On the importance of power washing

Though it is only February. we have received a high volume of calls for exteriors and decks in the past few weeks. When considering an exterior paint project, it is always important to think about proper preparation.  Especially in Rochester NY, houses are subject to an array of climatic forces, including snow, dirt, and mildew. 

Good prep work for your home's exterior should (in most cases) include a thorough pressure washing.  At Red Truck Painting, our goal with washing is to clean the surfaces to receive paint -- not to remove loose paint.  Power washing has received a bad reputation among many homeowners, as it is too often preformed aggressively.  Some painters and contractors will try to eliminate the need for scraping by blasting off loose paint.  Other times the washing is so strong that it can scar or even remove sections of siding or decking.  Not to mention those old windows...  Water logging is also a good reason to avoid high pressure washing.  Any moisture blasted deep into your home's wood will take that much longer to dry, and if painted over, can cause major paint failure.

We always stress a low pressure wash, intended to clean.  Accompanied by soap and mildewcide, this is the best treatment to clean off mold and debris.  Removing the chalky film that forms on old exterior paint is perhaps the largest advantage of power washing.  This will make the substrate ready for paint or primer to adhere properly.

Call Red Truck Painting for your next power washing project!