City grit, soot, mildew and the chalk from old aluminum siding all have to come off before paint will stick. We wash siding, brick, decks, fences and concrete with the right pressure for each surface, and we wash every exterior before we paint it. Walls then dry fully before primer goes on.
A city leaves its mark on a house. Road dust, soot, pollen and tree sap settle on siding and brick, and green algae grows on the shaded north side where walls stay damp. Old aluminum siding sheds a white chalk that comes off on your hand. Power washing removes all of that. Some Detroit owners book it by itself to freshen a house, a porch or a driveway. Others need it as the first step before exterior paint or deck stain.
Pressure is matched to the surface. Concrete can take a strong jet. Wood siding, old mortar joints and painted trim cannot, so they are washed at low pressure with a cleaner that loosens the dirt and is then rinsed away. We keep the wand moving and spray downward, the way rain falls, so water is not driven up behind siding laps or into window frames. Outdoor outlets and light fixtures are covered, windows are closed, and plants near the wall are wetted down first.
On houses built before 1978 we look at the paint before we wash. A hard jet on flaking old paint can spread chips that may contain lead across the yard, so those areas are handled by hand. After a wash, wood needs time to dry before it is primed or stained, and we plan the painting days around that. If you only want the washing, the visit is short. We tell you beforehand what will come clean and which stains are likely to stay.
Power washing in Detroit: common questions
Will power washing damage my old brick or mortar?
It can if the pressure is too high. Soft old brick and worn mortar joints are washed gently with cleaner and a wide spray. If the mortar is already crumbling, it needs a mason before it needs a wash, and we will tell you.
Can you remove the green growth on my north wall?
Yes. That growth is algae or mildew and it feeds on moisture and shade. A cleaner made for it kills the growth, and a low pressure rinse takes it off. It may return in time if the wall stays shaded and damp.
Do I need to be home for the wash?
Not always. We need a working outdoor water tap, closed windows and clear access around the house. Move cars, cushions and potted plants away from the walls. If we cannot reach you, we leave a note on what was done.
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.