CHESTER COUNTY, PA - November 5, 2026 - Water Boy Soft Wash, an exterior cleaning company serving Chester County, is sharing U.S. Census Bureau building permit figures for the county, along with practical guidance for homeowners deciding how to clean siding, roofs, decks and patios without damaging them.
For this comparison, Water Boy Soft Wash used the Census Bureau's 2024 and 2025 annual county files from the Building Permits Survey, a tally of new privately owned housing units approved by local permit offices.
New Homes Authorized in Chester County
Chester County authorized 1,082 new single-family homes in 2025, with a reported construction value of about $342 million. In 2024 the county authorized 1,187 single-family homes valued at about $382 million, so the 2025 count was roughly 9 percent lower.
Including all building types, the county authorized 1,400 new housing units in 2025, compared with 1,529 the year before. Buildings with five or more units accounted for 304 units in 2025 and 315 in 2024.
Because the files track approvals, a home counted for 2025 may still be under construction.
Soft Washing, Pressure Washing and Power Washing
The terms are often used interchangeably, but the methods differ. Pressure washing uses high-pressure water at regular temperature. Power washing also uses heated water, which makes it better for tough stains on driveways and decks. Soft washing uses low-pressure water and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to remove mold, algae and dirt from delicate surfaces. Water Boy uses soft washing on roofs to remove moss, algae and debris from shingles and tiles.
Surfaces That Need Extra Care
According to the company's website, painted surfaces, aged wood, soft stone such as sandstone, and older brickwork or mortar can be damaged by high-pressure water, since pressure can strip paint, chip stone and weaken older materials. For these areas the company recommends gentler methods, and it chooses a method for each project after looking at the property. Doing the job with a rented machine is possible, but pressure washers are powerful and can cause injury or property damage when used incorrectly.
How Often to Clean
Water Boy generally recommends pressure or soft washing most homes once every one to two years. Regular cleaning keeps dirt, mildew and other contaminants from building up and causing long-term damage. The right frequency depends on the surrounding environment, weather exposure and the surface itself. Pricing depends on the size of the area, the surface and the level of cleaning needed, so the company quotes each job individually.
Decks, Patios and Fences
For decks, the company removes dirt, grime and mildew from wood and composite surfaces and can follow with staining. On paver patios, it can re-sand the joints after washing to help stabilize the pavers and reduce weeds. Fence cleaning removes dirt, mold and mildew from wood and vinyl fences and prepares them for painting or staining.
About Water Boy Soft Wash
Water Boy Soft Wash is a soft washing and pressure washing company in Chester County, Pennsylvania, whose service area includes West Chester, Downingtown and Coatesville. It cleans houses, roofs, concrete, decks, patios, fences and exterior windows and stains decks for homes and businesses.
Media Contact
Water Boy Soft Wash
Chester County, PA
(610) 812-7378
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, annual county files, 2025 and 2024: https://www2.census.gov/econ/bps/County/co2025a.txt and https://www2.census.gov/econ/bps/County/co2024a.txt
Media Contact
Company Name: Water Boy Soft Wash
Contact Person: Matthew D Nelms
Email:Send Email
Phone: 610-812-7378
City: Oxford
State: PA
Country: United States
Website: https://waterboysoftwash.com
