Exterior Building Cleaning In Maryland, Virginia And DC.
Professional exterior building cleaning companies use bio-gradable soaps and detergents with warm water and low pressure cleaning equipment for power washing building exteriors.
Our Exterior Building Cleaning Services
Depending on the building’s exterior different varieties of cleaners and the water pressure and temperature of the water will vary, especially on Limestone, painted surfaces, aluminum, wood siding, and EIFS. Building exteriors made from these types of materials require special cleaners to remove surface dirt and an Algae called Gloeocaspa Magma from the surface.
Exterior Building Cleaning Maintenance Schedules
Typically exterior building cleaning should be performed every 3-4 years to properly maintain the structure. By creating a maintenance schedule for exterior building cleaning the building will not only have a more appealing look, it will also prevent heavy biological growths which hold moisture and slowly deteriorate the structure of the building.
Identifying And Removing Stains Commonly Found On Buildings
White run stains on building exteriors are usually lime run or Carbonate Staining. When biological growths form on sealants they can break the bond of the material and allow water to enter. Two things happen once water enters the exterior walls of the building. Mildew begins to grow inside the walls which is unhealthy for the occupants, and as the water penetrates back out to the exterior of the building, it brings mineral deposits with it, leaving staining behind on the exterior of the building as the moisture dries.
This photo shows Lime Run, otherwise named Carbonate Staining. It is a hard white or gray surface crust concentrated along a mortar joint or running down from a hole or separation crack between bricks and mortar joints.
Black Stains On Buildings Are Usually Gloeocapsa magma
One of the most common problems we remove during facade cleaning jobs is black stains like the ones in this particular photo. These black stains are usually triggered by Hydrocarbons from vehicles and Fuel, or from a Bacterial based algae called Gloeocaspa Magma. Gloeocapsa magma is a species of cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are an ancient line of photosynthesizing bacteria, which photolyze water generating oxygen gas. Ancient cyanobacteria were ancestral to the chloroplasts of all plants in the world. Gloeocapsa magma has gained notoriety in the Southeastern United States, but, it is also spreading throughout the Midwest. This particular type of cyanobacteria is responsible for creating black stains and streaks on roofs. The bacteria accumulate with time as it feeds upon moisture and calcium carbonate. This accumulation begins to show the black stains as the cyanobacteria develop their dark and hard UV-protective outer coating.
Yellow or gold stains on mortar join and brick faces are usually Acid Burns If you see uneven yellow or gold stains on the brick faces and in mortar joints like in this photo, it is probably Acid Burn This is caused by cleaning the surface with Muriatic acid. The impurities in the acid are rapidly absorbed by porous masonry and when they are not properly rinsed, the acid attacks the mortar and bricks.
White Stains around the brick face near mortar lines are usually White Scum. Uneven white or gray stain on the brick face or mortar joints. Cause: Inadequate rinsing or prewetting when cleaning with muriatic acid or other acidic solutions. by the acid is absorbed by the drywall surface to produce insoluble silicate salts commonly described as white scum.
Tan, brown, or gray stains along mortar joined by brown or tan bricks are usually Brown Managanese.
Tan, gray or brown staining concentrated along mortar joints of brown, gray or other manganese-colored brick. Cause: Manganese dioxide dissolved in rainwater, construction water or Muriatic acid. As water evaporates, manganese reacts with the alkaline mortar joint to create an insoluble brown stain.
Yellow, green or green/brown stains in the heart of light-colored brick units common in new or water-saturated construction. Cause: Water-soluble vanadium salts dissolve in.
rainwater, construction water or muriatic acid. As water evaporates, salts form on masonry surface to create unsightly stains.
Loose, powdery surface deposit that disappears when wet and may reappear as drying continues. Cause: Water-soluble salts dissolved in rainwater, construction water or groundwater. As water evaporates from wet bricks, it leaves the crystallized salts on the surface.
Our Exterior Building Cleaning Process.
