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Power Washing

6 Reasons Why You Should Clean Your Windows Regularly

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Unless you’re living in an underground bunker, most of us spend time looking through a window during our day. With modern technology and computer-driven commerce, people are spending less and less time outside. Only one in four people currently spend more than 10% of their day outside. That leaves the rest of us inside, periodically glancing through the windows for the other 90% of the time. Windows, then, is literally our view with the outside world.

Since we’re asking so much of our windows, it’s important to treat them right with regular cleaning and maintenance. To extend the life of your windows, consider scheduling several window cleaning for your home or office building each year. Here are the top reasons why you should keep your windows clean:

1. A Clear View of the World

There’s nothing worse than looking out at your gorgeous view than having to do so through a smudge. Cleaning your windows regularly keeps that view crystal clear for yourself and your loved ones at home, and your employees at work. A crisp view can improve morale and health by letting in more light with its nourishing Vitamin D.

2. Glass Protection

Cleaning your windows regularly actually extends the life of your glass. A build-up of grime, dirt, and mildew can etch the glass surface, which weakens the structural integrity of the glass piece. With enough scratches, your windows will become fragile and can shatter easily. 

3. Insulation Power

Window glass clarity has an effect on your dwelling’s energy efficiency. In winter, dirty windows can prevent sunlight from entering your building. This can make your home or work draftier and colder than it would be with clean windows. When your windows are cleaned by a professional, they can also identify and restore outside window frames of your home or office that are in need of a spruce. Windows are a naturally weak insulation point in your walls, but a multitude of factors can make the situation worse. These include corrosion and rot of a window’s frame, which can introduce holes into your building. To avoid this unwanted invitation for pests and loss of your inside temperature, hire a thorough professional window cleaner that has the bandwidth to restore window frame issues. 

4. Weather

Different types of weather carry their own assault on your windows, depending on where you’re located. Dry climates produce lots of fine dust and sand particles that regularly blow around in the wind. Just like weather-softened rocks, the glass of your windows is susceptible to these particles hitting and digging into your glass. If your window glass isn’t cleaned regularly, the build-up of these particles can permanently scratch your glass. On the other hand, wet climates pose their own unique challenges for your window upkeep. Consistent dampness of your windows leads to mildew, lichen, and mold buildup, which will continue to spread into your building’s walls if left uncleaned. Some cases are best left to professionals that require power washing and special cleaning mixes to scrub away nature’s grip.

5. Location, Location, Location

If you’re in a city or near a factory, chances are your windows are being exposed to fine-particle exhaust fumes and smoke. These industrial discharges will build-up on your windows over time. Your windows may also be exposed to acidic rain or harsher industrial chemicals, causing window damage if not cleaned off regularly. Besides dulling your view from inside, dirty windows may send the wrong message to those observing your grimy windows from the outside. Don’t turn away potential customers or visitors — have your windows cleaned regularly!

6. Home or Commercial Building Value

In the fast-paced world of real estate, potential home buyers decide within the first minute of visiting a home if they are interested. One of the things they will for sure see in that minute is the state of your windows. Keep buyers interested beyond those sixty seconds by having a professional clean your windows inside and out beforehand, and watch the value of your home or commercial building increase! For all these reasons and more, invest in the health of your windows with your nearby, soon to be favorite window cleaning service today!

Benefits of Pressure Washing a Driveway

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If you own a home in the Minneapolis St Paul area, you probably clean the inside of it regularly, including dusting your surfaces, cleaning the toilets, and sanitizing kitchen appliances. Furthermore, you also probably mow your lawn about once a week and landscape regularly. On the other hand, you might neglect your driveway. Pressure washing your driveway is an integral part of maintaining your home’s value and improving its longevity. Therefore, you need to know how often you should pressure wash your driveway and some of the benefits that come with it. 

Get your pressure washing quote from your local Squeegee Squad Today!

Pressure Washing a Driveway: Why You Need to Do It

You might take out the garden hose and spray down your driveway regularly. Why would you want to pressure wash it? The reason is that spraying it with a garden hose is simply not enough to thoroughly clean, especially in the Minneapolis St Paul area with all of the pollen, dirt, and grime that gets embedded. Pressure washing is fast, efficient, and affordable.

When you pressure wash your driveway, you apply a pressurized water jet to your driveway at high temperatures to break the bond between dirt and the surface of your driveway. This process simply goes deeper than anything you might be able to do on your own. In general, you should pressure wash your driveway at least once a year to ensure it is clean while also extending the surface’s longevity. 

What Are the Benefits of Pressure Washing Your Driveway?

There are a few significant benefits that come with pressure washing your driveway. Some of the benefits to note include:

  • Pressure washing your driveway will prevent the growth of mildew, mold, and other harmful pathogens. These invasive species can gradually destroy the surface of your driveway. This can lead to safety hazards, cracks, and major repairs down the road. When you pressure wash, you will target every pore of your driveway, making sure these hazards are removed.
  • Next, pressure washing will also help you limit weeds that grow in between cracks on your driveway. When you pressure wash your driveway regularly, you will prevent cracks from developing that would otherwise enable weeds to grow. Applying a coat of sealant after you pressure wash a driveway can further prevent this from happening.
  • Pressure washing your driveway will also remove stains and might be present. Your driveway is susceptible to developing staining daily. The stains come from oil, mud, and dirt. Rays from the sun can also cake these into your driveway. Pressure washing can remove them. 
  • Finally, pressure washing your driveway can also improve its safety. It is important to make sure that your driveway does not develop bumps or cracks that might lead to trip hazards or damaged vehicles as they pull up. Pressure washing your driveway will keep people and vehicles safe from harm. Minneapolis St Paul area poses another set of safety issues in the winter where cracks can form and freeze, causing a potential hazard. 

Why Hire a Professional Pressure Washer?

