Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Pressure Washing in Elkhart and Other Indiana Cities

When you are looking for a quality company for pressure washing Elkhart, you may not have to look too hard. If you were to search for pressure washing Elkhart you will find a company with quality service. All of your pressure washing needs can be taken care of from one company. They have many years of experience and have great reviews from past customers.

This pressure washing Elkhart company is local and cares about doing a good job and completing their jobs in a timely manner. They offer free estimates and written references. There is more to having a thriving company than just having good service. You will be sure that they will do a fantastic job on whatever you hire them to do, but you can also be sure that they will be respectful of any plants other vegetation while they are working.

Quality service, respect and professional staff are what you can count on when you hire the best pressure washing Elkhart company. They are not limited to their pressure washers either. This pressure washing Indiana company will do total deck restoration. They will clean your deck and add a quality sealer also. There is so much this company can do for you.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

How Often Does a House Need Washed

How often a house needs to be washed depends on it's location. Climate definitely plays a major role in how often house washing needs to be done. Typically houses in the southern states need to be washed more often than northern houses. With a warmer climate and high humidity green algae, mold, and mildew will grow faster in the south.

A house that is close to a busy road, highway, or even an airport will need washed more often than a house that is not. Car emission and airplane emissions have to land somewhere and if your house is nearby it will collect this black residue and need cleaned more often.

Houses near water like a pond or lake are usually covered in bugs and spiders. Bug fecal does show up on vinyl siding and can be quite unsightly. Also, with cobwebs all over the house mosquitoes and other small insects are constantly getting caught in the webs and hanging all over the house. Houses near water could be washed every year even in the more northern states.

So how do you get more time out of your clean house? A wet wax can be applied to vinyl siding which will help it stay cleaner longer and will help with oxidation caused by the sun. Ask the house washing contractor about a wet wax. Also, after your house has been washed, you may think about having the perimeter sprayed for spiders to help deter them from climbing right back on the house and getting cobwebs all over it again. These are just a few things that may help. The important thing is to have your house cleaned as often as every year or two to help keep its value up.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The Life of a Deck Sealer Depends On The Deck Cleaning Results

Deck sealing can be a tedious task for most homeowners. Most do it yourselfers do not realize that the wood deck needs to be prepped and cleaned thoroughly before deck sealer can be applied. Deck cleaning is more than just wash the wood with water from a pressure washer. Actually most pressure washers, even the small homeowner type, will put out too much pressure which can easily scar, fur, and mark up the wood. These marks will be visible through the new deck sealer.

It will not matter what brand or type of deck sealer is applied to the deck nor how many years the deck sealer is claiming to last, if the wood is not cleaned properly the longevity of the sealer will be shortened significantly.

Deck cleaning is a matter of removing all the grey sun bleached wood fibers, dirt, mold, and old sealer (if present), and any other stains or debris on the deck. This all needs to be done with the proper chemicals so low pressure can be used. No more than 1000psi should be used to clean the wood or it can be damaged. Even at low pressure care must be taken to eradicate any wand marks during the wash process. After cleaning the deck and neutralizer is used to lower the ph level of the wood to make it more acidic and to open the pours to prepare for the new sealer. Most do it yourselfers will fall short of these important necessities. Some do not wash the wood at all but will just sweep the deck off and then apply and new sealer.

The number one reason a deck sealer fails is because the wood was not prepared correctly. These steps are as important to the life of the deck stain as any other key factor regardless of how many years the sealer claims to last. Hiring a professional deck cleaning and sealing company is the best choice, but do your homework and research to find a reputable deck cleaning company. Some fly by night and unethical companies won't follow the necessary steps either and a year later you won't be happy when your deck needs attention again.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Spread the Truth On Cleaning Roof Algae

There is a ton of confusion when speaking about unsightly black streaks on shingles. Maybe you have seen these black streaks on roofs, they usually first start to show on the north facing slopes of a roof. The north side has the prevailing amount of shade and moisture. Once the algae lands on the roof it does not go away. It will begin to feed on the shingles and will spread over time eventually taking over the whole roof. Roof cleaning is a great service to help with this problem of roof algae. When done properly, roof cleaning will restore the shingles appearance, increase curb appeal and home value, and will halt the damaging effects of the algae. The proper cleaning method is a low pressure chemical application that is recommended by the major shingle manufacturers such as Owens Corning. A power washer should not be used because the high pressure will damage the shingles. They also recommend a bleach based cleaner, it is safe to use on the roof and will kill the algae properly. No other chemical should be used according to the shingle manufacturers.
Not treating roof algae can lead to higher home and cooling costs and will deteriorate the roof. Roof algae can lessen the longevity of your roof because it does not allow the shingles to reflect heat like they need to. Years of life can be stole from the roof when algae is not dealt with. It is like anything else that is exposed to nature. For example, if vinyl is neglected it can also accumulate mold and algae and if left untreated it will lessen the longevity of the vinyl siding. Roof’s are no different, when they get infected by roof algae, they just need cleaned. It isn't rocket science but I am amazed at the number of homeowners and even roofing companies that are not aware of what roof algae streaks are.
I have heard all kinds of reasons of what these unsightly black stains are. I’ve heard it said they are water marks, rust from shingle nails, the felt paper showing through, shingle wear, and even tree sap. None of these are true! it is an airborne algae technically called Gloeocapsa Magma. It lands on roofs with no rhyme or reason, but once there it survives by feeding on nutrients in the shingles and it spreads down the roof by rain which creates the black streaks. It is no different than green mold on vinyl siding or mildew on a deck or concrete, it can be cleaned like anything else. Like noted earlier, the proper roof cleaners and cleaning methods are suggested by the major shingle manufacturers whom recognize roof algae as an ongoing problem. Educate your friends, family, and neighbors about this airborne algae because it can blow from roof to roof. This is why you’ll see many roof’s affected in some areas and no roofs affected in other areas. In the south where the climate is more apt to grow algae, roof’s are cleaned almost yearly. In the more northern states the algae is still a problem but once a roof is cleaned correctly it will stay clean for several years. But because roof cleaning is not as popular in the northern regions it seems that not many people know that it even exists nor what black streaks on roofs are. Please help spread the truth about black roof algae streaks and roof cleaning.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

A Full Time Deck Staining Company for Warsaw, Indiana Homeowners

For the residents of Warsaw, Indiana the time is getting close for exterior home maintenance. Many homeowners will be out as the temperature rises, cleaning up the yard and freshening up the landscaping are some of the first projects Warsaw homeowners will tackle. Warmer weather means cookouts and hanging out in the yard after a long cold winter.

