House Washing in Marengo, IL

Before the day: photos, quote and a few questions

Everything starts with pictures. Rob asks for all four sides of the house, plus close-ups of the worst staining. He wants to know the siding type, how many stories, and whether the house is on a well. Those answers determine what he brings and how long the work takes.

There is no posted rate for house washing, because height, siding and condition vary too much. Rob quotes after seeing the photos, and quotes cost nothing. If something in the photos worries him, such as peeling paint, he will say so then.

Preparing a Marengo property

Close the windows, move cars, pull furniture and planters away from the walls, and let Rob know where outdoor outlets and spigots are if you want to supply water. Mention pets and any plants you especially care about. Tell him about loose trim or damaged siding in advance.

The checklist in how to prepare your home for exterior cleaning covers the details. A few minutes of prep saves time and avoids surprises on the day.

• Close and latch windows and doors
• Move cars, toys and furniture away from walls
• Cover or move delicate planters
• Tell Rob about pets, wells and known damage

The walk-around

Rob starts by circling the house slowly, usually with the homeowner if they are around. He checks for cracked siding, failed caulk, loose trim and openings where water could get behind the walls. He notes where algae is heaviest, usually on the north and shaded sides, and where rust or mineral stains are concentrated.

This is also the moment he points out things a wash will not fix, and where he asks about anything he cannot judge from the ground. Chipped paint, rot and broken siding stay as they are after cleaning. Knowing that up front prevents disappointment.

Applying, waiting and rinsing

Cleaning solution goes on gently, worked into the heavier growth, and given time to loosen the film. Nearby plants are wetted first and rinsed after. Rob works from the top of the wall down so that solution does not dry in streaks.

The rinse follows with controlled water. Windows, sills, trim and the foundation line get attention so that grime does not stay in the corners. The method is described further in soft washing, and the guide soft wash vs pressure wash explains why force is avoided on siding.

Materials common to Marengo houses

Vinyl is the most common on newer homes and responds well. Painted wood on older houses depends on the health of the paint. Aluminum chalks and needs a lighter hand. Fiber-cement and stucco, where present, are porous and get gentle rinsing.

Brick and stone sections are typically handled with care for mortar, since soft joints are the first thing a careless rinse removes. Chimneys and foundation walls get the same patience, and the lowest few feet of any wall, where splashed soil collects, get a second look. If your house mixes materials, as many do after additions and remodels, tell Rob so he can plan each section separately.

After the wash

Results continue to improve as surfaces dry, and the true look appears once the walls are fully dry. Growth in damp, shaded spots will eventually return, so how long the house stays clean depends on shade, trees and moisture. Walls that sit in full sun stay clean the longest, while a north wall near a damp corner may show growth again within a season or two. Gutters often get cleaned at the same visit, see gutter cleaning, and a windows pass finishes the job, see window cleaning.

House Washing through the year in Marengo