How Often Should You Powerwash Your House? 4 Surface Types

When it comes to cleaning your home, powerwashing should be a part of your regular maintenance routine. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone else to do the job for you, powerwashing can give your house and outside surfaces a deep clean like no other method.

But how often should you powerwash? Here are some common surfaces that you should powerwash on a regular basis to ensure that your home stays looking its best.

The Basics of Powerwashing Your Home

On average, you should powerwash your home one or two times a year. But there’s more to that answer that needs to be addressed, and that’s because there’s more than one type of surface with most homes. Some require more upkeep than others, whether due to a proclivity for getting dirty or for safety reasons.

Therefore, the following are the most common surface types on and around homes and how often they should be powerwashed.

The 4 Home Surface Types That Need Powerwashing

1. Siding

Siding is one of the most commonly power-washed surfaces around the house. Whether it is wood, vinyl, or stucco siding, keeping it free from dirt and grime can help prevent mold growth and keep it looking newer for longer. Generally, you can safely power wash vinyl siding once a year.

But if you have wood siding, you should only powerwash it only when there are signs of mildew or significant dirt buildup. As such, you might not have to wash it but once every couple of years or so.

2. Roofs

A dirty or damaged roof is a serious safety risk and one that you shouldn’t ignore. If your roof has an accumulation of moss, algae, or lichen growing on it, these organisms can cause damage and lead to leaks. You should have your roof inspected for signs of these issues yearly, and if you notice any, you should powerwash your roof at least once a year.

3. Driveways, Patios, and Walkways

If these outdoor surfaces are getting dirty or need to be prepped for sealing or coating, you should powerwash them as needed. However, as a rule of thumb, you can generally powerwash driveways and patios twice a year, while you should powerwash walkways as they become dirty or after they’ve been sealed.

4. Deck and Porch Floors

Like driveways and patios, your deck or porch floors will require more frequent powerwashing if they’re constantly being exposed to dirt, grime, and debris from foot traffic. Otherwise, once a year should be sufficient to keep them looking great.

For all the surfaces listed above, it is also important to remember that safety and environmental concerns are key. In addition to wearing goggles, gloves, and protective clothing when you’re powerwashing, it is important to use the correct amount of pressure.

Brickwork, for example, should be soft-washed, while concrete can usually handle traditional powerwashing methods.

Soft washing is like powerwashing but with much lower water pressure. This helps prevent breaking and chipping away material. If you’re ever unsure, hire a professional to do the job for you.

Conclusion

Whatever surfaces you’re powerwashing, remember that regular maintenance can help keep your home looking and feeling comfortable all year long. Not only will it vastly improve your home’s curb appeal, but it can also prevent costly repairs down the road. So don’t neglect powerwashing your home. Start with these tips and techniques today.

Featured Image Credit: Vietnam Stock Images, shutterstock