely. It’s essential to grasp the capabilities of your pressure washer and recognize the limitations of your home’s siding, roofing, and decking materials.
However, using high-pressure water on delicate surfaces such as wood can inadvertently cause harm, compromising your home’s defences against moisture, pests, mould, and mildew. Excessive pressure may strip your exterior paint and finishes, loosen siding, create gaps, damage seals on windows and doors, and even cause wood to crack or splinter.
Moreover, there’s a personal risk involved in pressure washing, as the powerful spray can cause injuries if it comes into contact with your skin or that of others. To mitigate these risks and ensure thorough and safe cleaning, it’s advisable to enlist the services of a local pressure washing professional equipped with the necessary training and safety gear. A professional not only minimizes the risk of damage but also ensures that every nook and cranny receives attention, leaving your home looking its best.
