Pressure Washing / Prep Work in New Haven

Common questions about pressure washing / prep work

How much does pressure washing before painting cost in New Haven?

For a typical single-family exterior, pressure washing alone usually runs a few hundred dollars depending on square footage and how much mildew or peeling paint needs to be addressed. If it's bundled into a full paint job as prep work, it's often folded into the overall project price rather than billed separately, so ask contractors whether their quote includes washing and scraping or treats it as an add-on.

How often does a house need to be pressure washed before repainting?

Most homes need a wash and prep pass every time they're repainted, typically every 5 to 10 years for exterior paint depending on siding material and sun exposure. Homes near the water or in shaded, damp spots in New Haven tend to grow mildew faster and may need a standalone washing every year or two even between paint jobs.

What should I expect during a pressure washing and prep visit?

Expect the crew to cover or move plants and outdoor furniture, protect windows and outlets, then wash with a lower-pressure soft wash on wood siding and higher pressure on concrete or brick. After drying, they should scrape any loose or flaking paint, spot-prime bare wood, and caulk gaps or cracks before painting begins, not just rinse and leave.

How can I tell if the prep work was done well?

Run a hand over the siding once it's dry: it should feel clean, not chalky or slimy. Check that peeling edges were scraped back to a solid, feathered edge rather than painted over, that bare wood spots got primer, and that gaps around trim and windows are freshly caulked. Sloppy prep is the most common reason a new paint job starts peeling within a year or two.