Pressure Washing
Real cleaning for fences, decks, and exterior surfaces — often the difference-maker before staining.
Pressure washing removes dirt, algae, mildew, and general grime buildup from wood fences, decks, and other exterior surfaces — something that accumulates faster than most people expect given how much humidity this area gets off the lake. It's useful both as a standalone cleaning service to freshen up an aging fence or deck, and as essential prep work before staining, since stain applied over a dirty or algae-covered surface won't bond properly and will look uneven and fail early.
Why humidity makes this matter more here
Wood surfaces near the lake stay damp longer after rain or morning dew than they would in a drier climate, which is exactly the condition algae and mildew need to take hold. A fence or deck that looks like it just needs a coat of stain often actually needs a real cleaning first — skipping that step and staining directly over grime is one of the most common reasons a stain job looks patchy or starts peeling within a year instead of lasting the 2 to 4 years it should.
Pressure washing as staining prep
When pressure washing and staining are booked together, we let the surface dry fully between the two steps — applying stain to wood that's still damp from washing traps moisture underneath the finish, which causes the same early-failure problems as skipping the wash entirely. The gap between washing and staining depends on weather and humidity at the time, which we account for when scheduling a combined job rather than treating both steps as back-to-back on the same day regardless of conditions.
Pressure level matters
Too much pressure on softer wood species or an aging, weathered surface can gouge or fuzz the wood fibers rather than just cleaning them, which actually damages the surface instead of restoring it. We adjust pressure and nozzle choice to the specific material and its condition rather than using one setting for every job — an older cedar fence and a newer pressure-treated deck don't get the same treatment.
What we clean
Wood and metal fences, decks, exterior siding, and other outdoor surfaces showing dirt, algae, or mildew buildup. This is commonly requested alongside staining for a fence or deck, but stands on its own as a cleaning-only service when a surface just needs to be freshened up without a new finish applied.
Concrete and hard surfaces
Beyond wood, pressure washing also works well on concrete patios, driveways, and walkways that have developed the same algae and grime buildup common in a humid lakeside climate. Concrete can generally take significantly higher pressure than wood without damage, so we adjust equipment and technique accordingly rather than using wood-safe settings on a surface that could handle more.
Seasonal timing
Spring is a common time for pressure washing requests, clearing off a winter's buildup of grime and preparing surfaces for the staining season ahead, but it's genuinely useful any time a surface is visibly dirty rather than being tied to one specific season. We can schedule around whatever timing works for a specific project rather than pushing everyone into the same spring rush.
Equipment and water source
We bring our own pressure washing equipment and, where needed, a water supply, so a job doesn't depend on a property's existing hose bib pressure or availability. This matters more on a larger job (a full deck, a long fence run, a driveway) where consistent, adequate water flow throughout the job affects how evenly and effectively the cleaning gets done.
What pressure washing doesn't fix
Pressure washing cleans a surface, but it doesn't repair rot, replace damaged boards, or fix structural problems — those need actual repair work first. Washing a fence or deck with underlying damage can sometimes make problems more visible (which is useful for identifying what needs repair) but it's not a substitute for addressing them directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can pressure washing damage wood?
Yes, if the pressure and nozzle aren't matched to the wood's condition — too much pressure can gouge or fuzz softer or weathered wood fibers. We adjust settings to the specific surface rather than using one setting for every job.
How long should I wait between pressure washing and staining?
The wood needs to dry fully before stain is applied, since staining over damp wood traps moisture and causes early finish failure. The exact wait time depends on weather and humidity at the time of the job.
Is pressure washing worth it if I'm not planning to stain right away?
Yes — it's a legitimate standalone service for freshening up a fence, deck, or siding that's developed algae, mildew, or general grime, independent of any plan to stain afterward.