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.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Pressure Washing and House Cleaning Warsaw, IN

Today, Warsaw, IN homeowners are busier than ever. With demanding careers, family obligation, hobbies, and a little leisure time not too many people have time for home maintenance. But as they know, maintenance is important in keeping up the value of their homes. One option for the busy Warsaw, IN homeowner is to hire a professional pressure washing contractor.

A pressure washing Warsaw, IN contractor can offer services such as whole house cleaning, deck cleaning, low pressure roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, concrete cleaning, and sealing services. All of these cleaning services can add value to the home and boost curb appeal.

By hiring a professional house cleaning Warsaw, IN company, the results will be better than if you did the work yourself, you don't have to find the time to do it yourself, and best of all you do not have to do the dirty work.

Pressure washing Warsaw, IN services have been around for a few decades but homeowners are just now starting to see the advantages of using them. In our warm and humid summer climate, mold and mildew collect and thrive on the roofs, houses, decks, and concrete of Warsaw properties. When these surfaces are neglected property values drop significantly. Hiring a pressure washing Warsaw company will help bring value back up which is a plus for everybody.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Granger, Indiana House Washing Done Right

When house washing Granger and other cities in northern Indiana, dealing with green mold can be a problem. It isn't as common as it is in southern States, but it is still a problem. Houses up north here like in Granger, Valparaiso, Mishawaka, and Warsaw only need cleaned every couple of years, while homes in the south need cleaned once or maybe even twice a year.

The most common mistake made by house washing contractors is that they use the wrong methods and chemicals. Some may not use chemicals at all only depending on high pressure and/or hot water to do the work. This is not only ineffective, but it risks damage to vinyl siding and other types of surfaces.

Hot water can warp vinyl siding and too much water pressure will force water behind the siding causing water damage. Another common mistake is hitting the vinyl at the wrong angle. House washing at a harsh upward angle will force water under the bottom lip of the siding.

The best most effective and proper way to clean a house is to use low pressure and to rely on the house washing cleaners to do the work. Not only will this remove mold and mildew but it kills it at the same time so it does not grow back anytime soon. Ripping mold off with hot water or high pressure will not kill the mold which enables it to grow right back. Finding a house washing Indiana company that uses low pressure and the proper cleaners will ensure you are getting a premium service.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Exterior Cleaning With Pressure Washing Can Increase Value

Many things around the home can be cleaned and maintained with pressure washing services. Keeping your home and property clean will help increase the longevity and value of the home. Cutting down on the costs of future repairs and replacements caused by rot and decay is money well spent. Mold and mildew will break down the building materials that make up your home so by having it pressure washed on a regular basis, you are saving yourself money.

Another way you are benefiting from exterior cleaning services is by increasing your home's curb appeal. It is common sense that cleaning up your vinyl siding, roof, deck, and/or driveway will definitely increase your curb appeal without a doubt. Increased curb appeal plays a large part on your home's value. You can literally increase the value of your home by 5-10% though pressure washing services.

In this day and age, and with our current economic condition, keeping up with the cleanliness of your home with exterior cleaning and taking care of the things you have is wise decision. Your home is by far your largest investment, so take care of it by keeping up its value as much as possible by hiring a pressure washing company.

Deck Cleaning and Sealing in Goshen and Warsaw, IN

A lot of homeowners in Indiana depend on deck cleaning and deck sealing companies to maintain their beautiful wooden decks. Decks are a great added living space and are often used for cookouts and barbeques with the family. Deck cleaning Warsaw and other cities near large lakes can be a challenge. The moist air causes mold and mildew to grow on wooden decks in this area. It is essential to kill and remove all of these contaminants before deck sealing is attempted.

The number one reason a deck sealer fail prematurely is because the wood was not prepared properly before it was applied. When deck sealing Goshen services are being preformed, it is important to remove all contaminants including any old deck sealer because the new deck sealer will not adhere to it. Care must be taken when cleaning Indiana decks because wood is actually pretty soft. It can be splintered and marked up easily with too much water pressure.

The person cleaning the deck should be experienced in operator a pressure washer because the pressure will need to be backed down a little so no harm is done. In inexperienced hands, a pressure washer can literally shred and ruin a wooden deck. A deck sealing Goshen company should have the proper knowledge to restore decks. Be sure to hire a full time deck sealing company because deck cleaning and sealing is a skilled trade that is not learned by being a part timer or weekend warrior. Your deck is too expensive to trust just anybody.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Pressure Washing Services in Indiana

The pressure washing industry has always been plagued by uneducated contractors running fly by night companies, even here in Indiana. They are normally unethical companies using cheap equipment, caveman techniques, and near worthless cleaners. Most of them are uneducated in running a successful business and their market strategy is to cut throat the competition.

