Humidity and shade leave mildew, algae and dirt on siding, decks and concrete across St. Louis. Washing clears it and is the first step before any exterior paint or stain. Old brick with soft mortar and old wood need low pressure and care, so we set the pressure for the surface.
Shade, humidity and big trees leave their mark on St. Louis houses. Green algae grows on the north side of siding, black mildew shows up on porch ceilings and soffits, and concrete walks and steps turn dark and slick. Washing clears all of that. It is also the first step before exterior paint or stain, because new paint will not hold on dirt or chalk. We wash siding, trim, decks, fences, patios, driveways and steps.
Pressure is the thing to get right. Old St. Louis brick is often laid in soft lime mortar, and a hard jet can cut the joints and scar the face of the brick. Old wood trim and cedar have the same problem. So we use a cleaner and a low pressure rinse on those, and keep higher pressure for sound concrete. We wet the plants first, keep the spray away from window seals and door thresholds, and rinse everything down afterward.
Before we start we ask you to close the windows and move cars, cushions and pots. We need an outside tap that works. Most houses are done in part of a day. If the wash is before painting, the surfaces need time to dry, which takes longer in our humid months than in a dry fall week. Peeling paint from before 1978 may contain lead, so we do not blast it off. It is scraped by hand with the chips collected.
Power washing in St. Louis: common questions
Is it safe to power wash old brick?
With low pressure and the right cleaner, yes. High pressure on old soft brick and lime mortar does real damage. If the mortar is already crumbling, it should be repointed by a mason before any washing.
Will washing remove the green growth on my siding?
Yes. The cleaner kills the algae and mildew and the rinse carries it off. It tends to return on shaded sides after a few humid seasons, so many owners here have it done again every couple of years.
How long after washing can you paint?
When the surface is dry all the way through. Siding and trim often need a day or two of dry weather. Decks and bare wood can need longer after heavy rain. We check before we open a can.
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.