Frequently Asked Questions
WHY DO I NEED MY HOUSE PRESSURE WASHED?
It is imperative to maintain a clean property for the aesthetic value and much-desired curb appeal, along with providing lasting protection against building material degradation. When mold, mildew, algae and other airborne contaminants are allowed to remain on the exterior surfaces of a property, they will contribute to premature paint failure and can also cause permanent staining on your siding material, concrete & gutters. Their root systems will grow into surfaces causing it to split and crack.
Washing the home’s exterior is an easy and affordable way to improve the appearance of your home. Even homes with brick and stucco siding can be washed if done correctly. Did you know you can add as much as 5 to 10 percent to the value of your home by presenting it in a clean, well taken care of state?
Another reason is health. Mildew and mold are not good for your respiratory system and can create allergies. If your home is washed regularly, the mildew cannot spread to the inside of your home and start new growth inside.
ISN'T MOLD A HEALTH PROBLEM?
Yes, Mold and mildew around your home create unhealthy conditions for those with allergies and asthma. Our methods of cleaning will remove mold from siding, trim, concrete surfaces.
Note: If you have children that play on driveways or walks with mildew growing on them, you should have those areas cleaned. Do you want your kids touching their faces after playing on moldy surfaces?
DO YOU SUPPLY THE WATER FOR HOMES WITH WELLS?
Yes! At Clean Machine Power Wash, we will supply water using our fresh water tank system on all of our service vehicles.
Water can be brought on-site if needed, but customarily we use the customer’s water supply for residential pressure washing jobs.
WILL CLEAN MACHINE POWER WASH CLEANING HARM MY PLANTS?
All of our cleaning is absolutely safe for plants, people and pets when handled properly.
Our exclusive power wash cleaning method uses ultra safe self neutralizing cleaning and rinsing agents. All of our detergents are biodegradable and non-abrasive.
CAN YOU WASH A HOUSE OR DECK IN THE RAIN?
Yes. Your house is going to get wet when we wash it, so there is little difference to rain. We will reschedule if there is danger involved, such as lightning.
DO I HAVE TO BE HOME ON THE DAY OF SERVICE?
Clean Machine Power Wash cleaners work around your schedule, providing cleaning service so convenient that you don’t even need to be at your property while we’re on the job!
If you are not going to be home on day of service, please remember to close all windows, clear your driveway and put away fragile decorations on your home and deck.
WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?
We accept payments by cash, check or by credit card. You may mail a check along with your invoice to Clean Machine Power Wash or pay cash upon completion on the day of service.
If you would like to pay by credit card, please contact the office at (413) 734-4384 with your card information. We will mail you a paid receipt.
We accept Mastercard, Visa and American Express.
THERE ARE SMALL VERY DARK RAISED SPOTS ON MY SIDING IN PLACES. WHAT IS THIS AND CAN YOU REMOVE THEM?
The black raised spots are called Artillery Fungus spores are caused by a mushroom that grows in rotted mulch, bark or wood chips. They are found in areas that are near or above mulch. This fungus shoots its spores in the air, hence, the names Artillery or Shotgun Fungus.
Over time, the dots created by flying fungus will dissipate. Artillery fungus is a fungus that usually spends most of its time in gardens and on mulch. The artillery fungus is a white-rotting, wood-decay fungus that likes to live on moist landscape mulch.
Unfortunately, not much can be done to remove the dots. The only other option besides power washing is to sand off the spots by hand, but you will leave marks on your siding. The only real option is to put up new siding and be sure to leave space between your flower beds and your siding.
Preventing further outbreaks is the best way to deal with this problem. Once the Artillery Fungus has made an appearance, the cure is to completely remove all bark and hardwood mulch from around the home. This includes removing a few inches of the topsoil underneath the mulch bed, as the spores can still grow in the soil. Replace the mulch with non-organic matter, such as decorative stone or rubber mulch products.
A way to safely remove these spores from siding or trim have not been found.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY HOUSE WASHED?
You should get your house washed every two years. Some lighter colors of siding that are in the shade a lot may require washing every year.
WHY CAN'T I GET AN ESTIMATE OVER THE PHONE OR INTERNET?
We get this question a lot from our customers. Each and every job is different which requires different chemicals, pressures and cleaning methods.
We visit each job for two reasons:
First is to get to meet face to face with our customers so we can answer in person all of your questions and explain our cleaning procedure yet if you are not home when we provide you with the estimate, we will leave your estimate in your doorway/mailbox.
Second is so that we can actually see the work that needs to be done and evaluate it. This allows us to know what to expect when the work starts and the customer can see what to expect after the job is done.
WHAT ARE THE BLACK LINES ON MY GUTTERS? CAN THEY BE REMOVED?
These black lines that you see on your gutters are actually NOT dirt! They are caused when certain materials within your composite roofing shingles become “electro-statically” bonded to the surface of your rain gutters. The bond is so strong, that it is impossible to completely remove them with just soap and water.
Don’t be deceived those black streaks are harder to come off than you think. Most homeowners try and are not successful – Call Clean Machine Power Wash. We will get them looking new again.
