Stinson's Power Washing: What to Know Before You Hire

Stinson's Power Washing is a local South Carolina pressure washing company serving residential and commercial properties

Stinson's Power Washing operates as an independent contractor offering pressure washing services across South Carolina. The company handles exterior cleaning for homes and businesses—driveways, decks, siding, roofs, and commercial storefronts. Like other pressure washing providers, they use high-pressure water systems to remove dirt, mold, algae, and weathered buildup from surfaces.

Before hiring any pressure washing service, you should understand what the work involves, what it costs in your area, and what questions to ask. This guide covers what to expect from the pressure washing process and how to evaluate whether a particular company is the right fit for your project.

Key Takeaways

• Pressure washing removes built-up dirt and mold from exterior surfaces using high-pressure water, and different surfaces require different pressure levels to avoid damage.
• Get written estimates from multiple companies before hiring, and ask whether they carry liability insurance and what surfaces they will and will not pressure wash.
• Pressure washing can damage wood siding, certain roofing materials, and painted surfaces if the pressure is too high, so clarify what preparation and protection the company will do.
• Most pressure washing jobs in South Carolina take one to three days depending on property size and surface condition, and prices vary widely based on square footage and difficulty.

What pressure washing actually does to different surfaces

Pressure washing works by forcing water at high speed onto a surface to strip away dirt, mold, and algae. The pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), and different materials need different pressures. Concrete and asphalt can handle 3,000 to 4,000 PSI. Wood decks and siding typically need 1,500 to 2,500 PSI to clean without splintering or gouging. Vinyl siding and painted surfaces need even lower pressure—often under 1,500 PSI—or the water can force itself behind the material and cause damage.

South Carolina's humid climate means mold and algae grow quickly on exterior surfaces, especially on north-facing sides of homes and under tree cover. Pressure washing removes these growths, but the buildup often returns within a few years if the underlying moisture problem persists. Some companies offer follow-up treatments with algaecide or mold inhibitors, which can slow regrowth but are not permanent solutions.

Roofs are a common pressure washing target, but they are also high-risk. Asphalt shingles can be damaged by pressure washing, and the force can dislodge granules that protect the shingles from UV damage. If you want your roof cleaned, ask specifically whether the company uses low-pressure soft washing instead of traditional pressure washing, and whether they carry insurance that covers roof work.

Questions to ask before you hire

Request a written estimate that specifies what surfaces will be cleaned, what pressure will be used, and whether any preparation or protection is included. Ask whether the company carries liability insurance—this matters because pressure washing can damage windows, landscaping, outdoor electrical outlets, and siding if done incorrectly. A company with insurance will cover accidental damage; one without it will not.

Ask what surfaces the company will not pressure wash. Reputable companies will decline to pressure wash certain materials or situations—for example, some will not pressure wash wood siding at all, or will not work on roofs. If a company says they will pressure wash anything at any pressure, that is a warning sign.

Clarify what happens to landscaping, outdoor furniture, and anything else near the work area. Will they move it, cover it, or assume you will? Ask whether they will protect windows, outdoor outlets, and air conditioning units. Find out whether they will seal or treat the surface afterward, and if so, what that costs and how long it lasts.

Comparing pressure washing companies in your area

Pressure washing prices in South Carolina vary based on property size, surface type, and how dirty the surfaces are. A small residential driveway might cost $150 to $300, while a full house exterior could run $400 to $1,000 or more. Commercial properties and heavily soiled surfaces cost more. Get estimates from at least two or three companies so you can compare price, insurance status, and what each one includes.

Check whether the company has been in business locally for several years and whether they have online reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau. Read reviews for mentions of damage, incomplete work, or pressure that was too high. Ask for references from recent residential or commercial jobs similar to yours.

Some companies offer package deals—for example, driveway plus deck plus house siding at a discount compared to pricing each separately. Others charge by the hour or by square footage. Understand which pricing model applies to your job before you commit.

What to expect on the day of service

Most pressure washing jobs take one to three days depending on how much area needs cleaning and how soiled the surfaces are. The company should arrive with their equipment, set up water supply (usually from a truck-mounted tank or a connection to your outdoor spigot), and begin work. They will typically start with lower-pressure areas and move to higher-pressure work as they go.

During the work, stay inside or keep a distance from the work area. Pressure washing can kick up debris, and the noise is loud. If you have pets or small children, keep them indoors. Ask the company how long the surfaces will take to dry—most take a few hours to a day, depending on weather and surface type.

After the work is done, inspect the results before the crew leaves. If you see damage, incomplete cleaning, or areas that do not match what was promised, point it out immediately. Get the company's policy on touch-ups or corrections in writing before they leave.

When pressure washing is not the right choice

Pressure washing is not suitable for all exterior cleaning jobs. Delicate surfaces like old brick, natural stone, or wood that is already splintered or rotted can be damaged by pressure washing. Some painted surfaces will have the paint stripped away. Moss-covered roofs and heavily weathered wood siding sometimes need soft washing (low-pressure water with cleaning solution) instead of traditional pressure washing.

If your home has old lead paint on the exterior, pressure washing can create lead dust, which is a health hazard. In that case, you should hire a company that specializes in lead-safe practices or consider a different cleaning method altogether. Ask the company whether they are trained in lead-safe work if your home was built before 1978.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will pressure washing damage my siding or deck?

It can if the pressure is too high or if the surface is not suitable for pressure washing. Wood siding and decks need lower pressure (1,500 to 2,500 PSI) to avoid splintering and gouging. Vinyl siding can be damaged if water forces behind the panels. Ask the company what pressure they will use on each surface and whether they have experience with your specific material.

How often should I pressure wash my driveway or house?

That depends on your climate, tree cover, and how quickly dirt and mold return. In South Carolina's humid environment, many homeowners pressure wash driveways every one to two years and house exteriors every two to three years. If mold returns quickly, the underlying moisture problem may need attention beyond pressure washing.

What should I do to prepare for pressure washing?

Move outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations away from the work area. Close windows and doors. Bring in or cover anything that could be damaged by water spray. If you have outdoor electrical outlets or air conditioning units, let the company know so they can protect them. Ask the company what else they recommend for your specific property.

Is pressure washing better than hiring someone to hand-scrub surfaces?

Pressure washing is faster and covers large areas more efficiently than hand-scrubbing. However, it is riskier for delicate surfaces. For heavily soiled concrete or large commercial properties, pressure washing usually makes sense. For old wood, delicate brick, or small areas, hand-scrubbing or soft washing may be safer and produce better results.

Do I need to seal my driveway or deck after pressure washing?

Pressure washing removes the top layer of dirt and old sealant, which can leave the surface more porous and vulnerable to staining and weathering. Many homeowners seal driveways and decks after pressure washing to protect them. Ask the company whether they recommend sealing for your surface type and whether they offer that service.