ServicesExterior Soft Wash
Exterior Soft Wash Service in Colonie
Green streaks and a gray film can make sound siding look worn out. We clean it with low pressure and a mild solution that breaks down growth on contact, then rinse gently, so paint stays put, water stays out from behind panels and trim comes through unmarked.
A gentler way to bring siding back
Most of what darkens a home exterior is alive: algae, mildew and lichen that grow in shade and damp. Spraying it hard knocks off the surface layer but leaves roots behind, and it can crack vinyl, lift paint and push water under laps. A soft wash treats the growth at the root, then rinses it away at about the pressure of a garden hose.
We often meet owners who were pricing new siding. Many times the panels underneath are sound and only need cleaning. When we find warped vinyl, rotted trim or failing paint, we tell you plainly and show you, so you can decide what is worth repairing and what has reached the end of its life.
What your soft wash includes
Siding, all sides
Vinyl, painted wood, fiber cement and aluminum siding, washed from foundation to roofline with a solution mixed for that material.
Trim, soffits and fascia
The overhangs collect cobwebs and mildew where you rarely look. We clean them along with the corner boards and window trim.
Entry and porch areas
Front doors, porch ceilings, columns and railings, cleaned with care around hardware and finished wood.
Protection for plants and fixtures
We wet down beds before and after, cover outdoor outlets, and take care around light fixtures, cameras and doorbells.
A written condition note
After the wash, the siding is easier to read. We point out loose panels, soft trim or peeling paint so nothing surprises you later.
When your siding is asking for a gentle clean
- Streaks of green or black
- Mildew and algae tend to settle first on walls that face north or sit beneath trees. Long, damp Capital Region springs give that growth months to creep across the panels.
- A gray, tired cast
- Pale siding that has turned uneven or dingy is usually carrying pollen, road grit and a thin layer of growth. Once that comes off, the original color often returns better than owners expect.
- Spotting just below the eaves
- Dark speckles on soffits and the highest rows of siding usually trace back to shade and trapped moisture near the roofline.
- New siding is on your list
- Have the walls cleaned and looked over first. Straight, well-fastened panels may need nothing more than a wash.
- A sale or gathering ahead
- For the effort involved, few things lift curb appeal as quickly as clean siding and trim.
How the day goes
- 1
Walk-around
We look at every wall, note the siding type and any damage, and agree with you on what gets washed.
- 2
Prep the property
Plants are soaked with plain water, outlets are covered, and anything loose on the porch is moved aside.
- 3
Apply and let it work
The cleaning solution goes on at low pressure, working bottom to top so it does not streak. It sits for a few minutes to break down the growth.
- 4
Rinse and inspect
We rinse top to bottom, rinse the plants again, and check for any spot that needs a second pass.
- 5
Final look together
We walk the house with you, share what we noticed about the siding, and leave the yard as we found it.
What shapes the price
Every home is quoted on its own after we see it. The price reflects the time, solution and care your home exterior needs, and you get the number before any work starts.
- How big and how tall
- Total wall area and the number of floors decide most of our time on site. Second and third stories call for extra setup and reach.
- Siding material
- Older painted wood needs a gentler mix and slower work than vinyl or fiber cement.
- How much growth
- A light film rinses off quickly. Heavy algae or lichen that has sat for years may need longer dwell time or a second application.
- Access around the house
- Dense plantings, decks, steep grades or tight side yards add time for protection and positioning.
Soft wash questions
- Will the cleaning solution hurt my plants?
- We soak beds and shrubs with water before we start, which keeps them from absorbing the solution, and rinse them again afterward. Delicate plants right against the house can be covered. Most gardens show no effect at all.
- How long will the siding stay clean?
- Because the growth is treated at the root, it comes back much more slowly than after a plain rinse. Shaded walls tend to need attention sooner than sunny ones. Many homes look good for a couple of seasons or more.
- Is it safe on older paint or wood siding?
- Yes, when the mix and pressure are right for the surface. If paint is already loose or flaking, washing will show it more clearly, and we will tell you before we start rather than after.
- Will it remove the chalky residue on my vinyl?
- Chalking comes from the siding itself breaking down in sunlight, not from dirt. A wash improves it but cannot fully reverse it. If your siding is badly faded or brittle, we will say honestly that replacement may make more sense.
- Should I be there while you work?
- Only if you would like to be. Please keep windows shut and leave an outdoor spigot we can use. Plenty of owners join us for the opening walk-around and the closing look, then carry on with their day.
- Can you wash around my permanent lighting?
- Yes. We take care around roofline channels and fixtures, and if you are thinking about permanent lighting, a clean exterior is a good starting point for that installation.
See what your siding looks like clean
Before you spend money on replacement, let us wash it and give you an honest read on its condition. We will walk the house, answer your questions and give you a clear number.