Many exterior surfaces around a home can be power washed, but the right cleaning method depends on the material. Hard surfaces, wood, roofing, glass, and finished materials all respond differently to pressure.
Learn More About
- What should and shouldn't be power washed
- Why the surface matters
- Concrete surfaces that can be power washed
- Other exterior surface types
- FAQs
At CleanPro, we help St. Louis homeowners clean exterior surfaces using the method that fits the material. Power washing works especially well for concrete, hardscaping, and other durable exterior features.
Not sure which exterior surfaces around your home should be power washed? Call (636) 686-7137 or get a free quote online.
What Surfaces Can I Power Wash?
Some exterior surfaces are better candidates for direct power washing than others. More delicate materials may need lower pressure or a different cleaning method.
Usually Good Candidates
- Concrete driveways and walkways
- Concrete patios and pool decks
- Many brick and masonry surfaces
- Some stone and hardscaping
- Certain durable metal features
Use More Caution
- Wood decks and fences
- Roofing materials
- Windows and glass
- Painted or coated surfaces
- Older or damaged masonry
Many surfaces in the caution group are better suited to a gentler cleaning method. Soft washing and other residential exterior cleaning services can be used when direct pressure is not the best fit.
If you are not sure how a surface will respond to pressure, do not guess. A cautious cleaning approach is easier to adjust than damage to the surface itself.
Why Does the Surface Matter?
Different materials tolerate different amounts of cleaning force. Concrete can usually handle a more direct wash, while materials such as wood, roofing, glass, and finished surfaces need more care.
Age and condition matter too. Cracks, loose mortar, worn finishes, coatings, and previous repairs can all change how a surface should be cleaned.
Using Too Much Pressure Can Damage Exterior Surfaces
Pressure that is too high for the material can affect the surface itself or force water into areas that were not meant to get wet.
- Wood can splinter or develop raised grain
- Mortar and older masonry joints can loosen
- Paint, coatings, and finishes can peel or scar
- Water can be forced behind siding, trim, or damaged areas
- Existing cracks and repairs can get worse
Residential power washing should remove buildup without damaging the material underneath.
St. Louis Power Washing for Concrete Surfaces
Concrete is one of the most common exterior materials to power wash because it can usually handle a more direct cleaning approach than many other surfaces around a home. Driveways, walkways, patios, and other concrete and hardscaping features also show wear from regular use and weather exposure.
Driveways
Concrete driveways usually respond well to power washing, especially when regular vehicle traffic leaves visible marks behind.
Driveway buildup often includes:
- Tire marks
- Oil and grease spots
- Dirt tracked in by vehicles
- Algae and organic staining
- Darkened areas near garages or parking spots
Pool Decks and Poolside Concrete
Concrete around a pool takes on extra wear from regular use and constant exposure to water. Sunscreen, foot traffic, and nearby landscaping can also leave the surface dirty or slick. Poolside cleaning helps keep the area around the water cleaner and more comfortable to use.
Coated, textured, or decorative pool decks may still need a lighter cleaning approach.
Sidewalks and Walkways
Walkways on your property may include poured concrete paths or paving stones rather than the public sidewalk along the street. Walkway cleaning should account for both the surface and the places where moisture and debris collect.
- Shaded sections that stay damp longer
- Joints between paving stones where weeds and debris collect
- Edges beside planting beds that pick up soil and runoff
- Low spots where dirt and moisture can sit on the surface
Patios and Porches
Concrete porches and patios are usually fine for power washing, but the condition of the surface still matters. Cracks, coatings, repairs, and decorative finishes may call for a more careful approach.
Furniture, planters, meals, and foot traffic can leave patios and porches with a mix of surface grime, stains, and organic growth.
Power Washing Brick, Stone, and Masonry in St. Louis
Brick, stone, and masonry can often be power washed, but they do not all handle pressure the same way. Age, mortar condition, surface finishes, and previous repairs can all change the cleaning approach.
Older St. Louis Brick and Masonry
Older homes may have softer brick, weathered mortar, or repaired sections that need more care during cleaning. High pressure around weak joints or deteriorated areas can cause damage, so older masonry should be approached carefully.
Patios, Pavers, and Newer Hardscaping
Newer masonry features include patios, retaining walls, steps, and decorative stonework. These surfaces may tolerate a more direct cleaning approach, although joints and finished areas still need appropriate care.
Power Washing St. Louis Roofs
Roofs usually need a gentler cleaning method than hard exterior surfaces. High pressure can damage shingles or other roofing materials, so roof cleaning should match the material and condition of the roof.
Roofing material affects how the surface should be cleaned:
- Asphalt shingles need a low-pressure approach because aggressive washing can loosen granules or damage aging shingles.
- Metal roofing can handle a different cleaning method, but coatings, seams, and signs of corrosion still need attention.
- Tile roofing may be durable but can crack under improper pressure or foot traffic.
- Flat and low-slope roofs require care around membranes, seams, drainage areas, and standing water.
Cleaning Windows and Other Exterior Features
Windows and finished exterior features often need a more controlled cleaning approach than concrete or masonry. Glass, coatings, paint, and surface condition all affect how much pressure is appropriate.
Exterior Windows
Exterior window cleaning focuses on removing spots, pollen, and residue from glass without treating the surface like hardscaping.
Railings, Gates, and Metal Features
Metal features may tolerate more direct cleaning, but paint, coatings, and corrosion still affect the method used.
Can I Power Wash Wood?
Wood can be power washed, but it needs a more careful approach than concrete. Too much pressure or the wrong technique can raise the grain, damage the finish, or leave visible marks on the surface.
Deck washing is one of the most common residential uses. Fences, railings, and other exterior wood features may also be cleaned this way, but older boards, painted surfaces, and weathered finishes usually need more care.
Power Washing Exterior Surfaces | FAQs
How often should a St. Louis home be power washed?
Many homes can use annual exterior cleaning as a practical baseline. High-use or damp areas may need attention more often, while lower-traffic surfaces may only need cleaning every 1–2 years or when visible buildup develops.
- Driveways, walkways, and patios: Often once a year, or sooner when staining, algae, or heavy use becomes noticeable
- Siding and house exteriors: Commonly every 1–2 years depending on shade, moisture, pollen, and organic growth
- Decks and outdoor living areas: Often annually when they see regular use or seasonal buildup
- Other exterior surfaces: Clean as needed based on material, condition, and visible staining
Shade, moisture, nearby trees, traffic, and surface condition all affect how often a St. Louis home should be power washed.
How long does residential power washing take?
The time depends on how much of the property is being cleaned and how different the surfaces are. A driveway or patio is usually a simpler appointment than a visit that also includes wood, masonry, windows, or other areas that need different cleaning methods. Learn more about how long residential power washing takes.
How much does exterior power washing cost in St. Louis?
Exterior power washing costs depend on the size of the job, the surfaces involved, and how much cleaning they need. Access and surface condition can also affect the amount of work required. See what affects power washing costs in St. Louis.
Schedule Exterior Power Washing in St. Louis
If you are comparing providers, knowing what to look for in a St. Louis power washing company can help you compare the scope, communication, and services being offered.
- Residential power washing in St. Louis for concrete, hardscaping, and other exterior surfaces
- Multiple exterior areas can be planned during the same visit
Call (636) 686-7137 or get a free quote online to ask about power washing exterior surfaces for your St. Louis home.