Shingles on many homes are now showing streaky, black stains for the first time.  This roofing problem has escalated over the years and appears out of the blue on the roof.  The streaking is caused by roof algae overtaking the shingles.  Algae feeds on some of the components of shingles which are more widely used than they were in the past.

Moss is a plant that grows really well in moist cool areas.  There are many different species of moss, all require a damp environment grow in because they do not have any root system to secure water.  Moss typically starts growing on the edge of shingles and if left unchecked it will push up the shingles causing them to become ineffective.

Lichen are a tough symbiotic organism made up of two partners, typically an algae and a fungus.  Lichen on a roof can be killed, but not rinsed off.  Lichen have feet that grow into the shingle and while the lichen is killed the feet shrink, but utilizing high-pressure to blow of the lichen can cause damage to a roof.  Instead, the feet are allowed to shrink in the sun then the dried portion of lichen will rinse off with the rain.  This process can take a few months.

Mildew is a fungus which grows on dirty, moist, warm, shaded surfaces.  It looks like spots of dirt but won't wash off with soap and water.  It is especially important to kill this fungus and remove it before restaining or repainting siding or trim.  Every house is treated with mildewcide as the first step in our washing process as even when you can't see it, mildew can exist.

Oxidizatio is a natural process usually effecting most painted surfaces.  Typically, it is more prevelant on the sunny or south exposure of a home or building. Some paints are even designed to chalk as a 'self cleaning' feature but regardless of the intent it appears unsightly as the color of your house changes and fades.  Our specially formulated detergent is designed to break the oxidation down and allow us to rinse it away when we use high-pressure.

Concrete discolors mostly either from sun bleaching or from wear. Concrete is made from a combination of lime cement, sand, and gravel or stone. Concrete is porous, and the pores collect dirt and grime, which is the main reason why concrete gets dingy.  While not all concrete cleans to the same level, as all concrete is made of different base materials, all concrete can be brightened up when the discoloration is due to dirt and grime.  Concrete is often overlooked as it gets darker gradually, but it's amazing what a freshly cleaned walkway, patio or pool apron can do to brighten up your home's overall look.

Moss often appears on hard surfaces in shady and moist environments. Moss requires moisture to grow and reproduce. Under the right conditions, moss can spread quickly to take over a patio surface. On a patio that has not received ongoing maintenance and cleaning, moss may develop and spread. It’s common for moss to grow over a patio surface where other organic matter exists, like leaves and weeds. Moss may also develop along the sand or material between paving stones.  We can clean your pavers and patios, rejuvenating your home's look.  If there is sand between the pavers, that is going to be removed as well, but it is easily replaced and the new sand will set off the look of the freshly cleaned pavers.

What's all that black on your gutters? Airborne ground dirt, algae, leaf debris breakdown, emissions, trees, you name it, and your gutters attract it. They can be the most stubborn surface we clean.  The black stripes that you see are referred to as "tiger stripes". They are caused on the outer surface by electrostatic bonding. When natural moisture overflows, rain or dew, it causes particles from the petroleum component in your shingles to stain the front part of the gutter. Tiger stripes are also exacerbated by airborne emissions and dirt. Algae, mold, and mildew are also often times present.  Neglecting your gutters surface can result in oxidation; oxidation is breakdown of your gutters protective finish, which can cause cleaning solutions or even light brushing to actually remove the paint that the original finish intended to protect.

When selling your home curb appeal is KEY.  Make your home attractive to buyers with minimal cost and time invested by having it freshly washed.  While you're at, it brighten up any concrete surfaces and/or wooden decking.  A good cleaning can take years off your home's 'face' and convert drive-by viewer into showings of serious interest.

Artillery fungus, also called shotgun fungus or Sphaerobolus Stellus, usually originates in wood-chip mulch that is used around shrubs, flower and other plants.  Wet, rotting mulch breeds small mushrooms that shoot off spores for distances of up to 20 feet.  The spores, which are sometimes mistaken for insect waste or bits of tar, cling tenaciously to surfaces such as housing siding. Artillery fungus cannot be removed by cleaning and is more visible after a home is cleaned.

Some homes have white dots in a uniform line down their siding.  This is caused by thermal bridging.  If the siding is leaking air from the warm humid interior along separations between the studs there is some potential for both heat & moisture striping corresponding to the studs.  Nails respond to this extra heat and moisture and can cause discoloration in siding.   Thermal bridging cannot be removed by cleaning and is sometimes more visible after a home is cleaned.