Several benefits come from pressure washing your driveway. When it is time for your driveway to receive its annual pressure wash, you need to reach out to trained professionals for help. Some of the major reasons why include: 

  • Hiring a professional pressure washer will save you time. If you don’t use a pressure washer regularly, you might not know how to get the most out of the tool. A trained crew uses a pressure washer on a daily basis. Professional pressure washing crews in Minneapolis St Paul know how to get the job done quickly and safely. 
  • You can also save money by hiring a professional pressure washer. Unless you have another need for a pressure washer, there is no need for you to buy one. Save money by hiring a crew instead.
  • Finally, you should also hire a professional pressure washer from a perspective. This is a high temperature, strong water jet that can harm people if they get hit by it. Prevent this from happening by hiring professionals. 

Contact Squeegee Squad Today!

If you are looking for a professional squad to handle your pressure washing needs, then reach out to Squeegee Squads today! We have the tools and the training to take care of your pressure washing needs quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

Get your pressure washing quote from your local Squeegee Squad Today!



Benefits of Pressure Washing Stone

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If you have an area with stone on your property, you will likely enjoy the aesthetics, function, and safety features it provides. If you live in the Minneapolis St Paul area, the extreme weather and seasons will add another level of cleaning and safety to your pressure washing job. Stone walls and walkways require upkeep and maintenance, so they continue looking as pristine as when they were installed. Pressure washing these stone areas helps keep your home looking beautiful and is an integral part of your yearly home maintenance.

Get a local pressure washing quote from your local Squeegee Squad Today

The Benefits Of Pressure Washing Stone

The main reason homeowners in Minneapolis St Paul pressure wash their stone is to keep up the appearance and help ensure they are a part of your hardscapes or exterior well into the future. Failure to clean stone could leave them looking dingy, dirty, or caked with debris accumulated upon and between the stones. In addition to the appearance, Minneapolis St Paul homeowners also have stone areas on the exterior portion of walls pressure washed to allow broken parts to be seen more easily. This way, deterioration can be remedied quickly, perhaps helping to stop further damage from occurring. You will want to address these deficiencies before the winter season when the temperatures drop, and foundations tend to expand and contract. 

Over time, stone can tend to shift. Without yearly stone pressure washing, this often slight shift may not be noticed as easily. With a pressure washing session, debris is removed from around stone surfaces, allowing you to observe any structural inadequacy. If shifting is detected, you can then contact a contractor immediately to tend to the stone so it is restructured in a way where it will remain stable and looking good.

Pressure Wash Stone Yearly

It is best to have your stone pressure washed at least once a year. Because of seasonal changes, debris build-up is likely as moisture, heat, and other environmental concerns cause a negative impact on stone surfaces. If you wait too long, the potential for deterioration occurring is greater. Pressure washing stone yearly will also give you time to contact a professional to make repairs before it becomes too damaged to do so. This also ensures that your stone area looks its best during every season of the year. Also, skipping a year or two between cleaning sessions tends to lead to a more extensive cleaning session than it could have been if debris had not accumulated. The more debris you have upon the stones, the harder it will be to remove, even with help from a pressure washer. 

Why Hire a Professional Stone Pressure Washing Company

Instead of trying to pressure wash your own stone, it is advised to have a professional pressure washing crew tend to the job. Professional pressure washing companies like Squeegee Squad are insured, giving you peace of mind that if you hire one to pressure wash your stone, any damage would be handled without costing you extra money to repair. A professional knows exactly what type of cleaning supplies are necessary to remove debris from any type of surface, giving your stone a pristine appearance after the pressure washing is completed. It’s incredibly easy to get a free pressure washing quote from your local Squeegee Squad. 

Hiring a professional cleaning service like Squeegee Squad is preferred by those who do not have the time or know-how to wash down stone surfaces on their own. It is also beneficial for those who are afraid that they may damage a retaining wall if they take on the project themselves. In addition, there is no need to gather tools such as the pressure washer and scrubbing materials or the cleaning agents required to do the job correctly.

Some Concerns Regarding Stone Pressure Washing

As a homeowner, you may have some concerns about cleaning your stone walls and exterior areas. If you try to do the job yourself, you may wonder if you are doing it correctly. Damage can often occur but can be avoided. You might use a cleaning product that alters the overall look of the stone after the process. There is no worry when you hire a professional like Squeegee Squad to pressure wash your stone.

Before pressure washing your stone, the Squeegee Squad professionals will first assess the job at hand and make the arrangements necessary to have the proper tools and cleaning supplies needed so the job is done quickly, safely, and efficiently. You will know precisely how long the process will take so you can make arrangements for your family to stay away from the area until it is completed. 

Schedule your pressure washing appointment today!

Can You Power Wash a House in the Winter?

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Most people love the look of their home after it’s freshly power washed. It looks so shiny and new again! Plus, it’s pretty satisfying to watch all that dirt, grime, and build up just fall away and wash down into the street gutter. But many homeowners also wonder if we can power wash their house in the winter. Whether you’ve procrastinated the task, or were gone all summer and didn’t have time to schedule it, you can still power wash a house in the winter. However, there are some restrictions to this. Let’s take a look at some of the things to consider before you schedule your winter power washing.

Power Washing Is Different Depending Where You Live

To an extent, yes. It’s not the best idea to power wash when the outside temperature is below 40 degrees. Cold temps like this can damage our pumps, cause the water to freeze as we spray it onto your home, put our employees at risk of hypothermia, and just makes for less effective cleaning, in general. For these reasons, we typically do not power wash home in the winter if the temperatures get below 40 degrees. This means most northern climates are a no-go for a good chunk of time in the winter, typically December through March, depending on the area.

However, we have locations all across the country so warmer climates that rarely reach temperatures below 40 are typically okay to receive power washing year-round. Our locations in warm climates such as Texas and Florida stay busy keeping people’s homes looking fresh and clean no matter what time of year it is.

What are the best times to power wash?

As mentioned above, we typically can’t power wash your home if the temperature is too cold. That being said, the day may start at 20 degrees but warm up to 45 by the afternoon. In these cases, we can schedule your home’s power washing for later in the day when it’s warmer outside. As you may be able to guess, this limits the number of properties we can visit in a single day, so please be aware of this when calling to schedule your home’s power washing service.

