Power washing stucco

[jane032657]

Our additional work on our new villa is done (finally)! As the house is being fully cleaned inside and the outside got somewhat dirty from the work done and blind mosquito season (yes I am still living the nightmare), it was suggested to get the house pressure washed and have the inside between the windows and screens cleaned out of the dead leftover bugs. I am all for this. But will it hurt the stucco to pressure wash or the paint? We were going to have the company that The Villages uses post construction to do the cleaning. I would appreciate your experiences being shared as it is scheduled for Friday. Thank you in advance.

[rubicon]

I would not power wash my stucco house. If the pressure is to strong it will strip the cocncrete and it will break the seals in the windows and if your doors have panels in your door panels. I would have it washed and there are seeral contractors that clean houses without power washing I opine and you decide

[jimbo2012]

If it's done too close I agree paint can come off most of these are 500-700 psi it can make hole in your skin.

[BobandMarilyn]

Power washing is not rocket science. It will not damage stucco, paint or window seals if the correct pressure, wide angle nozzle and common sense is used. If you are uncomfortable doing it youself, I am sure you can find a reputable power washing company through TOTV. I power washed our house this spring with no problems - especially helpful on lanai floor and screens.

[jane032657]

I want to hire someone. No desire to do this myself, I am the worst power washer. I leave streaks everywhere! I called John Kirk and am waiting for call back to see how he would handle it

[rubicon]

I used a power washer to peel the colored stains off my wooden deck up north. If not careful or if I pointed in one area too long it would split the wood railings. So unless you well experienced I'd be very careful. We had tiffany panels inserted in our door with side lights and the installer made it clear that power washing would break the seals.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Give Jason with Nature's Way a call (352) 989-7398 to perhaps get his take on powerwashing stucco.

He does our house and a number of other ones in our neighborhood. Granted, they're vinyl sided homes but, again, check with him regarding stucco.

Bill :)

[CatskillBill]

Power washing your home hasn't been allowed since the water restrictions went into effect months ago. See the link below. How do the contractors get around the restrictions?

The Villages Water Wisdom (http://www.thevillageswaterwisdom.com/cdd.html)

[jane032657]

I did not know. I am not there. Thank you for telling me

[thekeithfan]

I bought a power washer and it works well. However.... twice a year I mix up some simple green, bleech and water in a gallon spray bottle and spray the house, one side at a time, let it set for 10 minutes and rinse with the hose. It will look like you just took it out of the dishwasher! Cheap quick and does a job as good as with my power washer.

[jimbo2012]

I think you can rent one for a half day also.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I think you can rent one for a half day also.

You'll probably want to check the price of the machine rental versus having a company do the job for you. We get our patio villa done by a company for less than what Home Depot charges for renting a 2000 psi gas pressure washer for 4 hours.

Bill :)

[jane032657]

I hired John Kirk, thank you everyone for all your wonderful recommendations. I called a few companies and the Kirk's returned my call and offered me a very fair price, they were friendly and thoughtful about my concerns. They have been in TV for 9 years and only work in TV. I think they also look after some of the new construction but not sure about that. All recommendations were great and you are all so wonderful to respond with your ideas, experiences and referrals. I am very appreciative,

[Investment Painting Contractors]

If it's done too close I agree paint can come off most of these are 500-700 psi it can make hole in your skin.

Most of the power washers are 1500 to 2400 PSI. The pressure can be controled, and different tips are used for different purposes. Washing your house uses less water than sprinkling your lawn.