House Washing Services
Blue Wave Exterior Cleaning
Blue Wave Exterior Cleaning
Here in the Niagara Region we're lucky to be surrounded by water, but our damp climate means that houses often grow algae, moss, or lichen. If your walls are turning green, we can help!
How it Works: House washing, when done correctly, involves cleaning the fragile materials on the outside of your home (like siding, stucco, and gutters) using gentle but effective softwashing techniques to remove dirt and organic growth. Our softwashing process is different from pressure washing because it relies on special chemicals/soaps used alongside water that is applied at very high flow but fairly low pressure. Pressure washing is great for tough materials like concrete and pavers, but will damage softer materials such as siding.
Safe and Low Pressure: Did you know that applying high pressure to your house's siding can seriously damage it? While a handyman with a simple pressure washing setup might just point a jet of high pressure water at your delicate building materials, we have the tools and knowledge to keep your home safe, including special softwashing machines that put out a maximum pressure that is less than one tenth of what a pressure washer produces.
When you should get a house wash: You should request a house wash once you start to notice parts of your siding/stucco turning green, developing dark streaks, or accumulating brown-orange buildup under overhangs. Alternatively, you can opt for an annual or semi-annual cleaning so that those issues don't develop in the first place.
Summary: Blue Wave Exterior Cleaning Inc. offers house washing (also known as siding washing or softwashing) in St.Catharines, Pelham, Fort Erie, and throughout the Niagara region. Softwashing a house is a gentle process that removes organic growth like algae (green patches) and dirt through the use of low pressure chemical application instead, which is different from pressure washing.
FAQ
Algae & Organic Growth: Instead of just cleaning off organic growth, we kill it using algicide so that lingering spores don't immediately regrow. While this doesn't totally prevent eventual regrowth, it slows down the process.
Dirt and Grime: Our process lifts buildup without damaging underlying surfaces.
Rust and Fallout: The siding under your roof or other overhang can accumulate to yellow/brown deposits we refer to as "fallout". These are effectively removed using rust removal techniques (please request these as they are not included in a normal house wash.
Are there limitations to House Washing?
Yes: Here at Blue Wave we believe in transparency and honesty, so we always attempt to give customers an idea of what can and cannot be safely cleaned. Some issues caused by paint, chemicals, adhesives, physical damage, or degrading building materials are beyond the scope of our services and may require the siding to be replaced. If in doubt, feel free to ask.
Siding
Stucco
Fascia
Gutters (Just the Outside)
Shutters
Window Frames
Some components of a home would fall under one of our other services, including window panes/screens, brick (unless requested), roofs, decks, and anything made of unpainted wood.
Here at Blue Wave we love DIY home maintenance, in fact, we have an entire section of our webpage dedicated to it. That being said, without the proper training and equipment, your home could get damaged. Also remember that not all house washing companies are the same (these days it's pretty easy for a part time handyman to put together a webpage) so be conscious of these issues that could arise:
Disturbing Oxidation: Using excessive pressure, as one is likely to do if using a normal pressure washer as opposed to a softwashing system, can partially remove oxidation from both metal and vinyl siding. This results in stripes, spots, or blotchyness. Oxidation can be found in some quantity on almost all siding that is more than a few years old. Want to see for yourself if your siding has oxidation? just run a finger along it. If your finger is left covered in a light coloured dust, it's probably oxidation.
Damaging Siding: In addition to disturbing oxidation, applying too much pressure can also physically damage many components of a house like siding and stucco, which can crack or flake.
Killing Plants: If you avoid the mistake of using a pressure washer and opt for a chemically based DIY cleaning, you'll need to be sure of what chemicals to use, how much to dilute them, what to mix them with, how much to apply, and how long to leave it on for. Chlorine, for example is often used at low concentrations (and mixed with soap) to safely clean siding, but used in the wrong concentrations, it can kill your grass or plants.
Stripping Paint/Finish: Other chemicals can wreak havoc on your painted or finished surfaces. For example some products marketed at rust remover or gutter brightener can eat through paint if used incorrectly.
Injuries from Working at Heights: Ladders are the number one cause of workplace injuries. We have the right equipment and know how to do most of the work from the ground, but on your own, you may be exposing yourself to unnecessary danger
Feel like trying it yourself? Check out our DIY page, which includes articles on Rust Removal and Cleaning with Chlorine.
House washing pairs well with window cleaning and pressure washing of patios or driveways.
Call today at (647) 212-6460 for a free no obligation quote.