After inspecting the building as closely as possible, we will use man lifts, hot water pressure washers, and professional grade environmentally friendly soaps and detergents to clean the exterior of the building using our proven low-pressure cleaning system to remove Gloeocaspa magma, mold, mildew, hydrocarbons, pollen and surface dirt using a special exterior building cleaning process that we designed over the last 230 years to ensure the best results. Locate exterior water sources in the building to replenish our tanks.
Caution tape off the work area as needed.
- Wet down the building exterior and all adjacent areas with water and cover plants as needed with waterproof tarps.
- Pre-treat stained areas with bio-degradable cleaners at 20 PSI 25 PSI.
- Clean stained areas using 400PSI to 600PSI, 120 degree water at 8GPM with stainless steel, 40 degree fan spray nozzles.
- Apply specialty stone, wood, siding, EIFIS, Stucco, brick or concrete cleaners to surfaces as needed.
- Apply bio-degradable soaps and detergents on the rest of the surfaces to be cleaned.
- Clean all surfaces using 400PSI 600PSI, 120 degree water at 8GPM with a stainless steel, 40 degree fan spray nozzles.
- Apply our Polymer Wet Wax solution to add a light luster to the siding, and reduce mildew growth.
- Final rinse of the buildings with our SoSoft water conditioner and water softener to reduce streaks on the windows.
- Remove tarps, and rinse down plants and surfaces adjacent to the work area.
- Inspect the building for quality assurance and perform a final clean-up of the area.
Our system for exterior building cleaning is extremely detailed and will remove all surface dirt, mildew, and mold. Regardless of the methods we use for exterior building cleaning, some stains may have penetrated the surface and they may not come completely clean or they might leave a shadow behind. Of course we will always attempt to remove all staining, and in 99% of our projects the building owner is amazed at what we are able to accomplish.
Our Company Policies For Exterior Building Cleaning.
We will not risk using strong acids, hazardous chemicals or high pressure methods that may damage or stain the surfaces being cleaned. This is what we consider responsible building cleaning practices which we created in order to protect the structure of the buildings that we clean.
All of our exterior building cleaning services will be done in compliance with Federal and Local Clean Water Act regulations by using our specially designed water reclamation pumps and vacuum systems as needed to stop water runoff from exterior building cleaning from entering the storm drains. All runoff will be directed into grassy areas for bio-remediation, pumped into water storage tanks or pumped into sanitary sewer systems for treatment according to the Clean Water Act.
All work will be completed in a professional manner by uniformed employees. Areas that are being cleaned will be roped off with caution tape as needed during the process for the safety of pedestrians, our employees and our pressure washing equipment.
we will bring water to the job and use water from the buildings or from Fire Hydrants (with our permit) to replenish our tanks during exterior building cleaning jobs. If we are unable to access water from the building, we can bring in a water tanker if necessary at an additional charge.
Call PowerWashCompany.com today at 301-762-9274 for exterior building cleaning services you can count on!
Training and Certifications
PowerWashCompany.com employees are some of the best trained and certified technicians in North America to ensure that “YOUR PROPERTY” is cleaned correctly and safely without causing any damages!
Benefits of hiring PowerWashCompany.com!
- Low Pressure cleaning methods that safely clean your property.
- Environmentally friendly cleaning solutions to remove stubborn stains.
- Safer equipment to prevent damages and mishaps on your property.
- Reliable on time service within a two hour time frame.
- Better quality as a result of learning the right techniques and methods so you don’t have to Baby-sit our technicians!.
- A Better Price! The training our technicians take and the systems we use increase our quality so the job can be performed faster allowing us to offer a better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the benefits of using Power Wash Company’s low pressure cleaning services for my EIFS in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Answer: There are many benefits to using Power Wash Company’s low pressure cleaning services for your EIFS in Montgomery County, Maryland. First, low pressure cleaning is a gentle cleaning method that is safe for EIFS, which is a delicate material. Second, low pressure cleaning can remove dirt, grime, and other contaminants from your EIFS without damaging it. Third, low pressure cleaning can help to prevent mold and mildew growth on your EIFS, which can improve the air quality around your home and make it healthier for you and your family.
