As spring settles in and we begin to spruce up our yards and turn focus to curb appeal, there’s a good chance your home’s exterior could benefit from a good cleaning.
In the past few years, pressure washing has gained popularity and it’s not uncommon for the average homeowner or property manager to have a big-box-store power washer at their disposal.
Before you dig the pressure washer from storage, there’s a few things you should know about removing any mold, mildew, dirt, moss or lichen.
Let’s address a few common concerns and questions before digging into our spring cleaning.
Why is it important to power wash your home? No matter the type of siding you have on your home, it’s going to last longer when properly cleaned and maintained. But beyond longevity, there’s safety considerations to take into account. If there’s mold on your home’s exterior, it’s only going to get worse and eventually will find its way into the house.
How do we know if we need a professional? Having your own power washer can be a convenient way to clean vehicles, machinery, driveways and things of that nature but when washing a house, several things should be taken into consideration. You don’t want to just blast the siding with high pressure, because that damage is irreversible and sometimes the water can get behind the siding. Discoloration is also common with a DIY approach.
Are the products in a professional wash safe for pets, plants and the environment? There are a few different ways professionals approach house washes. We personally use a biodegradable soap mixture and certainly take careful consideration of landscaping that may need covering or special care.
You mentioned not wanting to use high pressure to avoid damage, but if someone is actually looking to strip paint or stain, how does this process work?
The process here can be complex. Depending on the surface you have and the type or paint or stain that was originally used, the approach can vary. But the first step is determining what cleaning product is best for loosening the old stuff, in preparation for washing and stripping.
What can homeowners do to remove the streaks or growth from a roof? That’s usually an algae that essentially feeds from your shingles. Depending on the severity, the removal can take a couple treatments to make sure the infestation is taken care of from its roots, not just washed away from the surface only for it to return.
What’s the difference between power washing and soft washing?
Soft washing uses lower pressure and uses different soap to gently loosen the dirt and grime, which is ideal for residential jobs.
What can a homeowner expect to pay for a professional house clean? You are generally looking at 25-30 cents per square foot, of course there are exceptions to this price depending on how much or what type of buildup is present on the siding and of course what type of siding the house has.
How often should a home receive a thorough clean like this? Every other year is a good rule of thumb unless the house or garage is surrounded by trees, in which case the buildup may accumulate quicker and require a yearly cleaning.
Another important note: sometimes a homeowner may think they need to replace their siding, when actually all they need is a thorough clean. In other good news, according to the National Association of Realtors, keeping up with your home’s exterior cleaning needs can increase home value up to $15,000.