When it comes to power washing, not all jobs are created equal. While cleaning a driveway or patio is relatively straightforward, tackling second-story siding, rooflines, soffits, or upper-level windows requires a whole different level of expertise — and equipment. 🧼🏠💦
If your home has multiple stories or hard-to-reach areas, hiring just any pressure washing service isn’t enough. You need a crew that knows how to handle heights safely, clean thoroughly without damaging your property, and get the job done without cutting corners. 👷♂️🪜
In this guide, we’ll walk through what to consider when hiring a power washing company for elevated or tricky exterior surfaces — and how to make sure the job gets done safely and right the first time. ✅
🔍 Why Height Changes the Game in Power Washing
While most homeowners focus on price or PSI (pressure per square inch), the real challenge in multi-story homes is access.
Cleaning upper stories and rooflines requires:
- Specialized ladders and scaffolding
- Extension wands or boom lifts
- Low-pressure techniques for delicate areas
- Fall protection equipment
- Experienced operators with training in height safety
📏 In short, it’s not just about power — it’s about precision, stability, and safety.
🏠 Common Hard-to-Reach Areas That Need Washing
Here are some parts of a property that usually require elevated access or specialized methods:
- Second- or third-story siding
- Roof shingles or tile (especially with algae or lichen)
- Gables and dormers
- Eaves, soffits, and fascia boards
- Upper-level windows
- Chimneys
- Overhangs or awnings
- Tall retaining walls
Without the right equipment, these areas often get skipped — or worse, damaged by contractors pushing the wrong methods. 🚫
🧰 What Equipment Should the Right Company Use?
Look for a power washing service that comes prepared with:
- Extension wands (up to 30 feet) for ground-based access
- Adjustable nozzles to reduce pressure at height
- Soft washing systems for fragile siding and roofs
- Stable ladders with ladder stabilizers
- Lift systems or scaffolding for very tall properties
- Fall arrest safety gear (especially on roofs)
- Rope systems or tie-downs for secure access in angled or awkward areas
💡 Bonus: Companies that use drone inspections or long-pole cameras can assess hard-to-see areas safely and thoroughly.
🧪 Why Soft Washing Matters at Height
Using high pressure on elevated surfaces, especially on roofs or vinyl siding, can be disastrous. That’s why the best companies use soft washing for upper areas. 🧴💨
Soft washing uses:
- Low-pressure water (under 500 PSI)
- Specially mixed cleaning solutions
- Long-reach applicators
- Extended dwell times for the solution to break down grime, mold, and algae
Soft washing is ideal for:
- Asphalt shingles
- Stucco
- Painted wood
- Vinyl or fiber cement siding
🌿 It’s safer, more effective, and prevents damage to sensitive surfaces.
🧑🔧 What to Ask Before Hiring
Here are key questions to ask a power washing company before they tackle your upper levels:
- “How do you access second-story or roofline areas?”
Look for answers involving proper ladders, lifts, or extension poles — not just “we’ll figure it out.” ❌ - “Do you use soft washing for roofs or delicate siding?”
They should be able to explain the method and when it’s used. - “Are your technicians trained for ladder safety and fall protection?”
Any hesitation here is a major red flag. 🚩 - “Do you carry insurance for high-access work?”
Make sure their coverage includes jobs involving ladders or elevated areas. - “Can you provide before-and-after photos for upper areas?”
If you can’t see it easily, it helps to confirm the work was done right.
📋 The Risk of Hiring an Inexperienced Crew
A general handyman or budget pressure washing service may offer low rates, but without proper training and equipment, the risks are high:
- Property damage from falling equipment or improper pressure use
- Incomplete cleaning due to lack of reach
- Voided warranties on roofing or siding from improper methods
- Injury to the technician — which could leave you liable if they’re uninsured
- Overspray hitting windows, landscaping, or even your neighbors
🚧 When heights are involved, experience and insurance matter more than ever.
💸 How Pricing May Differ
Power washing for hard-to-reach areas will often cost more than basic single-level surface cleaning. Here’s why:
- Extra labor time for setup and safe access
- Use of specialized equipment like lifts or long wands
- Added insurance and safety measures
- Slower pace due to cautious work around sensitive or vertical areas
That said, the added cost often pays for itself in quality, longevity, and peace of mind. 💵🔒
🛡️ What Insurance Should Cover
Before hiring, ask to see proof of:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation (especially if they use ladders or lifts)
- Roof access or height-specific coverage (not all policies include this)
If a contractor damages your roof or gutters — or worse, falls off it — you don’t want to be left footing the bill. 📄🚑
🧼 Final Thoughts
Hard-to-reach areas require more than a strong spray — they require planning, safety, and precision. Whether it’s a second-story window or the roofline above your garage, a quality power washing service will approach the job with the right tools, the right techniques, and the right attitude. 👷♀️🧽
Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions and demand professionalism. When your property’s height is involved, cutting corners isn’t just risky — it’s dangerous.
Choose a company that takes heights seriously, and your home will sparkle from top to bottom. ✨🏠