Question: What are the benefits of low pressure cleaning for my building?
Answer: Low pressure cleaning is a safe and effective way to clean a variety of surfaces, including brick, stone, concrete, and wood. It uses less water and pressure than traditional pressure washing, which can help to prevent damage to your building.
Are the cleaning solutions you use safe for my plants?
All of the products we use are from Sun Brite Supply of Maryland and are biodegradable and environmentally safe cleaning solutions designed specifically for the surfaces we are cleaning. The professional cleaning solutions we use provide better results and outperform products from local hardware stores because we believe that our clients deserve to get the best products and results possible! We also follow all Manufacturer suggestions and carry Safety Data Sheets for every product we have on our trucks for safety. Most contractors use home made recipes, that include bleach mixed with other products they buy from big box stores which can result health risks, damage to your plants, and your property. Inconsistent mixing of chemicals like this can also result in poisonous gas and chemical explosions.
Do you offer other services?
Yes, we offer gutter cleaning services, gutter guard installations and any type of pressure washing service or exterior cleaning services you could need. Visit our website at https://powerwashcompany.com for details.
Do you offer satisfaction guarantee?
Yes, if you are not happy with the service our technicians provide we will come back out to remedy any issues or redo the job again until you are 100% satisfied with our service.
How long have you been in business?
31 Years
Are you insured?
Yes, of course! Every professional exterior cleaning company should have the necessary insurance and Worker’s compensation insurance is also important as you don’t want to be liable for injuries that could occur although it is highly unlikely. They are companies that hire employees as contractors and this is usually a grey area as far as worker’s compensation is concerned. Ask the right questions and make sure you’re not liable for any injuries that might be sustained.
Do you perform large façade cleaning work?
Certainly. Some of our largest projects have been cleaning the DC Armory, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial among Thousands of other large buildings in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC.
Can you remove efflorescence?
Yes we can clean affected surfaces, but efflorescence is typically a sign of other underlying water intrusion related issues, this condition often can reappear if the source(s) are left unidentified and untreated. Our Exterior Building Services professionals can assist with helping to identify and address these issues.
Can you remove graffiti and efflorescence?
Absolutely. Not only can we remove all paint-based graffiti, but we do it safely. In some instances, graffiti may be found near vegetation or other sensitive surfaces. With our environmentally friendly graffiti removal products, we can get rid of the graffiti without damaging the surrounding area.
Is there a difference between cold water and hot water pressure washing?
Yes. There are several advantages to offering hot water pressure washing capabilities, which we do. Hot water is a natural disinfectant. Therefore, when cleaning a surface with hot water, it does not only clean the surface, but it also kills bacteria such as algae. This keeps the surface cleaner for a longer period of time. Imagine cleaning your dishes with cold water – much less effective. Additionally, hot water has the ability to cut grease. This makes hot water pressure washing very useful in places such as parking garages where cars tend to leave behind greasy fluids from things like oil or transmission leaks. Unlike cold water pressure washing, hot water can remove gum by melting it off the surface and it makes it possible to pressure wash in colder weather. As long as the temperature is above 32 degrees, the surface can be cleaned with hot water.
What is the difference between power washing, pressure washing and soft washing?
All of these terms basically describe the same thing, exterior cleaning services. The terms “power wash” and “pressure wash” are very similar, but there are a few distinctions. Power washing utilizes the same idea of blasting water at a high pressure, only with hot water. This sets power washing apart because the hot water not only acts to sanitize surfaces, it is also superior at breaking down hydrocarbons and organic materials.
So power washing (hot water systems) are usually used for cleaning sidewalks, driveways, stone walls, parking garages, building exteriors and concrete. They are more commonly seen in commercial and industrial settings or cleaning concrete at residential properties.
