Pressure Wash or Paint: Understanding What Your Home Needs

Is your home exterior looking a little worn down from these past few years, or even just this last winter season? Do you have areas on your home that have faded paint or a stubborn layer of dirt and grime? If so, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to fix these problems before Summer officially rolls around. There is a lot to consider before jumping into one option or another. After all, painting your entire home exterior can be a big project and pressure washing requires a great level of specialty and care. How do you know if your home is in need of a pressure wash or paint job? Our local professionals are here to help.

Signs Your Home Needs to be Pressure Washed

Pressure washing is a great way to clean your home exterior without having to put hours of elbow grease in. By using highly pressurized water, the tool pushes away dirt, salt, grime, and general build up that your house has accumulated. Our painters see many benefits of pressure washing a home. Not only can the process prevent long-term damage such as mold build-up, but pressure washing also makes it easier for you to see any damage on the exterior of your home.

If you like the color of your home and the paint is still in good condition, you may want to consider pressure washing instead of painting. Here are some other factors that could increase the chances your home needs a pressure washing:

• Your home is close to a road with a lot of traffic or by dirt that often kicks up
• There is construction near your home
• Direct sunlight does not often hit your home

You can power wash on your own, by either buying or renting a power washer, or hire professionals to do it for you. Power washing can cause damage to your home if you don’t do it properly and no one likes climbing a ladder to get to those higher levels. So, we always recommend working with the pros. Professional power washers will bring years of experience along with their own equipment-–and that’s priceless.

What is the Difference Between Pressure Wash and Power Wash?

People often use the terms “pressure washing” and “power washing” interchangeably. However, power washing uses heated water to do the cleaning, while pressure washing does not have a heating element. Most exteriors can be cleaned properly with a simple pressure washer, but both are good to have on hand. This way, if you have an exceptionally tough area, such as grease, mildew, or salt, the hot water can take care of it.

Does Pressure Washing Damage House Paint?

If you’re worried about the prospect of power washing on your own, it is for good reason. These powerful tools require understanding and an experienced eye when used on a home. This is especially important for different types of siding. The last thing you want is for water to go where it’s not supposed to!

Signs Your Home Needs to be Painted

If your home is worse off than just a bit of dirt and grime, it may be time for a full paint job. While it may seem like a costly, timely project to take on, there are so many benefits to painting your home exterior. Exterior painting serves as a general improvement to your home’s look and acts as home maintenance! The right paint crew will be able to take care of everything, from stucco cracks to painting shutters. Main indicators that it is time for a paint job include:i

• Peeling paint
• Faded patches
• You’re looking to change up the look

Do You Have to Pressure Wash Before Painting?

If you’ve decided that a full exterior repaint is the right decision for you, chances are you’ll also receive a pressure washing service as well. Pressure washing helps clean the surface and prepare it for the new coat of paint, making your new coat of paint last longer and be more durable. While it is not required, our professionals highly recommend pressure washing before painting.

Get Started with Pressure Washing or Painting in Your Area

Is it time to give your home a fresh look, either through pressure washing or painting? The professionals at CertaPro Painters® are here to help with either (or both) of these projects! After all, each home is unique and should be evaluated individually to decide which option is best. Our local experts can take care of everything whether you’re preparing your home for the market or just giving it routine maintenance. CertaPro Painters® offers a variety of exterior services and strives to make your experience as easy as possible. Get started today by scheduling a free, online estimate or calling our team at 1-800-GO-CERTA. We look forward to working with you!