Frequently Asked Pressure Washing Questions - Answered By Ej's Powerwash & Detail
The finer details of pressure washing and home exterior care can be more complex than people think. We are personally committed to keeping South Carolina beautiful, and there's no better way for us to follow through on that mission statement than giving every project our best effort. As the preferred choice for pressure washing in Simpsonville and Greater South Carolina, we've worked with a lot of different properties, and have dealt with just about any issue you can think of when it comes to pressure washing and detailing. Here are some of the most common questions we get from our clients!
So Those Black Streaks On My Roof Aren't Just Dirt?
Nope! Those black streaks are a kind of algae called Gloeocapsa magma, though most people just call it "black algae" due to its distinctive black appearance. The algae spores take root on your roof, mostly during the summer when it's especially hot and humid out, and they get to work feeding off of the calcium carbonate deposits in the limestone components of your shingles. While you may not notice it growing up there at first, black algae become noticeable after several months once it hardens and blackens, gaining its distinctive color. While the algae are not dangerous to humans or pets, the growths can eventually damage your roof by reducing your shingles' ability to reflect UV rays, drying out, and aging said shingles before their time. If you see those streaks up there on your roof, though, don't despair! We have the solution- a comprehensive yet gentle roof cleaning. We use a safe cleaning solution that's just strong enough to kill off algae and mold spores without being too harsh on the rest of the surrounding environment, and our soft washing technique gently clears your roof of those distinctive stains without damaging or dislodging your shingles. When you hire us to care for your roof, you're not only investing in your home's beauty, you're also helping to protect it from damage, keeping it strong and healthy for years to come.
Why Should I Choose Professional Gutter Cleaning Instead Of Doing It Myself?
Gutter cleaning is one of those things where homeowners are tempted to just take care of it themselves. They figure it's not worth the cost to hire a professional to do what they can do at home with a ladder and bucket. Frankly, though gutter cleaning is much more difficult and tricky than it may appear. Our number one concern with homeowners cleaning their own gutters is that it's very dangerous. Tens of thousands of people are rushed to the ER every year from fall injuries involving a ladder, and gutter cleaning projects are responsible for a significant number of them. No matter how many precautions you take, when trying to balance standing on a ladder with tackling such a complex task as clearing crowded gutters, accidents from slipping, losing balance, or simply being startled can always occur. Aside from the fall damage alone, there are other environmental dangers. Wasps and hornets love building nests around gutters, and it can be easy to accidentally disturb a nest, stirring up a swarm. Not to mention, there's the danger of being slashed or stabbed by a sharp branch or jagged edge of a metal pipe.
It's not worth putting your life or health at risk just to clean your gutters. We use special safety equipment to protect us at work, and our directed pressure washing fully clears out your gutters with no added strain or risk to yourself. Our team is committed to providing incredible work that leaves your property looking even more beautiful than when we started. We believe you'll be glad you left the risk behind and entrusted your gutter care to us.
Should I Use High-Pressure Washing Tactics On My Roof?
Definitely not!
Pressure washing is way too harsh to use on most roofs, especially the kind of shingled roofs residential homes typically have. Shingles need delicate care. The intense pressure of your standard pressure washing is too high and can easily dislodge or even blow away shingles from your roof. Aside from just presenting damage to your shingles, the high-pressure jet of water can force its way through the wood and into the roof itself, contributing to rotting damage and potentially working its way into your home itself. That's why, when we clean our roofs, we use the previously mentioned technique of soft washing. With a lower psi than your standard pressure washing, soft washing has a little bit of force behind it to clear away debris such as mold or algae, but not enough that it can damage your shingles or force water where it doesn't belong. The distinction is an important one, which is why we take great care in using the safest type of techniques for cleaning your home, no matter what the surface.
Do You Use Any Harsh Chemicals In Your Pressure Washing Services?
We limit the extent to which we use harsh cleaning chemicals as much as possible in our services. While the cleaning solutions we use need to have enough antimicrobial properties to sufficiently kill and dislodge algae, mold, and mildew colonies, we're also careful to keep it as gentle as possible to avoid presenting any health issues to clients or causing damage to the surrounding vegetation or home exterior surfaces. That's why we use mild cleaning solutions that are EPA-approved, strong enough to get the job done without being harsh or harmful to you or your home. If you have any specific needs or concerns when it comes to the cleaning products we use, don't be afraid to give us a call at 864-684-4981, and we can answer any questions you may have.