Tanner's Pressure Washing: What to Know Before You Hire

What Tanner's Pressure Washing does and where to find them

Tanner's Pressure Washing is a pressure washing contractor operating in South Carolina that handles exterior cleaning for residential and commercial properties. They use high-pressure water systems to clean surfaces like driveways, decks, siding, and roofs—the standard work you'd expect from a pressure washing service in the state.

To contact Tanner's Pressure Washing or learn about their current service areas, rates, and availability, search for them by name online or check local business directories. Like most regional contractors, they may serve specific counties or cities rather than all of South Carolina, so confirming they work in your area is your first step.

Before hiring any pressure washing contractor—including Tanner's—it helps to understand what questions to ask, what to expect during the job, and how to protect your property during the process.

Key Takeaways

• Pressure washing removes dirt, mold, and algae from exterior surfaces but can damage some materials if the pressure is set too high or the operator lacks experience.
• Most contractors charge by square footage or by the job, so getting multiple quotes helps you compare pricing and understand what's included.
• Ask whether the contractor carries liability insurance and is bonded, which protects you if property damage occurs during the work.
• Pressure washing works best on concrete, brick, and metal but requires care on wood siding, stucco, and painted surfaces to avoid stripping or gouging.

Questions to ask before you hire

When you contact a pressure washing contractor, ask whether they carry liability insurance and are bonded. This matters because high-pressure water can crack windows, damage siding, or strip paint if something goes wrong. Insurance protects you if the contractor causes damage to your home or property during the job.

Ask what pressure setting they use for different surfaces. Concrete driveways can handle 3,000 to 4,000 PSI (pounds per square inch), but wood decks need 1,500 PSI or less to avoid splintering and gouging. Stucco and older brick require even lower pressure. A contractor who asks about your surfaces and adjusts pressure accordingly is more likely to do the job safely.

Confirm what's included in the price. Some contractors charge extra for treating mold or algae, moving outdoor furniture, or protecting plants and landscaping. Others include these in their base quote. Knowing upfront prevents surprises when the bill arrives.

What happens during a pressure washing job

A typical pressure washing job starts with the contractor surveying the area, identifying problem spots (heavy mold, stains, buildup), and discussing the approach with you. They'll move or protect items that could be damaged by spray—outdoor furniture, grills, air conditioning units, and delicate plants.

The actual washing takes anywhere from a few hours to a full day depending on the size of the area and how dirty it is. The contractor will work systematically across the surface, adjusting pressure and nozzle angle as needed. Runoff water will flow toward storm drains or landscaping, so they may direct it away from your foundation or garden beds.

After washing, some contractors apply a sealant or protective coating to help prevent mold and algae from returning quickly. This is optional but can extend the time between cleanings, especially in humid South Carolina summers.

Surfaces that pressure washing handles well

Concrete driveways and walkways are ideal candidates for pressure washing. Concrete is dense and can handle high pressure without damage. Pressure washing removes oil stains, dirt, algae, and mold that accumulate over time, restoring the surface's appearance.

Brick and stone also respond well to pressure washing, though older brick or mortar joints may need lower pressure to avoid erosion. Metal surfaces like aluminum siding, gutters, and metal roofs clean up effectively with pressure washing, though the contractor should avoid directing spray into seams or fasteners where water could enter.

Composite decking (plastic-wood blend) can be pressure washed but requires lower pressure than concrete—usually 1,500 to 2,000 PSI—to avoid surface damage. Always confirm the material of your deck before the contractor arrives.

Surfaces that need extra care or shouldn't be pressure washed

Wood siding and decks are vulnerable to pressure washing. High pressure can splinter wood, open grain, and create entry points for water and rot. If your home has wood siding, ask the contractor to use a lower pressure setting (under 1,500 PSI) or consider soft washing instead—a gentler method using cleaning solutions and low pressure.