Sadly, by quoting every job too low, they are forced to cut corners leaving a wake of unsatisfied customers. They have no customer service at all, as they are out just to make a quick buck and to disappear with your money. Many homeowners have been ripped off by poor quality pressure washing Indiana services.

This unfortunate problem has given the public a bad perception of the entire pressure washing industry. On the flip side, there are professional pressure washing services available to homeowners. To be sure you get the quality you expect, find a pressure washing service company that has been in business for a several years, washes full time, has insurance, and can show you past customer testimonials.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Pressure Washer and Irrigation Rust Stains

When working with rust marks left by sprinkler systems a lot of caution must be taken. Rust can get on many surfaces such as vinyl siding, gutter down spouts, poly vinyl fences, wooden decks, and concrete. The rust can get on pretty much any surface that is constantly hit by the irrigation system on a daily basis.

How fast they appear and how bad the rust gets will depend on the total amount of iron in your water. The great news is, these irrigation rust stains can be removed with the right cleaners, equipment, and methods without harming the surface. Pressure washer companies can help to restore the surface’s appearance.

First of all, a normal cleaning is done to remove any dirt, mold, and mildew followed by another step; a low pressure chemical application. Hot water and/or excessive pressure from a pressure washer will not remove irrigation rust stains. Brute force and elbow grease will not do anything but possibly damage the surface involved; you have to use the right chemicals applied with a pressure washer.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

House Cleaning is for Professionals

We all know how important it is to take care of the things we have, especially in today’s economy. Neglecting the exterior of your house and allowing it to get run down, decreasing curb appeal, would be a complete shame to say the least. Yet we see run down houses all the time that, maybe several years ago, we can remember being a beautiful structure.

Most of us take pride in the image our home’s exterior reflects on us. We go to great lengths to make the grass and landscape look perfect. Exterior house cleaning goes right along with this agenda. Not only can cleaning vinyl siding, your shingle roof, your deck, or your driveway add curb appeal but it will also increase your home’s value.

Taking care of your home’s exterior is something you may enjoy doing yourself or you may hire out. Most of us can cut the lawn or maintain the landscape if we choose to but other home improvement projects such as house cleaning, roof cleaning, concrete cleaning, or restoring a wood deck should be left to a professional.

These tasks can be tedious, dangerous, and extremely time consuming without the proper knowledge, equipment, and chemicals. To be honest by the time you buy or rent the proper equipment and chemicals and calculate what your time is worth, it is probably cheaper to just hire a cleaning professional.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Power Washing Goshen Indiana

It's important to keep up the cleanliness of your home in Goshen, IN. During these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to take care of your home and property. Home values are 10% less than this same time last year but keeping on top of your home’s curb appeal will help.

Increased curb appeal can add as much as 5-10% of value to your home. You can boost curb appeal by having a well manicured lawn, well maintained landscaping, and by having surfaces power washed. Power washing the exterior of your Goshen home will increase it’s curb appeal and value. Roof cleaning, deck cleaning, concrete cleaning, and house washing in Goshen can be done professionally.

Power washing in Goshen can be hired out to put money in your pocket. Whether you are increasing curb appeal to sell your home quicker or maintaining your property, power washing is a terrific and affordable home improvement that is the best bang for the buck. Do not trust your property to just any company. Be sure you hire a full time power washing company that is primarily in the business of power washing. Be aware of weekend warriors, handymen, or even painters that claim, just because they have a power washer, they can clean your home. It isn't worth the risk of damage to your property.

Ask the power washing company questions like what chemicals, equipment, and techniques they use. Ask for past customer testimonials and for before and after pictures of past work. They should also offer a power washing guarantee and be able to give it to you in writing. It's also a must that they have the required insurance and can provide proof. With most people counting every dollar these days, you want to be sure you hire the right contractor for power washing Goshen, IN.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Choosing a House Cleaning Company

Choosing the right house cleaning company for you is not an easy task. Misinforming advertising, misleading claims, and false information is printed everywhere. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when attempting to hire a house cleaning company for your next cleaning project.

Choosing a cleaning company without past customer testimonials is not a good idea. Any ethical cleaning company, with a good customer base, should have customer testimonials. If their past clients aren't willingly saying good things about them how can you expect good results.

Choosing a house cleaning contractor whom does not offer a cleaning guarantee may not be worth the chance. Why should you have to pay for a cleaning job that you aren't satisfied with? Not all cleaning companies offer a guarantee. Ask them if the offer a guarantee on their cleaning services and make sure they include it with the cleaning estimate.

Doing a little research and asking the cleaning contractor the right questions during the estimate can make all the difference. Maybe they've done work in your neighborhood before and you could ask a neighbor how satisfied they were with their pressure washing services. Doing these things could absolutely help to avoid any unwanted problems from an unethical contractor.