Pickwick Lake Pressure Washing FAQ

Pressure washing uses high water pressure to physically blast dirt off a hard surface. Soft washing uses a biodegradable cleaning solution at low pressure to kill the algae, mildew, and pollen that grow on softer surfaces. The wrong method on the wrong surface damages it. Concrete and pavers: pressure washing. Siding, roofs, soft outdoor surfaces: soft washing.

Yes, if it is high pressure. High-pressure water on vinyl drives water under the lap and behind the wall, where it grows mold inside the structure. It can also crack and warp the vinyl itself. Vinyl siding should be soft-washed, not pressure-washed.

Yes. Soft washing is the method recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) for shingle roofs. We apply a low-pressure cleaning solution that kills the algae causing the black streaks. The streaks fade over the following 2-4 weeks. No granule loss, no warranty issues, results last for years.

A proper soft wash on lake-area siding typically keeps the house looking clean for 12-24 months. North-facing and shaded surfaces re-develop algae faster than sun-exposed sides. Roofs stay clean for 3-5+ years on most properties.

Yes, dock cleaning is a specialty. We clean wood, composite, and Trex docks; boat lifts and canopies; swim platforms; ladders; pilings above water. Most lake homeowners book annually or twice yearly.

Not when done correctly. We use biodegradable surfactants and keep aggressive chemistry away from the waterline. Above-water surfaces (rails, decking tops) get treated; the waterline scum we handle with mechanical pressure and lake-safe surfactants. We are not the operator who dumps bleach in the water to save time.

Yes. Aluminum pontoon tubes get green-black with waterline scum over the season. We use aluminum-safe acid wash and pressure rinse to bring them back to clean. Best done when the boat is on a lift.

Most Pickwick Lake homes do an annual or twice-yearly schedule. Spring (April-May) opens-the-house clean is the most common. A late-summer (August-September) refresh hits the algae bloom that comes from hot July water. Shaded properties may need more frequent attention on the shaded sides.

For most exterior cleaning, no. We can work with a gate code and an outdoor faucet location. We send before-and-after photos when finished. Payment by card on completion. This is how most second-home customers prefer to work.

It depends on the property and the scope. We give written quotes in advance, free and no obligation. Bundled work (house + roof + deck + dock in one visit) costs significantly less than separate trips. See our Free Quote page for how we figure pricing.

Yes. Fully insured for property damage and general liability. Certificate of insurance provided to property managers or commercial customers on request, with the customer listed as additional insured when required.

Most jobs we can schedule within a week. Time-sensitive work (vacation rental turnovers, pre-event commercial cleaning) we try to fit within a few days. Mid-summer is our busiest period; spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) have more open slots.

Close exterior windows. Bring in or move outdoor cushions and electronics. Park vehicles away from the immediate work area if possible. Outdoor pets should be inside or in another part of the yard during the cleaning. We pre-wet landscaping and protect sensitive plants.

Properly done soft washing is safe around plants and lawns. We pre-wet plants before applying cleaner and rinse thoroughly after. For sensitive ornamentals near the work area, we cover or move them. Severe over-application or hot weather without rinsing can stress plants, so the technique matters.

The deck is wet and unusable for the rest of the cleaning day. Usually safe to walk on the next morning. If a wood brightener step was applied, the final color comes out fully after 24 hours of drying.

No, we focus on cleaning. We get the deck or fence to a clean, bright surface ready to take stain or sealer, but the staining itself is a separate trade. We can refer you to a local deck-finishing specialist who works only on staining and sealing.