As a homeowner, you need to be vigilant about maintaining your property. Keeping it looking its best not only enhances curb appeal but also maintains its value by protecting it from deterioration. One of the best ways to make sure your home looks its best is by pressure washing. However, when it comes to pressure washing, Miami homeowners often ask, “How often should I do this for my home?”
Experts tend to recommend pressure washing homes once per year, though due to Miami’s humid climate, you may need to do this every six months.
Why Miami Homes Need More Frequent Pressure Washing
There are various reasons why homes in Miami may need to be pressure-washed twice a year:
High Humidity and Heavy Rainfall
The combination of daily rain showers, high heat, and heavy humidity keeps surfaces damp on a constant basis. It’s the perfect environment for mold and algae to thrive on the exterior of your home.
Salty Seaside Buildup
Miami’s close proximity to the ocean means that homes are more prone to salt residue. If your home is near or on the water, you will need to pressure wash it more frequently.
Lush Vegetation
Miami is home to some stately, mature trees. From shady oaks to magnificent palm trees embedded between lush landscaping, there is more pollen coating every home. Leaf debris and stains from plants also leave their marks and need to be cleaned.
HOA Requirements
While some homeowners are lucky to reside in areas without HOAs, most neighborhoods are managed by HOA boards. Standards are set and enforced for keeping driveways and home exteriors clean. Failing to maintain a uniform and clean presentation of your property could result in hefty fines.
Preventing Damage and Protecting Your Investment
Algae, mildew, and mold can be unsightly, but there’s greater danger in ignoring these organic growths. They can all destroy your roof, siding, patios, decks, and fences, which means you’ll have an even greater expense in replacing them before the end of their lifespan.
Signs It’s Time to Pressure Wash Your Home
If you’ve recently moved into your home or are a first-time homeowner, you might not know when it’s time to pressure wash. Here’s how to tell if you need to add this task to your to-do list:
Visual Cues
Walk around the perimeter of your home and take note of any black streaks on your roof, siding, or eaves. Your pool deck, fences, and walkways may have green or dark stains, or you could see visible grime buildup. These are all hallmarks of mold, mildew, and algae that need to be cleaned away before they cause greater damage.
Slippery Surfaces
After the rain or when your sprinklers have run, if your driveways, walkways, and decks are slippery, it’s a sign that you have algae and grime. While it is typically unsightly, there is a greater danger of slips and falls, which could also get you into legal issues if someone gets hurt on your property.
Musty Smells
Along with the visual signs of mold, algae, and mildew, your nose can clue you in. If it smells damp and musty around the exterior of your home, it’s time for pressure washing.
You’re Preparing for Home Exterior Projects
Older homes may need a fresh coat of paint, while wood decks and fences will need sealing or resealing. Before you start those exterior projects, it is essential to give the surfaces a good, deep clean. Pressure washing is a critical first step to ensure paint and sealant adhere properly to the surfaces.
Boosting Curb Appeal for Guests or Prior to Sale
When guests come to visit, you want your home to look welcoming. That can’t happen if the exterior is covered in grime. Similarly, if you’re preparing to list your home for sale, pressure washing restores it to its former glory and makes it look well-maintained. Pressure washing creates that all-important first impression that could lead to an offer.
Can All Home Surfaces Be Pressure Washed?
While certain materials can withstand highly pressurized water, some could be damaged. Soft washing is another technique that can be used on the materials to effectively clean them and treat areas with organic growth to keep them from proliferating.
Which materials can handle high water pressure? Concrete can be pressure-washed safely, and if your driveway and walkway are composed of this material, they should be just fine. Exterior walls, patios, and retaining walls made from brick can also handle the high pressure.
If your home has metal siding made from aluminum or steel, vinyl siding, composite decking, or any areas crafted with wood, such as decks, fences, or siding, you should choose soft washing rather than pressure washing to safely clean them.
There are other building materials that should never be pressure washed as well. While it’s less common now, if you happen to have an older home coated with lead paint, you should never pressure wash that surface. Avoid pressure washing any surface that has electrical fixtures, windows, roof shingles, gutters, and awnings.
Can I Pressure Wash My Own Home?
You are well within your rights to pressure wash your own home, but it is not recommended for homeowners to take on this task themselves. Your safety is a prime concern, especially if you need to clean your roof or a second story. Most homeowners don’t have the right tools to ensure that they pressure wash these areas while preserving their safety, and it could land you in the emergency room.
Hiring a professional is best as you’ll get to relax and enjoy your weekend while they do all the work in less time than it would take for you to gather all the supplies. Professionals know how to assess the surface materials of your home and adjust the pressure settings and detergents for each one. They also have the tools and the expertise to give it a truly clean and refreshed look without missing a spot. If your home has dirt, grime, mold, algae, or mildew buildup, you shouldn’t wait any longer to schedule this maintenance with a pro.
