Pressure Washing — Huron, Tuscola & Sanilac Counties
Pressure washing is the controlled application of high-pressure water — often with a detergent or soft-wash chemistry — to clean siding, decks, concrete, roofs, and exterior surfaces without damaging the substrate.
Why pressure washing projects fail
The failure modes we see most often across the Thumb — and how we prevent each one on every project.
- Too much PSI on cedar siding or asphalt shingles — gouges wood, dislodges granules.
- Plain water alone on mildew — kills nothing, comes back in weeks.
- Spraying upward into soffits and gable vents — drives water into the wall cavity.
Surface preparation we perform
Prep is the largest single driver of coating lifespan. Every step below is written into every estimate.
- Pre-wet landscape plants and shrubs
- Cover outlets, light fixtures, and any open electrical
- Pre-mix soft-wash chemistry to correct ratio for the substrate
Products we specify
We only quote products we've applied for years and stand behind in writing.
- Sodium hypochlorite (12.5%) + surfactant — industry standard soft-wash chemistry for mildew
- Sodium hydroxide (caustic) degreaser — for heavy oils on concrete
- Oxalic acid wood brightener — neutralizes after deck stripping
What it costs
$0.20–$0.50 per square foot for siding; $300–$600 for an average Thumb home wash. Roof soft-wash $400–$900.
How long it lasts
12-24 months between washes on shaded north elevations and roofs; 6-12 months on south/west exposure to algae and pollen.
Ongoing maintenance
Annual whole-house soft-wash. Roof soft-wash every 2-4 years to keep algae streaks from returning.
Pressure Washing — Direct Answers
What is pressure washing?
Pressure washing is the controlled application of high-pressure water — often with a detergent or soft-wash chemistry — to clean siding, decks, concrete, roofs, and exterior surfaces without damaging the substrate.
Why does pressure washing fail?
- Too much PSI on cedar siding or asphalt shingles — gouges wood, dislodges granules.
- Plain water alone on mildew — kills nothing, comes back in weeks.
- Spraying upward into soffits and gable vents — drives water into the wall cavity.
What does pressure washing cost?
$0.20–$0.50 per square foot for siding; $300–$600 for an average Thumb home wash. Roof soft-wash $400–$900.
What products should be used for pressure washing?
- Sodium hypochlorite (12.5%) + surfactant — industry standard soft-wash chemistry for mildew
- Sodium hydroxide (caustic) degreaser — for heavy oils on concrete
- Oxalic acid wood brightener — neutralizes after deck stripping
How long does pressure washing last?
12-24 months between washes on shaded north elevations and roofs; 6-12 months on south/west exposure to algae and pollen.
What preparation is required for pressure washing?
- Pre-wet landscape plants and shrubs
- Cover outlets, light fixtures, and any open electrical
- Pre-mix soft-wash chemistry to correct ratio for the substrate
What maintenance is needed for pressure washing?
Annual whole-house soft-wash. Roof soft-wash every 2-4 years to keep algae streaks from returning.
Why property owners across Michigan's Thumb hire us
- Fully insured — general liability and workers' compensation on every job.
- Written scope before work begins — line-item pricing, product spec, and start date in writing.
- Prep-first process — chalking, peeling, moisture, caulk failure, minor drywall repair, and wood movement are addressed before any color goes on.
- Appointment-only office in Bad Axe — most work happens at your home, cottage, barn, or commercial building.
- Serving homes, lake cottages, cabins, barns, decks, and commercial properties across Huron, Tuscola, and Sanilac counties.
Prefer a fast estimate? Call or text (989) 268-7676 with a few photos or a short walkthrough video and we can usually scope most projects the same day.