How to Choose a Power Washing Company in Lancaster PA

I've been washing houses, driveways, roofs, and commercial properties in Lancaster County for over a decade. Most of the damage I see from power washing was caused by another company — usually someone with a rented pressure washer and no understanding of what surfaces can handle what pressure. Here's how to hire the right way.

High Pressure Isn't Always Better

The biggest misconception in power washing is that more pressure equals more clean. It doesn't — and on the wrong surfaces, more pressure causes damage. Here's the reality:

• Concrete driveways and sidewalks: can handle high pressure (2,500–4,000 PSI) safely
• Wood decks and fencing: need medium pressure (1,000–1,500 PSI) or you'll raise grain and damage the wood surface
• Vinyl and aluminum siding: should be soft washed (under 500 PSI) — high pressure can force water behind panels and cause moisture damage inside the wall
• Roofs: never pressure wash. Soft wash only — high pressure blasts off shingle granules and voids warranties

Ask any company you're considering: "What pressure do you use on siding?" If they say "3,000 PSI" or "we use the same pressure on everything," politely end the conversation.

Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing — Know the Difference

Soft washing uses low-pressure water combined with cleaning solutions to kill algae, mold, mildew, and bacteria at the source rather than just blasting them off. For roofs and siding, soft washing is not just safer — it's more effective, because it kills the organisms causing the staining rather than just removing the surface layer. The staining comes back more slowly after a proper soft wash treatment.

A company that only offers pressure washing and doesn't mention soft washing is limited in what it can safely clean for you. Check our full power washing services to see how we approach each surface type.

Insurance Is Mandatory

High-pressure water can crack windows, damage siding seams, and force water into your walls if applied incorrectly. Make sure any company you hire carries general liability insurance — get a certificate, not just a verbal confirmation. If a technician causes damage to your property and there's no insurance, you're paying for it.

Get Specifics on What's Included

Power washing quotes vary a lot based on what's actually being done. When you get a quote, confirm:

• Is pre-treatment (cleaning solution applied before washing) included?
• Does the price include rinsing all surfaces clean or just the initial wash?
• For house washing: does it include eaves and trim, or just walls?
• For driveways: does it include the approach and edges, or just the main surface?

A low-bid company often skips pre-treatment, does a single pass, and moves on. The results look okay immediately but the mold and algae return within a few months. A proper job with pre-treatment and correct technique lasts 1–2 years longer.

Ask How They Protect Landscaping

Cleaning solutions, especially those used in roof soft washing, can damage plants and grass if not handled correctly. Ask what they do to protect your landscaping: do they wet plants before washing, cover them, or dilute runoff? A professional company has a protocol for this. A casual operator doesn't think about it until something dies.

Call us at 717-807-7599 or visit our homepage for a free estimate. We'll walk the property first, tell you exactly what method we'll use on each surface, and give you a written quote with no surprises.

Still have questions? Visit our homepage to learn more, or call us directly at 717-807-7599. We pick up.