Shade, humidity and long damp spells grow mildew and algae on north walls, decks and concrete across the Pittsburgh area. Washing removes that growth, along with the chalk on old aluminum siding that would stop new paint from sticking. We set the pressure for the surface, since soft old brick, mortar and wood can be damaged by too much.
Things turn green in Pittsburgh. The city has many cloudy days, humid summers and long damp spells, and a lot of houses sit in the shade of a hillside or of the house next door. North facing siding grows algae, concrete steps and walks go dark and slippery, and decks collect mildew between the boards. Old aluminum siding adds a problem of its own. Its paint breaks down into a dusty chalk that rubs off on your hand and has to go before any repainting.
Washing is not one setting for everything. Vinyl and aluminum siding are cleaned with low pressure and a cleaner that kills the growth, then rinsed from the top down. Concrete can take more pressure. Wood decks and fences need a gentle hand, or the surface gets torn up and left fuzzy. Old brick and its mortar are soft, especially on houses built a century ago, so we keep the pressure low there and never blast at the joints. Windows, lights and outlets are protected.
Most of the washing we do is the first step of a paint or stain job, because paint will not hold on dirt, chalk or mildew. We also wash on its own when a house or walk only needs cleaning. Expect wet ground and some noise, and please close windows and move cars and furniture away from the walls. If old paint on a house built before 1978 is loose and flaking, tell us first. That calls for a different, lead-safe approach, not high pressure.
Power washing in Pittsburgh: common questions
Will power washing damage old brick or mortar?
It can if the pressure is too high. Soft old brick and lime mortar should be cleaned with low pressure and the right cleaner. We test a small spot first and do not use a narrow, hard jet on masonry joints.
How soon after washing can you paint?
The surface has to dry first. Siding often dries in a day or two of fair weather. Bare wood and decks take longer, more so in shade. We check that it is dry before we prime or stain.
Can you remove the green film on the shaded side of my house?
Yes. That film is algae or mildew, and it is very common on shaded walls here. A cleaner made for it and a low pressure rinse take it off. It tends to return over time on damp walls, so some owners wash every few years.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.