Keeping the exterior of your property clean is essential not only for aesthetics and property value but also for maintaining the structural integrity and longevity of your home or business. In this ultimate guide to exterior cleaning services, we will explore various methods and services available to keep your property looking its best. From exterior soft washing to roof cleaning and gutter maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover how each service can benefit your property and keep it in top-notch condition.
Table of Contents
Exterior Soft Washing
Soft washing is a gentle yet effective cleaning method used to remove dirt, mould, mildew, and algae from surfaces without causing damage. Unlike power washing, soft washing uses low-pressure water in a wide, soft fan combined with specialised cleaning solutions to safely and gently clean siding, roofs, joinery, and more.
A standard exterior house cleaning service will typically involve the soft washing of all exterior walls from gutter to ground, including gutter exteriors, spouting, downpipes, eaves/soffits, entrance alcoves, joinery, and the base of the house.
Roof Cleaning and Treatments
Roof cleaning and/or treatments are crucial for maintaining the health of your roof and extending its lifespan. Over time, roofs can accumulate moss, algae, and debris, which can cause damage if not addressed, leading to leaks, structural damage, and costly repairs.
Roof Washing
An instant-results roof wash involves the same method as a standard exterior soft wash. This involves applying specialised cleaning solutions and washing the surfaces with low-pressure water to remove debris, moss, algae, and other visible grime and instantly restore the roof’s appearance.
Roof Treatment
As an alternative to roof washing, some roofs may be eligible for roof treatment, depending on access, the material of the roof, and the level of cleaning necessary. Roof treatment involves spraying the roof’s surface with a specially formulated product designed to kill moss, mould, and lichen. Over the next twelve months, the weather gradually breaks down and washes or blows away the dead debris, leaving the roof looking fresh and clean, with results expected to show from about six months after application.
Gutter Cleaning and Protection
Gutter cleaning is essential to protect your property from water damage. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, damaging your roof, siding, and foundation. Gutters made from metal may also be prone to rust if not adequately maintained, leading to expensive repair bills.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning involves removing debris by hand where necessary and flushing out gutters with low-pressure water to ensure that it can flow freely. Occasionally, it may be necessary to run a drain snake through the downpipes to clear any blockages or debris.
Gutter Protection
As an additional measure to protect your gutters from becoming bogged down with debris—especially on properties with well-established trees and wildlife shedding leaves and leavings onto your roof and into your gutters—it may be possible to install gutter protection foam. This foam prevents the build-up of debris while allowing rainwater to flow unhindered through gutters and downpipes.
Exterior Spider Treatments
Applying a spider treatment to your exterior can help control spider populations around your property. Spiders can be a nuisance and their webs can make your home look unkempt. A certified pest-control technician can apply an insecticide with no detectable odour and low toxicity that won’t leave stains or visible residue on your exterior walls and is guaranteed to keep your exterior spiderweb-free for six months.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is a powerful and effective method for cleaning hard surfaces such as driveways, pathways, patios, other concrete or stone areas, and raw timber decks and fences (without causing splitting or furring). It effectively and easily removes stains, dirt, and grime with the aid of specialised cleaning solutions to ensure a spotless finish.
Decks, driveways, and other such surfaces can accumulate algae and mildew, making them slippery when wet and creating a safety hazard. Getting these surfaces washed—ideally before winter!—ensures that there won’t be any unintentional skating accidents on your property.
Exterior Window Cleaning
Exterior window cleaning ensures that your windows are crystal-clear and streak-free, enhancing both your outlook and the overall appearance of the building. Windows are washed with cleaning solutions and a sheepskin and a rubber-blade squeegee or an extendable soft brush and hose, dependent on height and access. For the best results, make sure to clean them from the inside, too!
Pre-Paint Cleaning
Pre-paint cleaning is a critical step in preparing exterior surfaces for painting. It ensures the surface is free of dirt, mould, and peeling paint, which helps new paint adhere better and last longer. Pre-paint cleaning involves washing exterior walls with medium-to-high-pressure water with the aid of specialised cleaning solutions. The aim is not just to clean the walls of dirt and grime but to blast away as much old, flaky paint as possible. Note that this does not eliminate the need for sanding and scraping, but does provide you with a nice, clean surface to work with.
Steam Cleaning and Hot Washing
For eligible properties, cleaning methods such as steam cleaning and hot washing are environmentally friendly methods that can effectively clean exterior surfaces without the use of cleaning solutions. This is especially for beneficial for properties near natural waterways such as creeks, lakes, or ponds, as cleaning with nothing but hot water avoids chemical runoff into the environment.
The heat from steam or hot water helps to loosen dirt more easily than cold water without the aid of cleaning agents and can also efficiently be used to remove grease, making it an excellent choice for cleaning carports, garage or workshop floors, or any other exterior surfaces prone to accumulating oil and grease.
Commercial and Body Corporate Cleaning
Commercial and body corporate properties often differ from residential properties in terms of height and access, necessitating the use of EWP (Elevated Work Platform) equipment such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, and cherry pickers. Commercial structures including shop fronts and signage are just as prone to accumulating dirt and grime with time and exposure as any other exterior fitting, hence making regular cleaning essential to create the best impression for potential clients and customers. Similarly, maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of body corporate buildings such as townhouses and apartment complexes is important for property value and keeping a clean, pleasant environment.
Conclusion
Regular exterior cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your property but also protects it from potential damage. Whether your property requires soft washing, roof cleaning, or pressure washing, there are various services available to meet your needs. By choosing a professional, reputable, and qualified exterior cleaning service such as The House & Building Wash Company, you can ensure that your property remains in pristine condition, adding value and curb appeal and saving you money on repairs in the long term.
For all your exterior cleaning needs, consider getting in touch with us to help maintain and protect the appearance and integrity of your home or business. Remember, a well-maintained exterior reflects pride in ownership and creates a welcoming environment for residents, guests, employees, and clients alike!
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