What’s actually growing on your siding
The green film on shaded siding is algae. The black spotting is mildew and mold. Both feed on moisture, shade and organic dust, which is why they show up first on north- and east-facing walls, under tree cover, and near Lake Superior. In our climate the growth gets a head start during the spring freeze-thaw weeks and takes off in humid July and August. Left alone it holds moisture against the siding, stains it permanently over a few seasons, and on painted or wood surfaces it works into the finish.
Why we soft wash instead of pressure wash siding
High-pressure washing on siding is the number one way homeowners end up with water behind the wall, blown-out J-channel, stripped paint and etched wood. A soft wash uses pressure about the same as a garden hose plus a biodegradable cleaning solution applied to the surface, allowed to dwell, then rinsed thoroughly. The solution kills algae and mildew at the root, which is why a soft-washed house stays clean much longer than a pressure-washed one. We pre-wet and protect landscaping, cover outlets and fixtures, and rinse plants down again when we’re finished.
What’s included
- All siding, soffit and fascia on the house
- Gutter faces rinsed (full gutter brightening is a separate service)
- Trim, shutters and exterior doors
- Window exteriors rinsed (spot-free hand window cleaning is a separate service)
- Landscaping protected and rinsed
- A written quote you can approve online before we start
What affects the price
Square footage and number of stories, siding type, how heavy the growth is, and access, steep lots, tree cover, decks. Most single-family homes in the Duluth area fall into a predictable range and we can usually quote from your address and a few photos without a site visit. Request a quote and we will reply with a written number.
