March 19, 2026

Every spring, Long Island homeowners power wash their houses, decks, and driveways. Done right, it's one of the best curb-appeal wins for the money. Done wrong, it causes thousands in damage. ## When to power wash - **House exterior:** once a year, spring or early summer - **Deck:** every 1-2 years, before resealing - **Driveway and walkways:** once a year - **Roof (soft-wash only):** every 3-5 years for algae/moss ## Cost ranges on Long Island - **House wash** (2,000 sq ft home): **$250 – $500** - **Deck cleaning:** **$150 – $400** - **Driveway cleaning:** **$100 – $250** - **Roof soft-wash:** **$400 – $800** - **Full exterior package** (house + walkways + driveway): **$500 – $900** ## What a good pro will do - Use a **soft wash** (low pressure + cleaning solution) on siding and roofs - Use **high pressure** only on hard surfaces: concrete, brick, stone - Mix the solution for your surface — bleach mix for algae, degreaser for oil stains - Cover plants and landscaping with tarps or water them first - Avoid spraying directly into electrical outlets, window seams, or under siding ## What to avoid - **DIY high-pressure on vinyl siding** — can force water behind the panels into your insulation - **Pressure washing wood decks** — raises the grain and shreds soft wood - **Pressure washing your roof** — strips granules off asphalt shingles and voids warranty - **Overusing bleach** — kills plants and fades fabric awnings ## Red flags in quotes - Under $150 for a full house → usually means rushed, high-pressure hacks - "We use only pressure, no chemicals" → chemicals are what actually kill mold and algae - No insurance proof → they damage your property, you pay --- [Find a vetted powerwasher near you →](/power-washing)

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