Pressure Washing, Gutter Cleaning, Gutter Guards & Exterior Maintenance — California Edition
Pressure-washing PSI must match the surface (concrete 3000, wood 1200). Pre-treat with detergent before pressure washing. California gutters need cleaning twice a year, more if you have oaks or pines. Stainless micro-mesh gutter guards last 20+ years. Re-stain decks every 2 years.
California's marine air, oak leaves, pine needles, and Santa Ana winds create a unique exterior maintenance schedule. Skip these for a year and you start losing curb appeal.
Pressure Washing — PSI by Surface
The mistake amateurs make: same pressure on every surface. The right approach:
- Concrete (driveway, patio) — 2,500-3,000 PSI, 25° tip
- Wood (deck, fence) — 1,200-1,500 PSI, 40° tip, work with the grain
- Vinyl siding — 1,500 PSI max, 40° tip
- Stucco — 1,500 PSI, soft wash with detergent first
Wood at 3,000 PSI etches the wood. Stucco at 3,000 PSI strips the finish.
Pre-Treat Before Pressure Washing
The pressure does not actually do most of the cleaning — the detergent does. Pre-treat with Krud Kutter, let it sit 5-10 minutes, then pressure wash.
Gutter Cleaning — Twice a Year, Minimum
California schedule:
- Late spring (after spring blooms drop) — clear bloom debris before summer fire season
- Late fall (after leaves drop) — clear leaves before winter rains
Homes with oaks or pines may need cleaning 3-4 times a year.
Gutter Guards — Worth the Money on Tree-Lined Lots
Stainless steel micro-mesh gutter guards keep oak leaves and pine needles out while letting water flow. Foam guards collapse, plastic guards crack in UV — only stainless mesh lasts 20+ years.
Cost: $5-$8 per linear foot installed. Pays back versus 2x annual gutter cleaning over about 4-5 years.
Deck and Fence Staining — California Sun Edition
California UV destroys unprotected wood. Re-stain decks every 2 years and fences every 3-4 years. Thompson's WaterSeal is UV-resistant and applies in one coat.
Graffiti Removal — Speed Matters
Graffiti is much easier to remove in the first 48 hours. After a week, it has cured into the surface and may need pressure washing + degreaser + repainting.
What We Charge
Our exterior service: driveway pressure washing $200+, patio $175+, fence $150+, gutter cleaning $199+ (1-story), gutter guard installation $5-$8/linear ft, graffiti removal $150+, deck repair $299+, fence repair $249+.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pressure washing cost?
Driveway $200+, patio $175+, fence $150+. Adjust based on square footage and stains.
Are gutter guards worth it?
Yes for tree-lined lots. Pays back vs annual cleaning in 4-5 years and they last 20+.
How often should I clean gutters?
Twice a year minimum — late spring and late fall. More if you have oaks or pines.
Can I pressure wash a wood deck?
Yes — 1,200-1,500 PSI max with a 40° tip, working with the grain. Stain or seal within 30 days after washing.
Tools & Products We Use on Every Job
Winter guides from our crews
What to buy for holiday lights, heat, hot water and rain season, written by the California installers who put it in.
- Gutter Guards Before Rain Season
- Rain-Season Drainage
- Permanent vs Plug-In Lights
- Lights Tripping the GFCI?
- Smart Thermostats That Fit
- Tankless vs Tank in Winter
- Safe Space Heaters
- Garage Heater Guide
- Weatherstripping and Door Sweeps
- Heated Bathroom Upgrades
Get it installed
