City grime, soot, algae in shaded yards and salt near the water all build up on Brooklyn walls. Washing clears them and is the first step before any exterior paint or stain. We use lower pressure on old wood and soft stone, and allow drying time before coating.
City surfaces get dirty in their own way. Traffic soot settles on window sills and siding. Algae and mildew grow on the north side of houses and in yards that buildings keep in shade. Stoops, areaways and sidewalks pick up gum, leaf stains and grime. Close to the water in Bay Ridge, Sheepshead Bay and along the East River, salt sits on walls and metal. Power washing clears all of that. It is also the first step of any exterior paint or stain job, because paint will not hold on a dirty surface.
Pressure is matched to the material. Concrete and pavers can take a strong wash. Vinyl and aluminum siding are cleaned with a detergent and a gentle rinse, aimed so that water does not get driven behind the panels. Old wood clapboard, shingles and decks get a low setting, since a hard jet tears the fibers. Soft stone such as brownstone, old brick and its mortar should not be blasted at all. On those we use the mildest method that works, or leave the cleaning to a masonry specialist.
Attached houses need extra thought. Spray drifts, so we cover or wet down plants, close windows, and watch the neighbor's wall, parked cars and people on the sidewalk. We need a working outdoor tap or a water source inside. On old houses with flaking paint we do not use washing to strip it, because that would spread chips that may contain lead. After washing, surfaces must dry before any coating goes on. Siding in the sun dries quickly. Wood and masonry in shade take longer.
Power washing in Brooklyn: common questions
Can you power wash a brownstone stoop?
Not at high pressure. Brownstone is a soft sandstone and a strong jet can wear away the face. We use low pressure and a suitable cleaner on stone, and we will tell you if a mason is the right person for it.
Where does the water go in a paved back yard?
To the yard drain, if there is one and it is clear. We check the drain first and keep debris out of it. A blocked drain can push water toward the basement door, so it is worth clearing before the wash.
Do I need washing before exterior painting?
Yes, in nearly every case. Soot, chalky old paint, salt and mildew all stop new paint from bonding. Washing is included as the first step when we quote an exterior paint job.
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.