Method and safety

What is the difference between pressure washing and power washing?

Same family of equipment. The only real difference is heated water — power washing uses it, pressure washing does not. Heat helps on grease and gum, which is why it shows up more on commercial work. For a house or a driveway, the detergent and the technique matter far more than the temperature.

Is pressure washing safe for vinyl siding?

Full pressure is not. It cracks panels, strips the finish and drives water behind the siding where it has no way to dry. Siding gets soft washed instead: under 500 PSI, with a detergent that kills the growth so it can be rinsed away.

Can you pressure wash old Richmond brick?

Not the way most people mean. Brick laid before roughly 1930 uses soft lime mortar, and high pressure will strip the joints out of it. See our brick and masonry page.

Do you use bleach?

Yes — sodium hypochlorite, diluted well below household strength, with a surfactant, neutralised and rinsed. It is what actually kills algae. Anyone advertising a “chemical-free” house wash is using pressure alone, which damages siding and does not last.

Will you damage my plants?

We pre-soak landscaping so foliage cannot absorb, cover anything delicate, bag fixtures, and rinse everything down at the end.

Results and timing

How often should a Richmond house be washed?

Most homes run comfortably on 12 to 24 months. Heavily shaded lots, anything close to the river, and houses with mature trees on the north side tend toward annually.

When is the best time of year?

Late April into May, after the oak and tulip poplar pollen has finished dropping. Wash in March and you will be looking at a fresh yellow film within a fortnight.

How long does a house wash take?

Two to four hours for most Richmond homes. It is a same-day job either way.

How long do roof results last?

Typically three to five years in this climate. Heavily shaded roofs return sooner.

Logistics

Do I need to be home?

No, as long as the exterior spigot is turned on and any gates are unlocked. We text before we arrive and again when we are finished.

Do you charge for an estimate?

No. Most quotes are done from an address and a couple of photos, same day.

What do you need from me on the day?

Water access, unlocked gates, cars moved off the driveway, and windows closed. That is it.

Trust

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, and we will send proof before we start if you would like it.

What if I am not happy with a spot?

We walk the job with you before we leave. If a cleaned area does not look right, we re-clean it — at the time if we are still there, or on a return visit at no charge.

What does it cost?

We publish our ranges. See the Richmond pricing guide.

📞 Call or Text (804) 571-7226 — most quotes go out the same day.