Siding & Exterior

Pressure Washing in Salem, Oregon

Moss, algae and mildew are a fact of life in western Oregon. We wash them off siding, concrete, decks and patios without damaging the surface.

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Workers pressure washing an outdoor surface during a cleaning job near Gervais, OR

Pacific Northwest weather grows green things on everything that stays damp: the shaded side of a house, a concrete driveway, patio pavers, the boards of a deck. Algae and moss do more than look bad. They hold moisture against surfaces, make walkways slick and, over time, break down paint, sealants and wood fibers.

Pressure washing is the fastest way to reset those surfaces, but the technique matters. Concrete tolerates high pressure and a flat-surface cleaner. Wood decks need lower pressure and care to avoid raising or gouging the grain. Siding calls for gentle pressure and a downward angle so water does not get driven up behind the boards. We choose nozzle, pressure and cleaner for each surface rather than using one setting for the whole job.

Cleaning is also useful preparation. A washed wall is ready for painting, a washed deck is ready for sealing and a clean driveway shows cracks you may want to address before winter. We often pair washing with our painting, siding and deck work.

When it is time to pressure wash

Green or black growth covers north-facing siding, fences or decks
Your driveway, steps or patio have become slippery after rain
Mildew streaks or dirt film dull the color of your siding or trim
You are about to repaint, restain or seal a surface
A home sale or event is coming up and you want the exterior to look its best

How a pressure washing job goes

Walk the site and protect itWe note the surfaces, cover delicate plants and outlets and close windows and vents before we start.
Pre-treat growthCleaning solution is applied to moss, algae and mildew so it can break down the growth before rinsing.
Wash with the right pressureWe work from the top down and adjust pressure and nozzle for concrete, wood or siding.
Rinse, inspect and tidySurfaces are rinsed clean, we check for spots we missed and clear debris from walkways and beds.

What affects the price of pressure washing

Pressure washing is usually priced by the surface and the condition. These are the main drivers.

Surface areaA driveway, a full house and a small patio each involve very different square footage.

Surface typeSiding and wood need more careful, slower washing than flat concrete.

How heavy the growth isThick moss and old algae need extra treatment time.

Access and water supplySecond-story walls and hard-to-reach areas add time.

Sealing or finishing afterwardStaining a deck or sealing concrete after washing is a separate item.

Why have Frank General Contractor wash your exterior

As builders, we know which surfaces tolerate pressure and which do not
We can follow up with siding, deck or painting work if cleaning reveals damage
You get a single point of contact for the whole exterior

We pressure wash homes in Gervais, Salem and surrounding areas. After cleaning, consider exterior painting to protect the surface.

Questions about pressure washing

When is the best time of year to pressure wash in Oregon?

Spring and early fall are ideal. Moss and algae have built up over the wet months, and the weather is mild and dry enough for surfaces to dry before the next rain.

Will pressure washing damage my siding?

Not when done correctly. We use lower pressure, wash with a downward angle and stay careful around windows, vents and seams so water is not driven behind the boards.

Can you wash a deck without ruining the wood?

Yes, with moderate pressure, a fan nozzle and care for the grain. Wood decks often look best when washed and then sealed or stained soon after.

Should I pressure wash my asphalt shingle roof?

We do not recommend it. High pressure can strip granules and shorten a shingle roof's life. A gentler treatment is the better approach, and we can discuss options.

How often should I have my house washed?

Shaded or damp properties in western Oregon often benefit from washing every year or two. Sunnier properties can go longer between cleanings.