Pressure washing is “All About The Pressure” How much PSI and GPM the machine uses dictate how effective it is to clean but it is not a very efficient process. The pressures are high enough to be dangerous to people and the surface being cleaned. Amateurs often learn the hard way about the cutting power of a pressure washer when cleaning a wood deck or worse. The water is pushed out at such a high rate, it can cut through skin to the bone in a split-second. It can also strip paint off siding. Usually pressure washing is best used in industrial situations to remove coatings.
Soft Washing
The term Soft Washing was created for marketing purposes, in most cases “Soft Washing” is actually performed with pressure washers, but the pressure has been reduced, and chemicals are combined with “Low Pressure” to clean surfaces. This method is a LOT FASTER, but if it is performed incorrectly by someone with very little training they can oxidize painted surfaces and kill landscaping.
Soft Washing is done using less than 500 PSI for rinsing or chemical application. The contractor will use a HVLP system which means High Volume Low Pressure. It is performed with equipment that puts out less pressure, or the tip of the pressure washer is replaced with one that has a larger orifice and widens the spray from a laser beam to a fan of water.
PowerWashCompany.com uses a Hybrid system that we developed 31 years ago that combines hot water, professional grade cleaning solutions designed to break down mold, mildew and surface dirt and “High Volume” water. By combining all three methods together, the hot water makes our cleaning solutions work better, so we use less “Chemicals” which is safer for the environment, we can apply cleaning solutions and rinse them from surfaces much faster, so our process is more efficient and safer than all three of the other methods.
Why do you clean with heated water?
Heated water cleans more effectively than cold water. As the water temperature increases, so does the effectiveness of the cleaning solution.
How do I find the best power washing company near me?
Finding the best power washing company near me can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. To begin with, look for companies that are professional and knowledgeable in the power washing business. They should be familiar with different methods of power washing and able to provide you with both quality workmanship and customer service. Additionally, try ones that offer competitive prices as well as services such as upholstery cleaning or window cleaning.
Next, take some time to research reviews online from previous customers who have used the same power washing company you’re considering. Word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family members can also help lead you in the right direction if they’ve had a good experience with their power washing service in the past.
This information was provided by Smooth Flo Soft Washing! You can check them out here: https://smoothflosoftwashing.com/
Why should I hire a local power washing company over a national one?
Hiring a local power washing company has several advantages over a national one. For starters, you typically get a much higher quality of professional service from the local provider because it is more invested in providing exceptional customer service due to the close contact with its customers and community. With a local business, you have direct access to the owner or customer service staff who can give personalized attention to your needs and answer any questions or concerns you may have about their services.
Additionally, since most power washing companies are family-owned and operated businesses, they will likely be more knowledgeable about your area’s unique terrain when it comes to pressure washing as well as being able to better customize products and services that meet your specific cleaning requirements. Since they live and work in the same area as you, they will also know what methods best fit each type of surface so that nothing gets damaged during the process.
Big thanks to our friends at Excellent Exteriors for sharing this brilliant information with us!
What is soft washing and is it different than power washing?
Soft washing is a cleaning method that uses a mixture of low-pressure water and special cleaning products designed to achieve the desired result without causing any damage. It is different from power washing, which uses high-pressure water for deep cleaning.
Soft washing is great for many surfaces including outdoor buildings, roofs, walls, and pavements. Its gentle yet effective action means it’s ideal for use on painted or delicate surfaces such as wood siding and vinyl windows without damaging them in the process. This makes it perfect when you need cleaners to be used around children or pets too!
The most notable benefit of soft washing over traditional power washing is its ability to remove mold, mildew, and algae without needing excessive scrubbing or using harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach often found in many traditional power washers. The combination of mild detergents along with low-pressure water creates a foam that attaches itself to dirt particles on contact making them easy targets for removal. The long-lasting results are what make this technique preferred for many homeowners who want cleaner results than traditional methods can offer especially when dealing with organic material like moss growths on roof shingles or decks surrounding pools where safety concerns come into play due to how slippery they become after numerous heavy rinses by pressurized waters.
Thank you to Clear Choice Services for sharing this information with us!
