Commercial Power Washing: Caring for Your Building’s Exterior

When was the last time you looked closely at your building’s entrance or the sidewalk leading up to it?

Dirt and grime build up gradually, making them easy to overlook when you see the same property every day. But customers, employees and visitors notice the areas they walk through, and keeping those spaces clean is part of caring for your business.

Commercial power washing can help freshen building exteriors, sidewalks and other outdoor surfaces. At Matthews’ Painting Company, we provide pressure washing services for businesses throughout Northern Indiana, with careful attention to the surface being cleaned and the property around it.

Start Where People Enter Your Business

You don’t always need to clean every exterior surface at once. Start by looking at the areas customers and employees use most.

Sidewalks, entrances and the exterior walls around doorways can collect dirt, stains and buildup. Shaded or damp areas may also develop algae, black mildew or other surface growth.

Cleaning these spaces can make the property look more welcoming. It also provides an opportunity to take a closer look at the condition of the surfaces underneath. Some marks may come off with cleaning, while peeling paint, damaged wood or deteriorating mortar may need additional attention.

The Commercial Power Washing Method Should Fit the Surface

A concrete sidewalk and painted siding shouldn’t automatically receive the same treatment.

The material, its condition and the type of buildup all help determine the appropriate cleaning method. Pressure, spray tip, distance and cleaning solution matter. Too much pressure or an unsuitable technique can leave grooves in wood, damage finishes or force water into places it shouldn’t go.

At Matthews’ Painting, our employees receive training in pressure washing setup, property protection and cleaning techniques. That includes choosing proper distance, pressure and tip size for the surface and understanding when different equipment or methods are appropriate.

Our pressure washing services cover a range of exterior surfaces, including siding, brick, concrete, sidewalks, retaining walls and pavers. During the estimate, we can discuss which areas of your commercial property need cleaning and what the work should include.

Protecting the Property Around the Work

Thorough cleaning starts with preparation.

Windows, screens, landscaping and nearby belongings need attention before washing begins. Matthews’ Painting’s process includes protecting screens, checking that windows are closed and rinsing nearby foliage before and after cleaning solution is applied.

For a commercial property, access matters, too. Before scheduling the work, discuss business hours, customer entrances, employee traffic and deliveries with your contractor.

Knowing how the property is used helps identify where work areas need to be separated from people coming and going, and whether cleaning should be completed in sections.

Power Washing Before Painting

Sometimes a building needs cleaning. Other times, washing is the first step in a larger exterior painting project.

Dirt, chalky residue, white efflorescence and surface growth need to be addressed before new paint is applied. Washing helps prepare the surface, but it doesn’t replace repairs or the rest of the preparation work. Loose paint may still need scraping, damaged areas may need repair, and surfaces must be dry enough for the selected coating.

If you’re unsure whether your building needs washing, repainting or both, that’s a useful question to bring to the estimate. Our team can assess the exterior and help you plan the next steps.

Make Exterior Cleaning Part of Your Commercial Maintenance Plan

There isn’t one cleaning schedule that fits every commercial building.

A property near a busy road may collect dirt differently from a shaded building surrounded by trees. The amount of foot traffic, exposure to weather and type of exterior material also affect where buildup appears.

Periodically checking entrances, walkways and building exteriors can help you decide when cleaning is needed. It’s easier to plan the work when you’re paying attention throughout the year rather than waiting until the property looks heavily soiled.

Schedule a Commercial Pressure Washing Estimate

Whether you need to clean the sidewalk outside your business, refresh the building exterior or prepare for painting, Matthews’ Painting can help you determine the scope of the work.

Schedule your free commercial pressure washing estimate or call 574-834-3575 to discuss your property.