However, if you live in a warm part of the country, we might not have as much restriction as to when we can come to visit your home for cleaning. If you prefer to have the work completed first thing in the morning, we can usually accommodate this.

Can you power wash in the rain?

In some areas, winter doesn’t mean cold and snow, but it means lots of rain. Because of this, we’re often asked if we can power wash a home, not just in the winter, but in the rain. The quick answer is yes, we can. The longer answer is that it depends on the conditions. If it’s a light sprinkle for just a few hours in the afternoon, or if it’s an all-out downpour. As you can imagine, a few sprinkles are fine but a thunderstorm will not allow us to work safely and effectively. If we wake up and expect to see rain on the day of your appointment, we’ll let you know if we plan to arrive as scheduled, postponed for later in the day when the rain has died down, or reschedule the appointment altogether. We do our best to work in all conditions but Mother Nature sometimes has different plans for us!

Depending on where you live and what time of year it is, we may be able to power wash your home in the winter. Find your nearest Squeegee Squad location and send us an email or give us a call. We’ll be able to determine if the weather will allow us to come out and power wash your house, or if we need to postpone and schedule it for the spring or summer season. We can also take care of your window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and other household tasks! Just let us know what you’re looking for and we can accommodate!

Can You Power Wash In the Rain?

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Having set up to rent a power washer or hire a service, the day arrives and you are greeted by a sky that looks threatening. The dark, heavy clouds let you know it is going to rain at any minute. Should you cancel the power washing? The answer is both yes and no, depending on some other factors.

Power Wash Your Own Home In The Rain

If you are the one doing the power washing, you can still do it if you take a few safety precautions.

  • You will want to make sure no part of your equipment is spent in standing water. If you can actually keep the equipment engine dry during the entire process, then it is safer.
  • You will want to check out the age of your equipment. Any that have been made within the past fifteen years should have a UL sticker on it. This sticker means that the product has been tested by an international organization that makes it its duty to check on the safety of the equipment. The sticker will tell you if your particular pressure washing equipment is considered safe to use in the rain.
  • When it comes to gas versus electric, you will need to use more caution with the electric version. There is less chance of electrocution with gas models.
  • How much rain are we talking about? If it is raining lightly, with no sign of thunder or lightning, you are fairly safe. If it is pouring, you may want to consider another day. If there are thunder and lightning, definitely put the job off.
  • How familiar are you with your equipment and how it runs? For someone who has never used such equipment before, it is better to wait for a clear day because there are many safety factors you need to have in place. In this case, you may want to wait until you can hire a professional or you have an excellent weather day. If you have done this before, know the safety precautions, and know your equipment well, then a little rain doesn’t have to stop you.

Why Power Wash Professionals Prefer A Cloudy Day

Professional power washers spend months and months training for the job. Working with electrical equipment and ever-changing weather, they need to be prepared for all types of conditions. Their very lives may depend on it. That said, many professional power washers prefer a cloudy day, even one with very light rain. Here is why:

1. The detergent tends to dry very quickly on bright, sunny days. Considering that the detergent needs to be wet in order to rinse completely, this drying can be annoying and create more work. A slight sprinkle can slow down the drying process.

2. A bright sun creates conditions for glaring. When the sky is overcast, the professional can see where there needs to be more work. He can see the places that may have been initially missed or need additional attention, and he can see where more rinsing is required.

Note: Even a professional with years of experience will avoid heavy downpours and thunder and lightning. No amount of training is worth the risk in that type of weather!

Power Washing Final Thoughts

Power washing is possible in the rain. Don’t just jump into it, however. Safety precautions need to be taken, the equipment you use needs to be maintained in a certain manner and approved for use in the rain, and you need to know how to keep yourself safe throughout the process. Doing this in the rain is not recommended for those new to power washing.

How much does it cost to pressure wash a two-story house?

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Remember that new look your home had right after you replaced the siding? Remember driving up to your home after a long day at work and being pleasantly surprised about how fresh and new it looked? Over the years, dirt, mildew and other debris have likely caused that fresh, clean finish to dull and even appear a little dingy. Pressure washing can change all of that and give your home that newly-sided, new house look again.

What is pressure washing?

Pressure washing cleans the exterior of your home using directed streams of water, usually with a mild, biodegradable detergent. At Squeequee Squad, we only use low-pressure nozzles, so you don’t have to worry about damage to those delicate architectural details, stucco or painted window or door frames. Pressure washing removes chemical and other organic stains as well as dirt, mildew, mold and cobwebs.

Advantages of pressure washing your house

In addition to helping your home to look more attractive, there are a number of reasons to consider having your home power washed. Just a few of these are..

1. Extending the life of your roof and siding. If you’ve ever replaced your roof of siding, you know that these parts of your home are among the most expensive. Dirt, mold and mildew can cause your home’s exterior surfaces to age more quickly than normal and shorten the lifespan of your vinyl siding and asphalt shingles. Removing the dirt and other elements from your roof and siding can mean you won’t have to replace them for several additional years.

2. Improving curb appeal. In addition to making your home look good when guests and family visit, power washing can add to your home’s curb appeal when it comes time to put your house on the market. Potential buyers are more likely to stop at your open house or call your real estate agent for an appointment if they like what they see on the exterior of your home.

3. Eliminating airborne contaminants. That mold and mildew on the exterior of your home has the potential to travel into your living space and compromise the quality of your indoor air. This can be especially troublesome if you have very young or very old family members or people with chronic breathing issues like asthma or COPD.

4. Saving time. When you have your home professionally pressure washed, you don’t have to worry about climbing ladders or using scaffolding to clean the siding yourself. With us, your home’s exterior is cleaned in just a few hours.

What you can expect to pay for pressure washing

Each home is unique. That’s why we offer a free estimate before we begin any work on your home. However, the industry average for pressure washing a home is between $220 and $380. You can expect a two-story home to be on the higher end of this scale. We charge by the linear foot, so a larger house if going to cost more whether it’s a ranch home or a two-story home.

