Before You Hire a Power Washing Company: Protect Your Property and Your Wallet

Nothing freshens up a home or business quite like a good cleaning. Siding, concrete, decks, fences, and patios can all benefit from professional power washing when it’s done correctly.

Unfortunately, high-pressure water can cause costly damage when used improperly. Just as importantly, many people advertising power washing services don’t have the experience or insurance needed to protect your property.

At Frost Insurance, we’ve seen homeowners file claims after inexperienced contractors damaged roofs, siding, campers, and other property. In many cases, hiring an experienced, insured professional—or avoiding pressure washing altogether on certain surfaces—would have prevented the damage.

1. Not Everything Should Be Power Washed

High-pressure water can remove dirt—but it can also remove shingles, paint, protective coatings, sealants, and even structural materials.

Asphalt Roofs

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is allowing someone to power wash an asphalt shingle roof.

Pressure washing can:

1. Strip away the protective granules that shield shingles from UV damage.
2. Shorten the life expectancy of the roof.
3. Void manufacturer warranties.
4. Force water underneath shingles, leading to leaks and mold.

Many professional roof cleaners use a soft washing process instead. Soft washing relies on specialized cleaning solutions and low-pressure water to remove algae, moss, and stains without damaging the shingles.

2. Campers and RVs Require Special Care

Many people assume an RV or camper is just a vehicle with bigger sides. It’s not.

Improper pressure washing can:

1. Force water into roof seams.
2. Damage rubber or TPO roofing membranes.
3. Destroy caulking around vents and windows.
4. Damage decals and graphics.
5. Lead to expensive water intrusion that may not show up until months later.

A quality RV detailer understands which cleaners and water pressures are appropriate for different materials.

3. Other Surfaces That Can Be Damaged

Pressure washing can also damage:

1. Wood decks and fences by gouging or splintering the wood.
2. Older brick and mortar by washing away mortar joints.
3. Painted surfaces by stripping paint.
4. Windows and window seals by forcing water into the home.
5. Outdoor electrical fixtures.
6. Delicate landscaping.

Just because dirt comes off doesn’t mean the surface is being cleaned safely.

4. The Cheapest Bid Can Become the Most Expensive

Every spring and summer, high school students and seasonal entrepreneurs advertise power washing services. Many work hard and have good intentions.

However, good intentions don’t pay for damaged property.

Before hiring anyone, ask yourself:

1. How much experience do they have?
2. Do they know the correct pressure for different materials?
3. Are they using commercial-grade equipment?
4. Do they understand soft washing versus pressure washing?
5. Have they completed similar projects successfully?

The lowest price often comes with the least experience.

5. Are They Actually Insured?

This may be the most important question of all.

If a contractor damages your home—or worse, someone is injured—insurance becomes incredibly important.

Ask for proof of:

General Liability Insurance

This helps protect you if the contractor accidentally damages your property.

Examples include:

1. Damaging siding
2. Breaking windows
3. Flooding an interior wall
4. Damaging landscaping
5. Causing roof damage

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If the company has employees, Workers’ Compensation protects against employee injuries.

Without proper coverage, injured workers may attempt to recover damages from the property owner under certain circumstances.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If heavy equipment or trailers are involved, commercial auto coverage is another sign you’re working with a legitimate business.

6. Ask for a Certificate of Insurance

Don’t simply accept the words, “Yeah, we’re insured.”

Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI).

A reputable contractor should have no problem providing one. The certificate should show:

1. Current coverage dates
2. Insurance company
3. Coverage limits
4. Business name matching the contractor you’ve hired

If they hesitate, that’s a red flag.

7. A Few Minutes of Research Can Save Thousands

Before hiring someone:

1. Read online reviews.
2. Ask how long they’ve been in business.
3. Request references.
4. Verify they’re insured.
5. Ask whether they’ll be power washing or soft washing.
6. Make sure they understand the specific materials they’re cleaning.

Protect Your Property Before the Water Starts

Power washing can dramatically improve the appearance of your home or business—but only when done correctly.

Hiring an experienced, insured contractor protects your investment and reduces the risk of costly damage.

If you’re unsure whether your homeowners or commercial insurance policy covers contractor-caused damage—or if you’re a contractor who wants to confirm that your liability coverage adequately protects your business—Frost Insurance can help.

Our experienced team will review your coverage, explain any potential gaps, and help you secure the protection you need before an accident occurs.

To learn more about how proactive risk management and personalized advice can protect what matters most, contact Frost Insurance Agency.  Call us at 419-592-4476, email frost@frostins.com, or click here to start a conversation about your risks and goals.

Prefer a face-to-face review? Visit one of our four convenient locations in Archbold, Napoleon, Holgate, or Whitehouse — and let’s build a protection plan, not just a policy.