Concrete, brick, limestone, travertine, stucco, and wood each need a different approach. The same 3,000 PSI that cleans a concrete driveway will destroy a limestone patio in a single pass. We match the method to the material — and show you transparent pricing upfront.
One pressure setting does not fit all. Here's what we use — and why — for every exterior surface type common in DMV luxury homes.
Tip/distance: 25-degree tip, minimum 12 inches
Mortar joints erode above 1,800 PSI or when the nozzle is closer than 12 inches. Older mortar (pre-1980) is softer — reduce to 1,000 PSI. Brick face staining responds to sodium hypochlorite diluted to 1.5%.
High-pressure washing of older brick causes spalling and mortar joint erosion that leads to water infiltration.
Tip/distance: 40-degree tip, 18+ inches
Dominant materials in Potomac, Great Falls, and McLean for steps, patios, and pool coping. Highly porous — high pressure drives water into the void structure and causes spalling in the first freeze. Organic stains treated with oxalic acid dilution only.
3,000 PSI on limestone destroys the surface permanently in a single pass. This is the most common power washing damage claim in the DMV.
Tip/distance: 15-degree tip for staining, 25-degree for general
Concrete is dense and tolerates high pressure well. Oil stains require a hot water unit or degreaser pre-treatment. Exposed aggregate and stamped concrete: reduce to 1,500 PSI and use 25-degree tip to avoid lifting the aggregate.
Stamped concrete with sealant: confirm the sealant type before washing — some acrylic sealants will blush or peel under hot water.
Tip/distance: 25-degree tip, 12–18 inches, consistent motion
The DMV has widespread synthetic stucco (EIFS) on luxury homes built 1990–2010. Synthetic stucco is water-resistant but not waterproof — never direct pressure at seams, joints, or penetrations. Traditional three-coat stucco is more durable but still requires controlled pressure.
Do not use sodium hypochlorite on synthetic stucco — it degrades the surface coating. Use pH-neutral cleaner only.
Tip/distance: 40-degree tip, 18+ inches, with-the-grain always
Ipe, cedar, and pressure-treated pine decks need low pressure and oxalic acid brightener to remove gray oxidation before refinishing. Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech): 1,000 PSI maximum, manufacturer-specific cleaning agents only.
High pressure across wood grain causes surface fiber raising that creates splinter hazards and dramatically reduces stain/sealant adhesion.
Tip/distance: Low-pressure soft wash with sodium hypochlorite
Asphalt shingles contain granules that abrade off under any significant pressure. The ARMA (Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association) explicitly states pressure washing voids warranty. Algae (the black streaking common on DMV roofs) is killed with sodium hypochlorite at 3% and removed by rain over 60–90 days.
Pressure washing an asphalt roof removes granules, reduces lifespan by 5–10 years, and voids most manufacturer warranties. Always soft wash.
We believe you should know what something costs before the truck shows up. Here's our pricing for standard DMV home configurations.
Driveway only (up to 1,000 sq ft)
$149
House exterior wash (up to 2,500 sq ft)
$249
House + driveway bundle
Save $49
$349
Deck or patio (up to 500 sq ft)
$99
Roof soft wash (up to 2,500 sq ft)
Algae treatment, ARMA-compliant method
$299
Full property refresh (house + driveway + deck)
Best value
$449
Mold/mildew treatment (add-on)
+$75
Driveway sealcoating (add-on)
Protects against road salt and freeze-thaw
+$149
Annual Exterior Subscription — $899/year
Both spring and fall Exterior Refresh Bundles (house + driveway + gutter clean + window clean), coordinated as single visits. Priority scheduling — your dates secured in January for the full year. Members who subscribe never need to call to schedule exterior services.
Remove winter road salt, sand, and de-icing agents from driveways, walkways, and brick. Salt accelerates concrete spalling and accelerates limestone dissolution. Spring cleaning before temperatures warm prevents freeze-thaw expansion of salt already embedded in porous surfaces.
Remove moss, mold, and leaf tannins from oak and sweet gum trees before they freeze onto surfaces. Tannin staining that bonds in the first frost requires chemical treatment and abrasion to remove — preventable with fall washing. Roof soft wash timed to fall allows winter rain to clear algae before spring.
Spring order of operations: Roof soft wash first (sodium hypochlorite needs time to work), then house exterior, then driveway and hardscape, then windows last. This sequence prevents re-contamination of cleaned surfaces during the same visit.
Spring slots fill in March. Contact us to secure your date — or start a membership and let us handle the scheduling so you never have to think about it.
Every power washing visit feeds your home's three records — the proof you'll be glad you have.
A signed, tamper-evident history of every system — usable when you sell, file a claim, or refinance.
Learn more6 scored categories + AI fix list with DMV market insights — so you sell faster and for more.
Check your score15 region-specific rules across DC, Maryland & Virginia, mapped to your home and tracked by deadline.
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