To learn more about pressure washing your home, visit squeegeesquad.com or call us today at (insert contact info). We’ve been helping homeowners like you keep their homes look fresh and clean for more two decades. In addition to pressure washing, we offer residential and commercial window cleaning, solar panel cleaning, roof cleaning and even holiday lighting services.

How Often Do Solar Panels Need To Be Cleaned?

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Solar panels are a great way to cut your dependency on fossil fuels and regulated energy. While they do most of the work harnessing solar rays for your energy needs, solar panels need to be appropriately cleaned to ensure longer life and no energy loss.

Schedule Your Solar Panel Cleaning Today!

How often should solar panels be cleaned?

How often should your panels be cleaned? Well, it depends, but most experts agree that cleaning solar panels an average of every six months is reasonable. However, there are times when you may need to get your solar panels cleaned earlier or wait longer. If you live in an area of dusty farmlands or the dessert, you’ll need them cleaned more often. Conversely, if you have angled panels and live in Seattle, you may need your solar panels cleaned less often since it rains more. Most cleaning and solar experts agree that the best times to get a solar panel cleaning are at the end of the winter months and the summer months. This is the two times a year that the most buildup and debris will accumulate.

Why do Solar Panels need cleaning?

If dust and leaves build up on the solar panels, you aren’t getting the most out of them. This type of debris, along with bird droppings, etc., can build up on the solar panels and cause energy loss. If you have a string inverter or micro-inverters on your solar panels, bird droppings can build up and stop the inverters from showing current flow. Rain can wash off some of these, but just like a car that sits out in the rain for six months, you know that your solar panels won’t be sparkly clean afterward.

A study on dirty solar panels was done, and it found that they cause up to 5% lowered efficiency and that a thorough solar panel cleaning can boost it to 3.5% more efficient. Without monthly cleaning, research showed that dirty panels can see a 30% energy loss each year.

Schedule Your Solar Panel Cleaning Today!

Solar Panels Suffer Energy Loss Over Time

Studies have shown that your energy loss in the first year goes from 0 to 20% by the end of the year. In the second year, that loss goes from 20% to 35%. Going beyond two years between cleanings can mean even more energy loss and inefficiency. Getting regular cleanings can keep your panels running like new. Getting professional servicing can mean getting more years out of your solar energy system.

Why Hire a Professional to Clean Solar Panels?

It is safer for you and your system to hire solar panel cleaning experts because you will want to avoid scratching the solar panels’ surface areas. You have to be careful about what chemicals you put on solar panels, and you have to be cautious about the amount of pressure you are using on them. Solar panels on the roof also carry the danger of cleaning them to prevent the homeowner from falling. Expert solar panel cleaners know what cleansers to use, how much pressure, and what to clean the panels with so that there are no particles left behind. Professional solar panel cleaning crews are highly trained,  licensed, and insured with years of training and service.

We here at Squeegee Squad can take care of your solar panel cleaning needs and other household needs such as professional window washing, gutter cleaning, and pressure washing. Give your local Squeegee Squad a call to see how we can help you keep your entire estate clean and running like a dream.

Contact Your Local Squeegee Squad Today!

How Often Should You Have Your House Power Washed?

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Having your house power washed takes all the work out of cleaning it by hand with brushes and cleaners while standing on a ladder and it can be done quickly and efficiently by experienced companies.

When Should I Have My House Power Washed?

This question doesn’t have a one size fits all answer to it. Most homes should be power washed a minimum of once a year. Power Washing your siding will actually extend the life of it so it won’t need repairs and you won’t need to replace it as often. It also makes your home look as good as new when it’s tidy and clean on the exterior.

What Other Factors Affect a Power Washing Schedule?

Several other factors will dictate how often you should power wash your home. Below are just a few, power washing your home can be used in any number of situations. 

Power Wash Schedules Depend On Your Home’s Location

One of the largest factors in how often to power wash your home is the location where your home is. If you live in a subdivision that is fairly new and has a lot of construction in it, your home will likely get dirty quicker due to the dust from gravel and dirt trucks traveling on the roads in front of your home. Also, if you live in a rural area on a dirt or rock road, your home will attract debris and dirt every time someone drives on the road in front of your home. These situations will warrant cleaning your home’s exterior more often and you can merely just look at it and see that it is dingy and needs a good, thorough power washing. 

Similarly, if you have several trees near your home, they may leak sap or drip rainwater from the leaves and limbs in a rainy season and leave you with green spots on your siding and your roof. You want to remove these items so they don’t embed into your building materials and harm them causing you to need new roofing in areas or new siding.

Power Wash Mildew and Mold Off Of The Exterior

Mildew and mold may be growing on your house, especially if you live in a climate that is warm and humid. If you live in a climate such as this, you will want to clean your home’s exterior more often than once a year. Mildew and mold is not only unsightly, but they contain spores that can travel with additional rain or wind and many people are very allergic to these spores. Allowing mold and mildew to remain on your siding, will allow it to continuously grow and become a much larger problem. You should check your home in the hottest months of the summer and if you see mold and mildew forming, then this should be the time for you to schedule an appointment for power washing.

Power Wash Before You Repaint Your Home

If the paint on your home is peeling or just old, you may consider repainting it to freshen it up or you may just decide you want a change of color on it. In either case, your house needs to be thoroughly cleaned of all dirt, grime, debris, and mold or mildew before it gets a new coat of paint. New paint won’t stick well when it’s placed over any type of dirt and then your new paint job will not look as good as it should. If you have green spots from tree sap, mold or mildew, these items can also eat right through your new exterior paint, so painting over them doesn’t solve the problem it will only mask it for a short while. Power washing is the most effective and efficient way to clean your home prior to painting. 

