Peterson Pressure Wash: What to Know Before You Hire

Peterson Pressure Wash offers residential and commercial cleaning services across South Carolina

Peterson Pressure Wash is a pressure washing company operating in South Carolina that handles both residential properties and commercial spaces. The company uses high-pressure water systems to clean exterior surfaces—driveways, decks, siding, roofs, and commercial building facades. Before hiring any pressure washing service, you should understand what the company does, what it costs, and what questions to ask about their equipment and methods.

Like other pressure washing businesses, Peterson operates by sending crews with specialized equipment to your property. The work itself is straightforward: high-pressure water removes dirt, mold, algae, and stains from surfaces. What varies between companies is their experience with different materials, the pressure levels they use (which matters because too much pressure damages some surfaces), and whether they offer additional services like soft washing or chemical treatments.

Key Takeaways

• Peterson Pressure Wash serves both residential and commercial properties across South Carolina, using pressure washing equipment to clean exterior surfaces.
• Different surfaces require different pressure levels—wood decks and vinyl siding need lower pressure than concrete driveways to avoid damage.
• Before hiring any pressure washing service, ask about their experience with your specific surface type and whether they carry liability insurance.
• Get a written estimate that specifies what surfaces will be cleaned, what pressure level will be used, and whether any chemicals or treatments are included.
• Pressure washing typically costs more for larger properties, commercial jobs, or surfaces requiring specialized treatment like roof cleaning.

What surfaces Peterson can clean

Pressure washing works on concrete, asphalt, brick, and stone—the hard surfaces most common around homes and businesses. Driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, and building exteriors are standard jobs. Many pressure washing companies also clean decks, fences, and siding, though these softer materials require lower pressure to avoid gouging or splintering wood or cracking vinyl.

Some companies offer roof cleaning, which is specialized work because roofs are steep, fragile, and dangerous. If Peterson offers this service, confirm that their crew is trained and insured for roof work specifically. Roof cleaning also requires careful technique—too much pressure can remove protective granules from shingles or damage the roof membrane.

Ask Peterson directly whether they clean your specific surface type and what method they use. A company experienced with wood decks will know to use lower pressure and may recommend soft washing (using chemical cleaners with minimal pressure) rather than high-pressure spray.

Pressure levels and surface damage

Pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). Concrete and asphalt can handle 3,000 to 4,000 PSI. Wood decks and fences need 1,500 PSI or less. Vinyl siding should stay below 1,500 PSI. Roofs and delicate surfaces may need soft washing instead—applying a chemical cleaner and rinsing gently rather than blasting with high pressure.

If a pressure washing company does not ask about your surface type or does not adjust their approach, that is a warning sign. A reputable company will explain what pressure level they plan to use and why. If they say they use the same pressure for everything, find another company.

Before Peterson's crew arrives, ask them in writing what PSI they will use on each surface. This protects you because you have documentation if damage occurs, and it shows the company is thinking carefully about the job rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Insurance and liability

Pressure washing involves water, electricity, and equipment on your property. Accidents happen—a crew member slips, water enters a basement window, or equipment damages landscaping. A company carrying liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong. Without insurance, you could be responsible for injuries or damage.

Before hiring Peterson, ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. A legitimate company will provide this without hesitation. If they refuse or say they do not carry it, do not hire them. You can also ask for references from recent jobs and contact those customers to ask whether they had any issues.

Getting a written estimate

A written estimate should specify the surfaces to be cleaned, the pressure level or method to be used, the total cost, and what is included (does the price cover moving outdoor furniture, for example?). It should also state the timeline—how long the job will take and when the crew will arrive.

If Peterson gives you only a verbal quote, ask for it in writing before work begins. A written estimate protects both you and the company by making expectations clear. It also gives you something to compare if you are getting quotes from multiple companies.

The estimate should also mention whether any chemicals or treatments are included. Some jobs benefit from a mold-killing treatment or a sealant applied after cleaning. These add cost but may extend the time before the surface needs cleaning again.

What affects the price

Pressure washing costs vary based on the size of the area, the type of surface, how dirty it is, and how far the company has to travel. A 2,000-square-foot driveway costs less than a 5,000-square-foot commercial parking lot. A roof cleaning costs more than a driveway because it is more dangerous and requires specialized equipment and training.

Heavily soiled surfaces or those with mold and algae may require chemical treatment before or after pressure washing, which increases the cost. Sealed or delicate surfaces that need soft washing instead of high-pressure spray also cost more because the work takes longer.

Ask Peterson for a breakdown of costs if the estimate is not clear. Understanding why one job costs more than another helps you decide whether the price is reasonable and whether you want to add optional services like sealing or treatment.

Questions to ask before hiring

Beyond insurance and pressure levels, ask Peterson how long they have been in business, whether they are licensed (requirements vary by county in South Carolina), and what happens if you are not satisfied with the work. Some companies offer a may provide—they will return and re-clean at no charge if the customer is not happy within a certain timeframe.

Ask whether they will move outdoor furniture, planters, or other items, or whether you need to clear the area beforehand. Ask what happens if rain is forecast—will they reschedule? Ask whether they will protect nearby plants, gardens, or parked cars from overspray or chemical runoff.

Finally, ask for at least two references from jobs completed in the past year. Contact those customers and ask whether the work was done on time, whether the crew was professional, and whether they would hire the company again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my driveway pressure washed?

Most driveways benefit from pressure washing every one to three years, depending on climate and how much dirt and algae accumulate. South Carolina's humidity and rainfall mean mold and algae grow faster here than in drier states, so annual or biennial cleaning is common. A sealer applied after cleaning can extend the time between washings.

Can pressure washing damage my roof?

Yes, if done incorrectly. High pressure can remove shingle granules, crack tiles, or damage the membrane underneath. Roof cleaning should only be done by companies experienced with roofs, using lower pressure or soft washing methods. Always confirm the company's roof experience and method before agreeing to the work.

Will pressure washing remove all mold and algae?

Pressure washing removes visible mold and algae, but spores remain in the material. A chemical treatment applied before or after washing kills the spores and slows regrowth. Without treatment, mold and algae typically return within one to three years, depending on humidity and shade.

What should I do to prepare for pressure washing?

Move outdoor furniture, planters, grills, and parked cars away from the area being cleaned. Close windows and doors. If you have delicate plants near the work area, ask Peterson whether they will protect them or whether you should move them. Clear the area of toys, tools, and anything else that could be damaged by water or overspray.

Is pressure washing safe for vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding can be pressure washed, but only at low pressure—below 1,500 PSI. High pressure can crack panels or force water behind the siding into the wall cavity. Soft washing is often safer for vinyl. Ask Peterson specifically about their vinyl siding experience and the pressure level they plan to use.