We wash from the foundation to the gutters and everything in between but depending on how long ago the house or building was washed and what contaminates are on it we might have to hand detail certain items so they can really get clean again. Most times, run off from roof tile and oxidation ( the black streaks you see) exhaust and road film can not be removed merely by simply power washing alone.
By calling Clean Machine Power Wash, we will not only wash but we will also use our brushes to scrub your gutters to eliminate the black lines.
Those black streaks are attached to the gutters electrostatically. The negatively charged ions from the roof runoff will stick to the positively charged ions of the gutters causing the hard to remove irregular lines. The process is called oxidation. These stains can not be removed by power washing alone and removal requires hand scrubbing and detailing to break the electrostatic bond.
Yes, some of the contaminants on the gutters may be dirt, mold, bird droppings and algae, but a majority of the black streaks are from rain running over the asphalt shingles and dripping over the side of the gutter.
The black streaks and dots are the result of electrostatic bonding of tar and asphalt runoff from roofing materials and other contaminants that attach themselves to Aluminum material: gutters downspouts, capping, etc. that seem impervious to just power washing alone can be removed by special chemicals and detailing procedures, which sometime require doing it by hand.
Clean Machine Power Wash can make those nasty, stubborn, black lines disappear!
At Clean Machine Power Wash, we have developed a process where we actually hand clean your gutters by brushing on a specialized cleaner that helps to break down these bonds so they can be safely and completely rinsed away.
MY CONTRACTOR SAID MY SIDING AND DECK ARE ZERO MAINTENANCE. IS THIS TRUE?
WHY SHOULD I PAY YOU FOR SOMETHING I COULD DO MYSELF?
Great question! Washing may seem like a pretty easy task as first, but once you begin – it’s a different story. There are many questions to ask yourself: What kind of surface do I need washed? Do I need chemicals to get it clean? What size pressure washer do I need? Am I prepared to pay to rent a machine from a rental company? Do I have a few hours to spare? Will I brush the entire home and scrub the gutters?
Every job is unique and that’s how we treat each. From our estimates down to the labor, we will provide the individual care and attention to detail that your specific job requires. From driveways to decks to roofs we do it all. We are fully insured and guarantee satisfaction. Before you go to your local hardware store and spend hundreds of dollars on a cheap pressure washer with parts that won’t last, give us a call. After all, the estimates are free.
Far too many accidents occur when inexperienced homeowners climb onto the roof to clean their own gutters. Trying to balance on a ladder whilst removing rotting, smelly leaves from your gutters is, at best, very risky but it has to be done. The safest most efficient way to clean your gutters is to call an expert. Clean Machine Power Wash will happily give you a free quote for affordable, cost effective gutter cleaning and maintenance!
Let us tackle this project for you. We will save you time, money and maybe even a sore back!
We SCRUB every house as opposed to just power washing. Scrubbing allow us to remove “black lines” on gutters, eliminate unsightly mold and mildew stains and remove debris and pollution that may build up on your home. We also power wash decks, inside gutters and roofs.
We don’t just wash – we scrub so you can say farewell to mold, mildew & dirt!!
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POWER WASHING AND PRESSURE WASHING?
What’s our goal with graffiti removal for our customers?
Once the graffiti is removed, it no longer acts as a magnet for other “artists.” You do not want to allow your property to attract more activity or crime with its current markings. When you engage in quick removal of graffiti, you’re preventing additional damage and expense long term. It’s important to know many graffiti removal and restoration efforts can leave surfaces looking as bad, or worse, than before the work began. To ensure a successful removal, we recommend you chose a company with knowledge and experience.
How can my cement last longer?
Why is gutter cleaning imperative during the winter months?
Gutter cleaning is imperative during the colder months for a variety of reasons, it protects your foundation, prevents water damage, protects your roof, prevents gutter damage, protects against pests, and it helps money stay in your pockets.
How does gutter cleaning protect my foundation?
Gutter cleaning protects your foundation because water that overflows from uncleared gutters can land along the foundation of your property. When this happens, it softens the soil, which can lead to foundational cracks.
Can gutter cleaning prevent my home from water damage?
Absolutely. When the downspouts are blocked, rainwater cannot drain properly. The overflowing water may result in water damage not only on the exterior, but on the interior too.
How will gutter cleaning protect my roof?
Gutters that are clogged with leaves and debris do not allow rainwater to drain effectively. With rainwater overspilling, it may leave you with a rotten or even leaky roof.
Overall how can I prevent my gutters from becoming damaged?
The water that gets trapped in your gutters can expand and freeze in the winter months. It’s called an ice dam. You don’t want an ice dam to form within your gutter, which can result in damage. Routine gutter cleaning and maintenance can prevent this with no problem.
Gutter damage vs. pest control
The leaves in your gutters are a desirable home for things like rodents, birds, and insects. To avoid a pest infestation, clean gutters are recommended.
How would cleaning my gutters save me money
By cleaning out your gutters, you’re preventing unexpected and expensive projects where you may need to repair or even replace things such as your roof.