As the warm weather approaches so does deck staining season. For homeowners, deck staining Warsaw services are a great thing. Mowing, yard work, and even landscaping can be enjoyable for some homeowners, but cleaning the deck and staining it is something most want done, but just don't want to mess with it. That is where deck staining Warsaw companies can help homeowners.

Deck maintenance is important for the longevity of the deck. Water and sun damage can rot and decay the wood causing premature failure. Cleaning and maintaining the deck is key followed by coat of deck stain to protect from the elements. Finding a full time deck staining Warsaw company can be tough. So many part timers, painters, and handymen offer deck cleaning and staining service but it is not there full focus, therefore the quality can be less than what you might be expecting.

Find a full time pressure washing and deck staining Warsaw, IN company to get the quality that you expect. Deck restoration done right will save Warsaw, IN homeowners money down the road. A deck that is not prepped and restored correctly can actually cause costly future repairs and probably a redo of the entire deck. Your home and property are probably your largest investment, don't trust it to just anybody.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

St. Joseph County Power Washing Company Here to Serve You

You may know the importance of power washing your St Joseph County home, but you may not have the knowledge, equipment, or cleaners to do the job correctly and safely. Many St Joe County homeowners understand that they have to take care of the things they have, and for most, their home is by far their largest investment. To clean and maintain the exterior of the home can be an overwhelming and daunting task for most.

Fortunately for St Joseph County homeowners there are more professional power washing companies in the community than ever. Finding a reputable power washing St Joseph County company has become easier in recent years. There are still some weekend warrior and fly by night companies canvassing the neighborhoods, but for the most part they are easy to pick out and to stay away from.

Most St Joe County homeowners are looking for a quality power washing service. Some homeowners even choose to do their own power washing but still call in a professional once in awhile just to get a more detailed and complete house washing, deck cleaning, roof cleaning, or concrete cleaning. There are quality full time professional power washers in St Joseph County if you look for them.

A St Joseph County power washing company will stand out from the rest if they are professional and know what they are doing. If they are a full time power washing business they will have the correct knowledge, chemicals, equipment, and methods to take care of any of your St Joseph County cleaning needs.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Power Washing Kosciusko County, Indiana Pressure Washer

Power washing in Kosciusko County, Indiana is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. With the current economic conditions, people are cutting back on such things like vacations and unnecessary wants, and spending a little more on home maintenance and taking care of the things they have. No doubt that your Kosciusko Co home is probably your largest investment so taking care of it with pressure washing services is a very wise choice.

Power washing Kosciusko County services will increase your home's value through increased curb appeal. Power washing can add as much as five to ten percent of value to the home. The first initial appearance of a home is important in setting its overall value. Pressure washing the concrete, roof, house, and deck can add quite a bit to the overall value, so much so that it can actually offset the cost of hiring a professional pressure washer to do the work for you.

With the housing market being down, it is more important than ever to keep up with home maintenance. If you are selling, it is almost a must to set your home apart from the competition (other home's for sale) in your area at your price range. Increased curb appeal will help dramatically all the way around. Professional pressure washing Kosciusko County services can help.

Besides the increased value, money is saved on costly future repairs and replacements that can be caused by neglect. Dirt, mildew, algae, and mold can and will rot and decay your home, deck, and concrete. A good power washing Kosciusko County maintenance program will increase the longevity of these surfaces, saving the homeowner quite a bit of money.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Hiring a Deck Cleaning and Sealing South Bend, IN Contractor

Hiring a deck cleaning contractor in South Bend, IN can be confusing. With so many variables it is hard to know which contractor is best for you. Deck cleaning and deck sealing South Bend, IN is a skilled trade that requires the right equipment, chemicals, methods, and knowledge to get the job done right without damaging the wood. The number one reason that a deck sealer will fail is because the wood was not prepped correctly.

A correctly prepped deck will accept deck sealer and should last a couple of years before needing another maintenance coat. Preparing a deck to be sealed is more than just hitting it with high pressure from a pressure washer. Most homeowners are not aware that there are several necessary steps in wood restoration, and sadly some contractors do not even know this.

It is best to stay away from the weekend warrior and jack of all trades type of companies. Deck cleaning South Bend and other pressure washing services often get thrown on a smorgasbord menu of other services such as mowing, landscaping, snowplowing, handyman services, and painting. Companies primarily offering these other services are not going to put the time into research, experience, equipment and everything necessary to preform deck cleaning and pressure washing services properly.

Hiring a full time professional deck cleaning and deck sealing South Bend, IN company is the best chance of getting a quality job. Deck are expensive to build so do not trust just anybody to work on it. Wood can be easily damaged with too much water pressure. The proper chemicals are very important to get all the dirt, mold, and mildew off the deck and any old sealer that is present on the wood. Not cleaning the deck properly will mean the new deck sealer will fail prematurely and you'll be looking to hiring another deck cleaning South Bend contractor a year later.