Power Wash to Help With Storm Cleanup

After a big storm, your home may look pretty rough, as storms with high winds and tornadoes capture dirt and debris in the wind and they can deposit it on your house. You should also remove any storm debris from your gutters or roof as soon as possible afterward to keep them from rotting and causing problems. Power washing can do a deep cleaning that you may not be able to achieve with a bucket of soapy water and a hose. 

Power Wash Before Putting Your Home Up For Sale

Your home is most likely the largest investment you will ever make in your lifetime. If you decide you are moving, downsizing or upsizing, you may want to repaint your home’s exterior. It is a well-known fact that homes with fresh paint will sell much quicker and may also sell for a higher price point because they appear fresh and like new. Even if you aren’t in need of paint, power washing will freshen your exterior up so it looks like new again. 

Can All Types of Siding Be Power Washed?

Virtually all types of siding on your home whether it is vinyl, aluminum, steel, wood, stucco, brick or cement fiberboard can be power washed by a professional. The experienced technicians know exactly how many pounds per square inch (PSI) that your type of siding can withstand and not cause any damage to it. It is not recommended to power wash fiberboard unless you have someone use a soft washing pressure washing system. A technician can use specialized low-pressure nozzles to remove all stains, dirt, mold, and mildew from your home with this system so it won’t damage any of your more delicate surfaces including fiberboard, paint, and stucco. Too much pressure can cause huge damages to your home and improper use of a power washer can spray water on soffits or flashing that will actually remove it or lift it and allow water to enter into your attic, which in turn can cause serious conditions of black mold in your home.

Power washing is a really effective way to do not only general maintenance and cleaning but also the deeper cleaning that many homes will need from time to time. You can see that the timing will vary for every situation and you are the best judge of when to have your home power washed. 

Pressure Washing Retaining Walls

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The Minneapolis St Paul areas have some of the most spectacular retaining walls. In the spring and summer, they can serve as a backdrop for beautiful gardens and patios, and in the winter, some can help block the snow and ice from getting into protected areas.  

Retaining walls are a great way to add beauty to any outdoor space. However, as with any structure, over time, dirt, grime, and other unattractive substances can begin to accumulate. When this happens, it can create various negative consequences for your retaining walls and surrounding spaces. With the extreme temperatures in the Minneapolis St Paul area, this is only exacerbated. 

Get your pressure washing quote from your local Squeegee Squad Today

Pressure Washing Benefits

There are many benefits to having a professional pressure wash your retaining walls. Our professional pressure washing crews understand that you have invested a lot of time and money into your home’s retaining walls. We aim to provide services that help protect and prolong the beauty and functionality of those investments. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of having your retaining walls pressure washed.

Esthetics and Pressure Washing Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are often one of the first things people will see when approaching a home or building. In many cases retaining walls are a focal point of gardens, lawns, and landscaping. If the retaining walls are unattractive, grimy, and stained, this detracts from the overall objective of having the retaining wall installed in the first place.

Pressure washing is often one of the only ways to successfully remove years of grime, mold, and stains on retaining walls. Not only is pressure washing effective, but it is also relatively quick. It may have taken years for retaining walls to get stained and dirty, but pressure washing can have them looking new again in no time.

Retaining Walls Pressure Washing Make Retaining Walls Last Longer

Many people do not realize that allowing accumulated dirt and grime to remain on a retaining wall structure will begin to break down the wall over time. What may simply look like dirt and stains to us can be damaging mold and fungus. Mold and fungus can begin to eat away at the natural elements in your retaining wall in the same way that these substances will eat away at a rock face in nature.

To protect the investment you have made into your retaining walls and landscaping, you must keep these structure clean.

How Often Should You Pressure Wash?

There are no hard and fast rules concerning how often to pressure wash. Most people find that pressure washing once a year is sufficient to keep the build-up of dirt, grime, mold, or fungus away. However, if your retaining wall is located in a place that lends itself to more dirt, algae growth, or mold growth, you may want to consider pressure washing more often. You can speak with one of our staff members to learn more about how often you should pressure wash. It’s easy to get a free pressure washing quote from your local Squeegee Squad!

Should I Hire a Professional to Pressure Wash a Retaining Wall?

Pressure washing is a labor-intensive chore that requires specific equipment and, in some cases cleaning solutions. Hiring a professional pressure washing crew is the best way to ensure that your retaining walls are done right.

Hiring a professional will also ensure that you do not injure yourself or cause any damage to your retaining walls during pressure washing.

Renting the appropriate pressure washing equipment can also get very expensive. Hiring a professional is a great way to get this huge job done quickly and affordably.

Choosing a Pressure Washing Company

When choosing a pressure washing company, there are a few things you will want to consider. You should select a company that has a reputation for being safe to work with and friendly. The professional pressure washing crew will be on your property and around your home. Choose people you feel comfortable with.

If you have any plants or landscaping which needs special attention, be sure to inform the pressure washing crew of this before they begin your job. They will take extra precautions to protect your landscaping and home. 

You will also want to discuss with the pressure washing crew the material your particular walls are made of. This will help them determine the best ways to clean the area and the best cleaning solutions (if any) to use.

If you would like to learn more about our pressure washing services for residential and commercial structures, please contact our friendly staff today at the Minneapolis St Paul Squeegee Squad. We will be happy to answer your questions and schedule your next cleaning project.

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Should I Pressure Wash My Deck Before Staining?

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When it comes time to paint or stain your deck or patio, getting good adherence depends on a clean surface. When the deck surface isn’t clean and free of mold or mildew, there may be peeling or trouble with a consistent coating. Always start with a thoroughly clean surface area before attempting any other covering on a deck or patio. There are many ways to prep the surface before paint or staining, and our highly trained Pressure Washing crews are here to let you know the best methods.

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Best Prep Methods Before Deck Staining

Sweep up all the leaves, debris, and other items on the deck. When the surface is free from debris and is all swept or vacuumed,  you are ready to move on to deeper cleaning. Cleaning the surface area should be done with quality ingredients. You’ll need to wear proper protective equipment over your clothes and your eyes. There are two ways to do the best prep method:

Method One – Spray the area with a spray bottle or a backpack sprayer to get a thorough soaking. You’ll want to work in small sections at a time. Take a scrubber brush and work this into the deck surface to ensure you’re getting good solid coverage of the cleanser. After cleansing the entire deck, you can take a spray hose and rinse it free from the cleaner. After the area has thoroughly dried, you’ll be able to start painting or staining the deck.

