Pressure Washing

The problem

Exterior surfaces on the Peninsula collect a predictable set of problems: algae on shaded siding, moss in roof valleys, black organic staining on concrete under tree cover, and a dull film of dust and pollen over everything by the end of a dry summer. Left alone, most of it keeps growing — algae and moss hold moisture against the surface they're living on, which is how a cosmetic problem turns into a repair bill.

Pressure washing vs. soft washing

These get used interchangeably and they aren't the same thing. Pressure washing uses mechanical force — appropriate for concrete, pavers and hard flatwork. Soft washing uses low pressure plus a cleaning solution that breaks down algae and mildew chemically, then rinses away — appropriate for siding, stucco, roofs and painted wood. Using the second where you need the first just leaves the surface dirty. Using the first where you need the second causes damage.

What we clean

House siding and stucco, roofs, driveways and walkways, patios and decks, fences, retaining walls, and building exteriors. If it's outside and it's dirty, it's usually something we handle — and if it isn't, we'll tell you rather than take the job.

Our process

We walk the property with you first and identify what each surface actually needs. Landscaping near the work area gets pre-wet and covered where necessary. We pre-treat heavy organic growth and let it dwell, then clean at the pressure appropriate to the material. Afterward we rinse surrounding plants and hardscape, then walk the property with you again so you can see what changed.

How often

Most Peninsula homes do well on an annual cycle for siding and a twice-yearly cycle for gutters and windows. Properties under heavy tree canopy — common in Atherton, Woodside, Los Altos Hills and Portola Valley — usually need more frequent attention, since organic debris is the thing driving most of the staining.