Dust from the dry season, mildew on shaded north walls and chalk from old paint all have to come off before new paint will stick. We wash siding, stucco, decks, fences and concrete around Santa Rosa, with pressure matched to the surface so wood and stucco are not damaged.
Half the year without rain leaves a film of dust and pollen on Santa Rosa houses, and the damp half grows mildew and moss on shaded north walls, under eaves and on concrete that never sees sun. Add the chalky powder that old paint sheds as it ages. All of it must come off before a house is painted, and many owners also have siding, driveways, patios, decks and fences washed simply to make them look clean again.
Pressure is set for the surface. Concrete can take a strong jet. Redwood siding, old stucco and deck boards cannot, so they are cleaned with lower pressure, a wider tip and a cleaning solution that does the work. Mildew is treated so that it is killed, not just rinsed off. We keep the spray pointed down and away from window seals, vents, door thresholds and gaps in siding, because water forced into a wall causes more trouble than dirt ever did.
Close windows, move cars and bring cushions and pots away from the walls before we arrive. Painted surfaces need to dry before any primer or paint is applied, usually a day or two in warm weather and longer in the cool months. On a home built before 1978, peeling paint may contain lead, so loose paint is not blasted across the yard. Wash water and debris should also be kept out of street drains, which lead to local creeks.
Power washing in Santa Rosa: common questions
Will power washing damage my stucco or wood siding?
It can if it is done with too much pressure or too close. We use low pressure on stucco and wood and let the cleaner loosen the dirt. Cracked stucco and soft wood are washed gently and repaired afterwards.
How soon after washing can the house be painted?
Once the surface is dry. In a warm, dry Santa Rosa week that is often the next day or the day after. Wood that has soaked up water, and walls in shade during the cool season, need longer.
Can you wash just my driveway and patio without any painting?
Yes. Washing is offered as a job of its own. Tell us the areas and the kind of staining, such as oil, rust, leaf marks or moss, since each responds to a different cleaner.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.