Method Two – Using a pressure washer can apply the cleanser to the surface with force so that you don’t have to scrub. After the deck cleaner, using straight water in the pressure washer can rinse the deck surface. Hiring a professional pressure washing crew to clean your deck will ensure your deck is in optimal condition to paint or stain. Our highly trained pressure washing crews know exactly how to prep, how much water pressure, and what the necessary cleaners are to get the best possible outcome for you. 

Should I Pressure Wash My Deck Before Staining?

We may be biased, but the answer really is a resounding yes! Pressure washing the deck or patio surface before staining gives a win-win situation. You are saving time and back-breaking labor by not having to scrub the deck by hand. You can penetrate the surface much deeper and easier than low-pressure water hoses that only take care of very superficial areas of concern on the deck. A side by side comparison of a hose cleaned deck and a pressure power washed deck will tell the tale. The pressure washing makes it look like new, taking years of neglect and use away. 

Also, pressure washing can help remove the layer of other paint and stain so that there is a completely bare surface ready to be used. Pressure washing also helps increases the life of the deck paint and stain used afterward from peeling up. Removing everything in one easy pass can even clean the areas between the deck boards, something that a brush and hand have a much harder time attempting. Cleaning between the boards like this will help lower the chances of fungal growth and helps prevent rot from forming.

You see, there are two main ways to give you the best prep before staining a deck; one that is time-consuming and doesn’t give you the deep clean that is needed, and one that is quicker, easier, and gives your surface new life and a better future. Which one are you choosing?

Squeegee Squad has professional, highly trained pressure washing crews who can answer all your questions about pressure washing and how it will help prep your deck for paint or stain. From driveways to decks, from houses to gutters, pressure washing can help keep your residence or business looking better for years to come. Call us today to talk with us about your needs.

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Should You Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding?

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Pressure washing can be a great way to shine up your residence or business. However, if you don’t know what you are doing then you can damage the siding. You can either blow a hole in it or water gets in there and can rot the wood between the home and siding. Hiring a professional pressure washer, such as Squeegee Squad, that cleans with low pressure and detergents to do it safely is your best option. It’s not worth damaging the siding in order to save a buck.

Vinyl siding is pliable and can usually withstand pressure washing. This is also true for fiber cement siding. However, aluminum siding can dent so you would need to use the lowest pressure setting and use a broad option. Wood clapboard siding can also be effectively washed but only if you have had the exterior paint tested. For any shingle siding, pressure washing shouldn’t be used because it can knock shingles loose. It’s best to check with the manufacturer if you are unsure about your siding. If you go against a manufacturer’s recommendations, it can void your warranty.

Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding Safely

Pressure washing is not good for any soft surface, such as window screens. Vinyl siding is a hard surface but it’s not as hard as other surfaces, such as brick. This means that you need to be careful about pressure washing so you don’t damage the siding. Before pressure washing vinyl siding, it’s necessary to inspect it to see if it’s damaged in any way. Some areas get more direct sunlight, while other areas remain moist for longer periods of time. Any loose siding should be repaired before pressure washing. There should be special care taken to prevent any water from getting trapped since the moisture will lead to mold growth. There should also be special care taken to not spray water directly into the gaps around windows or doors.

There are many products that are available for cleaning your vinyl siding. Professionals will ensure that it’s safe for vinyl and not just aluminum or wood. If the siding has a lot of algae or mold then one with oxidized bleach may be the best bet.

Pressure washing vinyl siding doesn’t need to use the maximum amount of pressure on the washer. The pressure should be started low and then increased as needed to remove dirt and algae. There should be a proper technique used. Professionals can make sure that the job is done correctly.

Dangers of Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding

The reason you need to be very careful with pressure washing vinyl siding is that there are plenty of dangers if it gets damaged. Not only would you need to replace the siding but it can also cause water to build up in the attic or walls. This means that water can get through the material of the building, even concrete. Pressure washing can damage windows so if your vinyl siding is near windows, there needs to be extra cautious. Pressure washing can also remove paint and if you were just expecting a thorough cleaning then paint removal isn’t what you probably expected to see. If the building is older and is painted with lead paint then loosening it or removing it with pressure washing can create an unhealthy environment.

Benefits of Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is exposed to a number of natural elements so even though you need to be careful when pressure washing vinyl siding, there are a number of benefits.

Fastest Way to Remove Dirt: Pressure washing is one of the fastest ways to clean the vinyl siding.

Cleans without Damage: If you do it correctly, pressure washing vinyl siding is safe and won’t damage the siding.

Get the Best Result: Since pressure washing is a top-down process, you will get the best results. The unique process gives the detergent solution a chance to spend some time on the vinyl siding, which results in tackling the dirt and grime before it’s rinsed off.

How Often Should You Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding?

You only need to pressure wash your vinyl siding about once a year or once every two years. You can use other methods for seasonal cleanings, such as wiping down the siding with a non-abrasive cleaner. 

The Difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing

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You want to clean your house and deck, but you are not sure if you need to power wash it or pressure wash it. It is easy to think they are the same thing because you often hear them used interchangeable. Power washing and pressure washing are incredibly similar, but not quite the same. They both clean a wide range of surfaces and objects. However, the way they clean them is different. While many use the terms interchangeably because they do not understand that subtle differences between the two, it is not accurate to do so.

What Is Power Washing?

