House Washing
What is house washing, and when is the best time to do it?
House washing involves cleaning a home's exterior surfaces by removing mold, mildew, dirt, grime, and other contaminants like rust, efflorescence, oxidation, and soot. This process utilizes a combination of low to moderate water pressure along with specialized detergents, algaecides, acids, and surfactants to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning.
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The best time to wash your house is as soon as you notice organic material, such as green or black stains, appearing on the surfaces. In Georgia, these stains commonly appear on the north and east sides of the house or in shaded areas with little UV exposure. The east and south sides collect dirt and grime also. These stains indicate the growth of organic colonies, most commonly Gloeocapsa magma. Treating these areas with a solution of 1.5% to 2% sodium hypochlorite will instantly eradicate all blooms and spores.
Premier Exterior ensure your home looks its best by providing expert house washing services tailored to South East USA specific conditions.
How much does house washing cost?
The cost of house washing varies by region and vendor, typically ranging between $0.15 and $0.35 per square foot. Several factors influence the pricing, including the number of stories, the type and condition of surfaces, and the severity of stains and discoloration. Additional services such as gutter brightening, cleaning high chimneys, and treating trouble areas like rust, soot, efflorescence, and oxidation can also affect the cost.
Is house washing rough on my home's exterior?
When it comes to house washing, it's important to choose the right method to ensure that the surfaces are cleaned effectively without causing any damage. While high-pressure washing and soft washing are both effective methods, they require proper execution to avoid any potential harm. Soft washing, which relies on chemicals as the primary cleaning agent, is generally the preferred method for most house washing jobs.
However, certain surfaces like brick, stone, or concrete may require slightly higher pressure. In most cases, it's important to use a pressure range of 90-150 psi, never exceeding 300 psi, to avoid any damage to your home's surfaces. By using the right method with the correct strength at the right time, both high-pressure washing and soft washing can be extremely safe and effective.
What chemicals are used and will they hurt my plants?
When performed by professionals, house washing won't harm your plants. Soft washing uses chemicals like sodium hypochlorite (bleach), which requires care. At concentrations above 1.5-2%, we protect vegetation by pre-wetting, saturating roots, or covering plants with breathable barriers. Bleach neutralizers are also used before and after cleaning.
At Premier Exterior, we use sodium hypochlorite and soap. This effectively removes organic stains, while soap ensures the cleaning solution stays wet longer for a thorough clean. This combination is safe and effective when used correctly, protecting your home and landscaping.
When is Premier Exterior USA available for me?
Hey there, we are ready when you are. Our small but extremely talented team makes your home our priority. Furthermore, we are licensed and insured.
Can house washing damage the paint?
​House washing, when done correctly, will not damage paint. However, certain paints, such as Sherwin Williams Organic paint, may react to bleach. We always conduct a thorough test for any paint reactions before proceeding with our soft washing process, ensuring the safety and integrity of your home's exterior.
Driveways
What are those black streaks on my once glowing driveway and how do I get them removed?
The black staining on your driveway is caused by a bacteria called Gloeocapsa magma, which feeds on limestone and moisture, commonly found on concrete driveways. Similar to its presence on asphalt shingle roofs, colonies of this bacteria accumulate over time, creating a dark protective coating and resulting in the black appearance.
Coming soon - we effectively remove these stains by applying a coating of algaecide. This kills the bacteria, including undeveloped spores contributing to the black appearance. After allowing the algaecide to work for 5 to 15 minutes, we use our high-pressure surface cleaners to remove the stains, restoring the pristine appearance of your driveway.
What is driveway pre-treatment and post-treatment?
​Driveway pre-treatment involves applying a chemical solution before using high-pressure surface cleaners. At Premier Exterior, we determine the type of solution based on the stain and surface type. For concrete driveways in Georgia, we commonly use a mixture of algaecide with a surfactant. The algaecide eliminates organic matter, while the surfactant reduces evaporation, allowing the chemicals to adhere to the surface longer for effective cleaning.
Driveway post-treatment occurs after using high-pressure surface cleaners. We apply a chemical solution to the surface to enhance its appearance and longevity. In Georgia, a common post-treatment solution is a 2-4% mixture of water and sodium hypochlorite, which brightens concrete surfaces exposed to UV light. This not only provides a cleaner appearance but also eradicates any remaining organic spores, keeping the surface algae-free for up to 2 years, depending on environmental factors.
How much does a driveway cleaning cost and how long do the results last?
Pricing for driveway cleaning is tailored to your specific needs. We typically price most driveways by square footage. taking into account the type of surface and extent of cleaning required. For atypical driveways prices range between $.15 to $.40 per square foot. See our pricing page for more information.
As for the longevity of cleanliness, without proper post-treatment, black algae may return within a few weeks to months, depending on the time of year it was initially cleaned. However, with the appropriate post-treatment, your driveway can remain clean for up to 2 years. The duration between cleanings varies based on environmental factors.