Stucco is porous and can be gouged or have its protective coating stripped by pressure washing. Painted surfaces may lose paint if pressure is too high. Roof shingles can be damaged or have their protective granules removed by pressure washing, shortening their lifespan. Many roofers recommend against pressure washing asphalt shingles altogether.

Vinyl siding can be pressure washed but only at lower pressures (under 1,500 PSI) and with care around seams and trim. If you're unsure whether your home's material can handle pressure washing, ask the contractor for their recommendation before they start.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Pressure washing costs vary based on the size of the area, how dirty it is, the type of surface, and your location within South Carolina. A small driveway might cost less than a full house exterior or a large commercial building. Getting quotes from multiple contractors—including Tanner's Pressure Washing and others in your area—gives you a sense of the local market rate.

Some contractors offer package deals (for example, driveway plus patio) or seasonal discounts. Others charge more for rush jobs or for treating heavy mold and algae. Ask whether the quote includes sealant application, debris removal, or protection of landscaping, since these can add to the final cost.

Avoid contractors who quote significantly lower than others without explanation. Pressure washing is straightforward work, but extremely low prices sometimes signal inexperience, lack of insurance, or use of equipment that may damage your property.

Preparing your property before the contractor arrives

Move outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants, and decorations away from the area being washed. Close windows and doors on the side of the house being cleaned to prevent water from entering. If you have delicate plants or a garden bed near the work area, let the contractor know so they can direct spray away from it.

Turn off exterior electrical outlets and cover them if possible. Let the contractor know if there are any fragile items, recent repairs, or areas of concern—a new paint job, a cracked window, or a loose gutter. The more information they have, the more carefully they can work.

If you have pets, keep them indoors during the job. The noise and activity can stress animals, and they could be injured by high-pressure spray.

After the pressure washing is done

Once the contractor finishes, inspect the work before paying. The surface should be visibly cleaner, with mold, algae, and stains removed. If you notice damage—stripped paint, gouged wood, cracked concrete—document it with photos and discuss it with the contractor immediately.

If a sealant was applied, ask how long it takes to cure and whether you should avoid rain or foot traffic during that time. Most sealants cure within 24 to 48 hours. Keep gutters and downspouts clear so water drains properly after the cleaning.

Pressure-washed surfaces stay cleaner longer in dry climates, but South Carolina's humidity means mold and algae can return within a year or two, especially on shaded areas. Planning for periodic cleaning—every one to three years depending on your climate and the surface—keeps your property looking maintained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pressure washing damage my home?

Yes, if the pressure is too high or the operator lacks experience. High pressure can crack windows, strip paint, splinter wood, gouge stucco, and damage roof shingles. This is why asking about pressure settings and insurance before hiring matters. A contractor who adjusts pressure for each surface type minimizes risk.

How often should I have my driveway or deck pressure washed?

It depends on your climate, shade, and how much foot traffic the surface gets. In humid South Carolina, driveways and decks often need cleaning every one to two years. Shaded areas accumulate mold faster. If you apply a sealant after washing, you may extend the time between cleanings.

Is soft washing different from pressure washing?

Yes. Soft washing uses low pressure (under 500 PSI) combined with cleaning solutions to remove dirt and mold. It's gentler on delicate surfaces like wood siding, stucco, and roof shingles. Pressure washing uses higher pressure and is better for concrete and brick. Ask the contractor which method suits your surfaces.

What should I do if the contractor damages my property?

Document the damage with photos and contact the contractor immediately. If they carry liability insurance, file a claim. Get a written estimate for repairs from another contractor and provide it to the insurance company. This is why confirming insurance and bonding before hiring is important.

Can I pressure wash my home myself?

You can rent pressure washing equipment, but it requires skill to avoid damaging surfaces. Professionals know how to adjust pressure, angle the nozzle, and work safely around windows and electrical outlets. If you're inexperienced, hiring a contractor is usually safer and often costs less than renting equipment and fixing mistakes.