Power washing is when you use hot water at a steady flow to deliver a powerful stream of water to the surface you are cleaning. The water temperature is what dictates if something is being power washed. It is the temperature and flow of the water that indicate power washing. A power washer has a thermostat on it to gauge the temperature of the water. The high pressure and high temperature combined allow you to remove items from the surface that might not otherwise come off. A good example of this is gum stuck to the sidewalk. Power washing removes mildew, mold, and moss. It may even help you kill weeds. Power washing works best when you are dealing with a large surface area or there is a large amount of stuck-on grime that you want to remove. It can literally blast away all kinds of dirt and grime. It can even remove grease stains from your driveway or garage floor. 

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing, on the other hand, only depends on the force of the water. The temperature of the water really does not matter. Pressure washers do not typically have a feature that heats the water. Pressure washing cleans decks, patios, walkways, brick, and concrete. It works best when there is no mold or mildew. It can clean quickly and efficiently as long as there is not baked on grime. 

The difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing

The major difference between the two is the temperature of the water. The water in a pressure washer is going to be the same temperature coming out as it was going in. Whatever the temperature is of the water you use, it remains that way. Power washing heats up the water you put in it so that it is a higher temperature and a lot of pressure. As a result, a power washer is better able to remove heavy-duty stains and mold. A pressure washer is not great at removing those types of stains. 

Which One Should I Choose?

It really depends on your specific needs, but for general household use, most likely all you need is a good pressure wash. It is not as harsh on surfaces, which makes it the best option for brick, concrete, and masonry. You can also pressure wash your deck to give it a quick clean up. 

When you have a bigger job, such as an extra-large driveway or patio, you might want to consider power washing. If you have a business, you also might want to consider power washing. You can finish the work quicker when you power wash because the heated water loosens up the dirt better. You have to be careful when using a power washer because the temperature is hot and it is coming out with a lot of force. You can damage softer surfaces with a power washer. When using a power washer, you should contain it to concrete or other hard surfaces. When in doubt, you should always call a professional to handle the job for you. 

What Are the Benefits of Pressure Washing?

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Pressure washing is an efficient way to thoroughly clean your home’s exterior. Pressure washing can be suitable for a number of different cleaning contexts and it’s a great way to maintain or restore the look of a building. Many real estate agents recommend that potential sellers pressure wash to boost curb appeal and the listing price of the home.

Pressure Washing – It’s Easy for Everyone

Other conventional cleaning tasks can require a lot of energy, time, and elbow grease. However, pressure washing means you don’t have to scrub and strain to get stubborn debris out. Save your joints and back the effort. You can also let the professionals, such as Squeegee Squad, do the work for you and have a clean home without any effort. Pressure washing is for more than just the exterior of the home and is an easy way to clean driveways, sidewalks, and walkways.

Pressure Washing Saves Time

When compared to traditional cleaning methods, pressure washing saves time. With pressure washing, you are eliminating the need to gather cleaning materials, prepare a cleaning solution, and undergo lots of serious scraping.

Pressure Washing Keeps Your Family Safe

Your home can house more than your family. On exterior walls, sidewalks, and decks, you will find a number of unique contaminants that can vary from just dirt to harmful mold. Pressure washing cleans these substances away so your family can breathe in air that is as pure as possible. Pressure washing away slippery substances, such as algae, can minimize the risk you have in the home of your family slipping and falling. Regular pressure washing treatments can be considered part of overall preventative maintenance to keep your home in top shape and safe. Keeping your home clean can also hinder the premature decay of your driveway, deck, or porch to improve safety overall.

Pressure Washing Boosts Curb Appeal and Property Value

Increasing your curb appeal is a great investment, especially if you plan on selling your home. Curb appeal allows your home to stand out from other similar listings and will draw in more buyers for viewing. Many of the other actions taken to improve curb appeal, such as painting, can be done faster with pressure washing. Curb appeal can include shaping up the driveway, cleaning mildew off the exterior, or adding a fresh coat of paint, all made easier with the help of pressure washing. When you boost your curb appeal you can also increase your property value. Pressure washing prevents your home from losing value. If you do it regularly, you will end up saving money in the long run.

Pressure Washing Remove Cobwebs and Spiders

If you are looking closely enough, you may notice cobwebs near windows, under the eaves, or in corners. When you pressure wash your home, you can get rid of those creepy critters. Even if the spiders aren’t dangerous, you likely don’t want them coming around.

Pressure Washing is Easier on the Environment

Heavy-duty cleaning is often associated with a number of harmful chemical cleaners. The cleaning solutions can be effective but take their toll on the environment. Pressure washing doesn’t introduce any harmful chemicals. Instead, it just uses a stream of water to clean the surface. Pressure washing uses less water when compared to using a garden hose for the same job. The amount of force applied by the pressure washer means less water is needed overall. This allows for the smallest amount of water to be used for the highest amount of cleaning power.

Pressure Washing Helps during Exterior Paint and Stain Projects

High-Pressure cleaning is necessary to help remove any excess debris or peeling paint. Prior to any stain or paint being applied to the exterior surface, it’s important to prep the surface and gives it a thorough cleaning. Pressure washing is the most effective way to do this. If you don’t do this before painting or staining, you may ruin the project completely. If the project isn’t completely ruined then it significantly decreases how long the home improvement would have lasted if the prep work was done correctly. Paint won’t be able to adhere to a dirty surface and stain won’t be able to penetrate the surface.

Pressure Washing Helps You Feel Proud of Your Home. When your home is well maintained and clean, it can make you feel proud of your home and this can increase your mood dramatically.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Pressure Wash Your House?

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Pressure washing is an effective way to clean your home using a high-powered stream of water that strips away dust, grime, and dirt.

In many cases, the best time to pressure wash the home and clean dirt off the outside is on a sunny and mild day. When it’s sunny, the weather gives the home a chance to dry thoroughly. Spring is the best time to pressure wash since pressure washing in the winter can lead to more ice on the property and pressure washing in the fall can lead to the leaves falling right back into your property and creating new deposits from decomposition. Summer can be a good time if you don’t live in a rainy summer climate. The change of seasons can also be a great time to take care of all the grime that has built up. When you pressure wash the home at the end of each season, you can strip away leftover dirt and debris and get your home ready for the next season of living.

