Salt, mildew, algae and chalk build up fast on Miami walls, pavers and pool decks. Washing removes them, and before a paint job it is the step that lets primer and paint bond. Pressure is matched to the surface so stucco, wood and old paint are cleaned without being damaged.
In Miami, surfaces get dirty in a particular way. Warm, wet air grows mildew and algae on shaded stucco, roof overhangs, pavers and pool decks. Salt drifts in from Biscayne Bay and the ocean and dries on walls and glass. Old paint breaks down into chalk under the sun. Power washing takes all of that off. We do it as the first step of an exterior paint job, and also as a job of its own for driveways, walkways, patios, fences and walls.
Pressure is matched to the surface. Concrete and pavers can take a strong wash. Stucco needs less, with a wide fan tip held at a distance, so the finish coat is not cut and water is not forced into cracks. Wood gets the gentlest setting. Mildew is treated with a cleaner that kills it, not just blasted, because spores left alive grow back under new paint. We wet nearby plants before and rinse them after, and we keep the spray away from door seals, vents and outdoor electrical boxes.
If the wash is for painting, drying time comes next. Stucco holds water, and paint over damp masonry can blister, so the wall is left to dry before primer goes on. Sun and breeze help, and summer humidity slows it down. A wash also shows things that dirt was hiding, such as cracks, loose paint and failed caulk, and we point them out to you. Before we arrive, please close the windows, move cars and patio furniture, and tell us where the outdoor tap is.
Power washing in Miami: common questions
Can power washing damage my stucco?
It can if the pressure is too high or the tip is held too close. That can cut the finish and push water into the wall. We use lower pressure on stucco and let the cleaner do the work on mildew.
How soon can you paint after washing?
When the wall is dry, not before. Stucco soaks up water, and drying depends on sun, wind and humidity. We check the wall before priming. In the rainy season this wait is often the part of the job that takes longest.
Why does the green or black growth come back so fast?
Shade and moisture bring it back. North walls, areas under trees and spots hit by sprinklers stay damp, and mildew returns there first. Killing it with a cleaner, trimming plants away from the wall and fixing sprinkler overspray slow it down.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.