The Hidden Risks of Power Washing Before Exterior Painting: What New York & New Jersey Homeowners Need to Know About Insurance Coverage

Before repainting your home, many painters or contractors will insist on power washing. While this sounds like routine prep, it can cause water intrusion that leads to thousands of dollars in interior damage -damage most homeowners don’t expect until it’s too late.

At United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, we’ve seen this scenario play out across Long Island, NYC, Westchester, and New Jersey more often than you’d think.

Why Power Washing Can Lead to Interior Damage

High-pressure water can be forced inside your home through vulnerable areas like:

• Window frames and sills
• Door thresholds
• Gaps in siding or flashing
• Cracks in caulking or trim

Once inside, water may damage:

• Sheetrock, drywall, and insulation
• Wood floors, trim, and cabinetry
• Carpeting and underlayment
• Electrical outlets and wiring

What started as a paint prep step can suddenly become a major restoration project spearheaded by preparing and submitting a power washing damage claim.

Is Power Washing Damage Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance?

Your insurance coverage depends on how your power washing damage claim is filed and how your policy is written. There are several ways a claim can be processed.:

First-Party Claim (Through Your Homeowners Policy) 

• You file with your own insurer.
• If accepted, repairs can begin quickly.
• The insurer may later pursue recovery from the contractor’s insurance.
• Serving as your public adjusters for power washing damage claims, United Public Adjusters ensures your damages are fully documented and fairly valued.

Third-Party Claim (Against the Contractor’s Liability Insurance)

• Contractors should carry general liability insurance.
• These claims are often delayed and disputed.
• Only an attorney can negotiate or settle directly, but as Public Adjusters, we strengthen your documentation and work with counsel if needed.

What Type of Coverage Should You Look For?

 Not all policies respond equally. Homeowners should pay attention to:

• All-Risk/HO-5 Policies:  Broader protection for sudden accidental losses.
• Water Damage Endorsements: Optional add-ons that may expand coverage for water intrusion.
• Exclusions for Faulty Workmanship:  Often cited by insurers, our team can challenge unfair denials.

Why Filing Quickly Matters

Waiting to file can turn water damage into bigger problems, including:

• Mold growth behind walls
• Warped flooring and finishes
• Structural weakening

Filing first-party through your own policy typically means faster response and repairs. Partnering with United Public Adjusters & Appraisers as your public adjusters for power washing damage claims ensures we will oversee every step of the claim process, and negotiate as needed with your insurer to bring the funds you require to make repairs or rebuild. 

How United Public Adjusters & Appraisers Helps

We exclusively represent you as policyholders, not your insurance companies. For homeowners across New York and New Jersey, we:

• Review your policy and identify coverage.
• Prepare a detailed claim with professional documentation.
• Challenge denials or underpayments.
• Negotiate for the full settlement you deserve.

Homeowner Checklist: Before You Allow Power Washing

Ask your painter or contractor:

• What PSI (pressure) will you use? Is it safe for my home’s materials?
• Do you use soft washing instead of high-pressure washing?
• How will you protect windows, doors, vents, and outlets?
• Do you carry general liability insurance? Can I see your certificate?
• What’s your process if water intrusion occurs?

Power Washing Damage Claim Takeaways 

Power washing before painting may seem like a minor step, but it can lead to major water damage that insurers often challenge. If your home has been damaged after a contractor’s power washing or painting project, filing a first-party claim through your homeowners insurance is usually the fastest path to recovery. As your public adjusters for power washing damage claims, we will assist you through every step of the process. 

Contact United Public Adjusters & Appraisers, Inc. today. Serving Long Island, NYC, Westchester, Nassau, Suffolk, and New Jersey, we protect homeowners by managing your first-party insurance claims and ensuring you receive the settlement you need to restore your home.