How the Seasons Affect the Home

You need to consider where you live and the type of climate you are experiencing to figure out the best time to pressure wash the home. Winter can bring harsh cold but it’s also hard on different parts of the home. Changing temperatures, ice, and snow can impact various building materials. If you live in a climate that has harsh, cold winters then you may want to pressure wash the home twice a year, before and after the winter. Pressure washing can help prepare the home for winter and then refresh it after the months of bad weather. Washing in the fall and spring means that you are more likely to have a sunny, mild day.

If your house is located in a warmer climate then you may not have to pressure wash as often. However, your home could be more susceptible to mildew and mold. You can get away with only pressure washing once a year, as long as rainfall won’t make you reschedule it. Regular rain or storms can cause a lot of build-ups and the wind can easily blow leaves and other debris into hard-to-reach places, making pressure washing even more important for your home.

How Often Should You Pressure Wash?

It can be hard to know exactly how often you should be washing the outside of the home. Most of the time, just simply looking at the home can tell you if a good cleaning is needed. Try running your finger along the siding to test it. If there is a lot of dirt present or the home just looks dirty then it’s time to set up an appointment with a professional pressure washer, such as Squeegee Squad. Environmental factors that require more frequent pressure washing include regions with leafy trees, damp moist humid climates, heavy storms, high winds, construction areas, and areas with a lot of vehicle exhaust.

Tips on Deciding When to Pressure Wash the Home

There can be a lot that factors into when you need to get your home pressure washed. If the home is located near or on a dirt road then you will need to pressure wash much more frequently. This may need to be done every few months, especially during drier periods. If the home is located near a lot of trees then be sure to watch for sap build-up and schedule regular pressure washing in order to prevent too much build-up. After a big storm, the winds that carry debris and dirt can make your home look dirty. When the weather is hot, humid and rainy, it can also make your home appear dirty. Rain is full of dirt, which makes it worse, and the rainy weather can lead to mildew growth. Watch out for signs of mold growth and pressure wash as soon as possible if you notice any of the signs.

Regardless of where you live, pressure washing should be done every year for proper maintenance and more frequently if the circumstances warrant it. Look at the weather forecast and schedule an appointment on a sunny day.

Why Should I Pressure Wash My Sidewalk?

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Minneapolis St Paul has a bustling downtown that is a wonderful place to walk. The sidewalk system is endless and can take you anywhere. There are countless parks, lakes, and suburban cities outside of the downtown areas where you can walk the sidewalks and walking trails. Besides the city sidewalks, we’ve all got our sidewalks from the street or driveway to our front doors. In Minneapolis St Paul, the trees, plants, lakes, and other environmental factors add another level of grime that will require cleaning so that your sidewalks will last for years and not become a safety hazard as they age. Keeping your sidewalk maintained in the Spring or fall will ensure that there aren’t any hidden issues when the snow gets deeper in the winter.  

Sidewalks receive a lot of foot traffic, as is their primary purpose! While it is evident that your sidewalk will be more heavily trafficked, it also means that they can get dirtier much easier and potentially reduce your home or business’s curb appeal. Pressure washing your sidewalk is a great option to clean your sidewalks, but it’s actually about more than simple aesthetics. Discover why you should pressure wash your sidewalks regularly.

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The Benefits of Pressure Washing Your Sidewalk

Pressure washing is an inexpensive way to boost your curb appeal and keep your sidewalk in its best shape. In only a few short hours, you can take your stained sidewalk from drab to looking brand new! 

Though pressure washing your sidewalk will leave it cleaner and therefore looking nicer, that isn’t the only reason to do it! Dirty sidewalks may have a build-up of mold or mildew, which can cause injuries from slipping falling. It’s also a good idea to get rid of mold near your house, as you don’t want it getting too close to or possibly spreading into your home or ducts.

Additionally, stains can weaken the surface of your sidewalk, so washing off the materials that have embedded into its surface will help your sidewalk last longer and look better. 

How Often Should You Pressure Wash Your Sidewalk?

Pressure washing provides deep cleaning and penetration into your sidewalk. It can clean off a lot of environmental build-ups that have accumulated onto the sidewalk.  You don’t have to pressure wash as your main form of cleaning as often, it’s still a good idea to have this done on a semi-regular basis so that your build-up doesn’t become too much to clean at once. Sidewalk pressure washing also allows you to check for cracks and problems that need to be addressed before becoming a bigger problem to deal with. 

How to Pressure Walk Different Types of Sidewalks

Not all sidewalks are created equally! Whether made of concrete, stone, brick, or another material, the way that you will need to pressure wash your sidewalk may differ. Certain materials are stronger than others, so you mustn’t use too much power on specific sidewalks that may chip or crack it the surfaces. 

Something else to be aware of, especially with stone or brick sidewalks, is that space in between, such as dirt or sand, could be ruined if you do not use a pressure washer correctly with it. This is a potential DIY hazard, as the sand or dirt here serves a purpose other than looking nice along with your stone or other material. If this sand or dirt base gets pressure washed away, the bricks or stones will no longer be securely in place. This can cause your sidewalk to shift and possibly sink, causing an uneven sidewalk and a future danger for trips and falls. 

Why Hire Professionals to Pressure Wash Your Sidewalks

Pressure washing professionals like Squeegee Squad Minneapolis St Paul know how to handle your specific sidewalk to pressure wash it effectively. Someone who lacks training in pressure washing can potentially visibly damage their sidewalk in the form of pitting, lines, or general surface degradation. You also must know how to properly handle a pressure washer to not damage your sidewalk by using too much pressure. Hiring a professional pressure washing crew will also save you time because they can handle the pressure washing project quickly and efficiently, leaving you free to do other chores or relax. 

Certain stains such as rust, leaching, and efflorescence may be challenging to remove. With our professional training and supplies, we effectively use environmentally friendly cleaners to remove rust and other stains (upon request). Using the appropriate pressure washing techniques and the proper application of the solution allows us to clean a wide variety of organic and chemical stains. 

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