Question: What are the benefits of low pressure cleaning for my building?
Answer: Low pressure cleaning is a safe and effective way to clean a variety of surfaces, including brick, stone, concrete, and wood. It uses less water and pressure than traditional pressure washing, which can help to prevent damage to your building.
What are the benefits of soft washing a house?
Soft washing is becoming an increasingly popular way to clean and maintain the exterior of a house. It’s often hailed as being safer, more effective, and more efficient than power washing due to its unique approach of using eco-friendly cleaning agents to provide thorough sanitization and prevent damage caused by high-pressure cleaners.
Among the many benefits of soft washing a house are:
1) Reduced Water Usage – Since soft washers use substantially less water than their power counterparts, it helps conserve water when cleaning your home’s exterior surfaces. This makes it especially caters to areas that are prone to drought or have limited access to freshwater resources.
2) Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Agents – As opposed to harsh detergents used in power washers that can easily pollute local ecosystems if disposed of improperly, soft washers use environmentally friendly solutions like soaps and biodegradable detergents which release fewer pollutants into the environment upon disposal (if at all). Additionally, they come with low chlorine contents making them ideal for treating surfaces near aquatic environments such as lakes or oceans where chlorine can be harmful to marine life habitats if not managed properly.
3) Low Operating Costs – Simply put: soft washing requires less energy input compared to traditional power washers setting it apart from other options in terms of cost savings – both in terms of time needed for completing the job as well as money spent on energy bills every month; this allows homeowners and businesses alike save up on money while still getting excellent results from their cleaning projects without having pay additional fees for hiring external help.
4) Safer Cleaning Processes – Due to its non-invasive nature when compared with power pressure cleaning processes; It is much safer when handling delicate surfaces such as stucco walls, slate roofs (and even wood decks). By reducing the risk of incurring surface-level damage brought about by excessively powerful jets, homeowners can rest assured knowing each surface will receive appropriate treatment leaving them looking brand new once more!
5) Lasting Results – Soft wash techniques don’t just provide instant gratification but make sure results last through repeated exposure attacks from environmental contaminants such as algae & mold growth ensuring better value for your money plus drastically reducing levels of bacteria maintaining pristine conditions no matter what season.
What is the best way to power wash siding?
Power washing siding is an effective way to remove dirt, mold, and other debris that have built up on the surface of your home. In order to get the best results, it’s important to use the right equipment and techniques when power washing siding – otherwise you could damage or discolor your siding. Here are some tips for getting optimal results from power washing:
- Start by using a pressure washer with at least 1.3 GPM (gallons per minute) at 3000 PSI (pounds per square inch). This should be sufficient for most standard-sized houses. A larger house may require more pressure or additional tools.
- Be sure to protect surrounding plants and shrubs before starting by covering them with plastic sheeting and taping off any fences or walkways so that water doesn’t reach them during the process.
- Use an adjustable nozzle to direct the jet of water towards the surface of your house from different angles in order to clean effectively without damaging any areas. It’s important not to linger too long on a single area as this can cause permanent staining or other damage – keep moving!
- You’ll also want to consider using detergent as part of your cleaning process – look for one specifically designed for outdoor surfaces such as decks, patios, vinyl siding, etc., as these will be most gentle yet effective when it comes to cleaning away stubborn dirt and grime buildup from exterior walls. If you’re uncomfortable working with chemicals yourself, many handyman companies offer professional cleaning services that include detergents tailored towards specific materials – definitely worth exploring if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself!
- After rinsing off all traces of detergent solution with clean water avoid walking on wet areas until they have had enough time to dry completely – generally, about 24 hours is recommended depending on humidity levels in your area today – then use a soft bristle brush attachment for delicate surfaces like aluminum frames around glass windows/doors if needed before applying protective sealant as desired afterward depending on material used.
Power washing is an excellent way to give new life back into dirty exterior walls while protecting their integrity over time – just remember these tips next time you set out to tackle such projects!
Big thanks to Moore’s Pressure Washing for sharing this answer with us!