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

Thompson's Pressure Washing handles residential and commercial cleaning across South Carolina

Thompson's Pressure Washing is a South Carolina-based company that cleans driveways, decks, siding, roofs, and commercial properties using pressure washing equipment. The company operates in multiple areas across the state and takes on both one-time jobs and seasonal maintenance contracts. Before hiring any pressure washing service, you should understand what the company does, what it costs, and what to expect during and after the work.

Like other pressure washing businesses, Thompson's uses high-pressure water spray to remove dirt, mold, algae, and stains from exterior surfaces. The equipment can reach areas that hand-scrubbing cannot, and the work typically takes a few hours depending on the size of the property and the condition of the surfaces being cleaned.

Key Takeaways

• Thompson's Pressure Washing serves residential and commercial clients across South Carolina for driveway, deck, siding, and roof cleaning.
• Pressure washing can damage certain surfaces if the water pressure is set too high, so confirm the company adjusts pressure based on what they are cleaning.
• Get a written estimate before work begins that specifies which surfaces will be cleaned and any surfaces the company will not treat.
• Most pressure washing jobs take a few hours, but the cleaned surfaces may need time to dry fully before you use them.

What surfaces Thompson's can clean

Pressure washing works well on concrete driveways, sidewalks, and patios that have accumulated dirt, mold, or algae. Wooden decks can be pressure washed, but the pressure must be lower than what is used on concrete, or the water will damage the wood fibers and leave the surface splintered or gouged. Vinyl and fiber cement siding can be cleaned with pressure washing when done at the correct pressure setting.

Roof cleaning is more specialized and carries more risk than ground-level work. Pressure washing a roof can force water under shingles or damage the shingles themselves if the pressure is too high. Many pressure washing companies use lower-pressure techniques or soft-wash methods for roofs, which apply cleaning solution and rinse gently rather than blasting with force. Before Thompson's or any company begins roof work, ask what method they use and whether they carry insurance that covers roof damage.

What to ask before you hire

Contact Thompson's Pressure Washing and describe the surfaces you want cleaned. Ask whether the company has experience with those specific materials—concrete, wood, vinyl, or roof shingles all require different pressure settings. A company that uses the same pressure on every job is more likely to cause damage.

Request a written estimate that lists which surfaces will be cleaned and which will not be treated. Some companies exclude certain areas because of risk or because those surfaces need different equipment. Ask about insurance: does Thompson's carry liability coverage in case the work damages your property or a neighbor's? Ask how long the job will take and whether you need to move vehicles, outdoor furniture, or anything else out of the way.

Clarify what happens after the work is done. Will the company remove debris and rinse away cleaning solution? How long before the surfaces are safe to walk on or use? Some pressure-washed surfaces need 24 to 48 hours to dry completely, especially wood decks.

Pressure washing and your property

Pressure washing can expose problems you did not know existed. Mold or algae on a deck or siding sometimes hides rot or damage underneath. Once the surface is cleaned, you may see cracks, soft spots, or areas where wood is deteriorating. This is useful information, but it means the cleaning itself did not cause the damage—it just revealed it. Ask Thompson's to point out any damage they notice during the job so you can address it.

The cleaned surface will look dramatically different from the surrounding area if only part of your property is washed. A driveway that has been pressure washed will be noticeably lighter than the edges that were not treated. This is normal and the color will gradually even out over time as the cleaned area weathers, or you can have the entire driveway done for a uniform result.

Cost and scheduling

Pressure washing costs vary based on the size of the area, how dirty it is, and what surfaces need cleaning. A small driveway costs less than a full house exterior or a large commercial building. Seasonal work—cleaning a deck every spring, for example—may cost less per visit than a one-time job because the company can schedule multiple properties efficiently.

Spring and early summer are busy seasons for pressure washing companies because homeowners want their properties cleaned before entertaining or before mold and algae get out of hand. If you need work done during peak season, contact Thompson's early to confirm availability. Off-season work in fall or winter may be scheduled faster and sometimes at lower rates.

After the pressure washing is done

Once Thompson's finishes, inspect the work in daylight. Look for areas that were missed, uneven cleaning, or damage to surfaces. Most companies will return to touch up missed spots at no extra charge if you call within a day or two of the work. Take photos if you notice damage so you have documentation if you need to file an insurance claim.

Keep the cleaned surfaces clear of foot traffic and vehicles for the time the company recommends—usually at least a few hours for concrete and up to 48 hours for wood. Mold and algae can return over time, especially in shaded or damp areas. Some homeowners schedule pressure washing annually or every other year to keep surfaces clean and prevent buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will pressure washing damage my deck or siding?

Pressure washing can damage wood, vinyl, and other materials if the pressure is set too high. Before hiring Thompson's or any company, ask what pressure setting they use for your specific surfaces and whether they have experience with those materials. Reputable companies adjust pressure based on what they are cleaning.

How long does it take to pressure wash a driveway?

A typical residential driveway takes one to three hours depending on its size and how dirty it is. Larger properties or heavily soiled surfaces take longer. Thompson's can give you a time estimate when you describe the job.

Can I pressure wash my roof myself?

Roof pressure washing is risky because you are working at height and high-pressure water can damage shingles or force water under them. Hiring a professional company like Thompson's is safer and more effective. If you do hire someone, confirm they use appropriate pressure and carry insurance.

How often should I have my driveway pressure washed?

This depends on your climate and how much shade your driveway gets. In humid areas where mold and algae grow quickly, annual or biennial cleaning keeps surfaces looking good. In drier climates, every two to three years may be enough. Thompson's can recommend a schedule based on your property.

What should I do if pressure washing reveals damage to my deck or siding?

Document the damage with photos and get a contractor's estimate for repairs. If the damage was caused by the pressure washing company's error, contact them immediately. If the damage was already there and the cleaning just revealed it, you will need to budget for repairs separately.