Pressure Washing in Columbia, MO
Mid-Missouri humidity grows things on houses. By late summer, the north and shaded sides of homes across Columbia have a green or black film of mildew and algae on the siding, dark streaks run down from the gutters, and decks and fences have turned gray and slippery. In spring, a coat of yellow pollen settles on everything, and oak catkins stain decks and patios. Concrete driveways and walks pick up oil, rust, red clay and the black spots that grow in shade. Older brick homes near downtown collect grime and efflorescence, while vinyl-sided houses in the newer subdivisions show every streak. A good wash makes a house look cared for again and removes growth that holds moisture against wood and siding.
Pressure washing done badly can damage what it's meant to clean. High pressure can etch concrete, splinter deck boards, drive water behind siding and blow mortar out of old brick. We match the method to the surface. Vinyl and painted siding get a low-pressure wash with a cleaning solution that kills mildew and algae, then a gentle rinse. Decks and fences are cleaned at a pressure that lifts the gray without raising the grain, and we follow the wood's direction. Concrete driveways, patios and walks get a surface cleaner for an even finish. Brick and stone, especially older soft brick, get a gentler approach. We protect plants, cover outlets and fixtures, and make sure the runoff goes where it should. When we're done, the house, deck or drive looks clean and the surface is intact.
What this covers
- Soft washing of vinyl and painted siding
- Brick and stone cleaning
- Deck and fence washing
- Concrete driveway, patio and walkway cleaning
- Mildew, algae and pollen removal
- Gutter exterior streak removal
- Plant and fixture protection
- Prep washing before painting or staining
How a pressure washing visit usually goes
Assess the Surfaces
We look at the siding, wood, concrete and brick and choose the right pressure and cleaning solution for each.
Protect the Area
Plants are wet down or covered, outlets and fixtures protected and furniture moved out of the way.
Wash and Rinse
Each surface is cleaned with the right technique, working from top to bottom so dirty water doesn't run over clean areas.
Final Check
We walk the area with you, touch up any spots and leave plants rinsed and the area tidy.
Decks deserve special attention in this climate. Missouri's mix of humid summers, hard sun and winter freeze-thaw cycles weathers wood decks quickly, and a gray, mildewed deck can become slick and start to splinter. We clean the deck at the right pressure, let it dry, and can apply a penetrating stain or sealer to protect it. We'll also point out loose boards, popped nails and wobbly railings, which we can fix in the same visit. Doing this every couple of years extends the life of a deck considerably. Driveways are their own story. Many Columbia driveways are on a slope, and red clay washes onto them in every heavy rain, while shaded sections under big trees grow black algae spots that turn slick in the fall. A surface cleaner gives concrete an even look without the striping that a wand alone leaves behind, and we rinse the clay toward the lawn rather than the street drain.
What shapes the price in Columbia
The cost of pressure washing depends on the size and type of surfaces, how dirty they are and how easy they are to reach. A small patio or walkway is a quick job. A two-story house with heavy mildew on several sides takes longer and needs more cleaning solution. Large decks with stains or old finish to remove, long driveways and fences add time. Older brick that needs a gentle approach is slower than new concrete. Steep yards and tight access affect the setup. Washing several areas, such as the house, deck and driveway, in one visit is the most efficient. Limestone walls and steps, which turn up in older Columbia yards and around houses built from local stone, need a gentler cleaner and lower pressure than poured concrete, so we price them on their own.
Neighbors often ask
Will pressure washing damage my siding?
Not when it's done right. For vinyl and painted siding, we use a soft wash: low pressure with a cleaning solution that does the work, then a gentle rinse. That removes mildew and algae without forcing water behind the siding or stripping paint. High pressure is reserved for concrete and other hard surfaces that can take it.
When is the best time to pressure wash in Columbia?
Late spring, after the pollen has settled, is a good time to wash decks, patios and siding. Late summer and early fall are good for removing the mildew and algae that grew over the humid months. Washing before you paint or stain is also smart. We avoid washing when temperatures are close to freezing, because water can freeze on surfaces. Fall is also a good window, because the mildew is at its worst after the summer and the cooler weather lets cleaning solutions work without drying too fast on hot siding.
Can you remove the black streaks on my roof?
Those streaks are usually algae. We don't pressure wash roofs, because high pressure can strip granules and damage shingles. A roof cleaning specialist uses a low-pressure chemical treatment that kills the algae without harming the roof. We can recommend that approach and clean the gutters and siding below.
Can you clean my deck and then stain it?
Yes. We wash the deck, let it dry for a day or two depending on the weather, and then apply the stain or sealer of your choice. In humid summers, drying takes longer, so we'll schedule the staining when the wood is truly ready.
Do you clean concrete that has red clay stains?
We can usually lighten clay and rust stains on concrete significantly with the right cleaner and a surface cleaner, though deep, old stains may not disappear completely. We'll tell you what to expect before we start.
Folks pair this with
Drywall Repair
Drywall Repair →TV Mounting
TV Mounting →Furniture Assembly
Furniture Assembly →Door Repair & Adjustment
Door Repair & Adjustment →Pressure Washing around Columbia
Pressure Washing is one of 14 jobs our Columbia handyman crew handles, in Columbia and in nearby communities:
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