Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions by our customers. If you have a question that you would like an answer to please submit it so that we can ad it to the list.
Roof Cleaning:
- Do I have to be home for the estimate or during the cleaning?
- What are those black streaks on my roof and why should I care?
- Will your chemicals hurt my landscaping plants?
- Do you use a pressure washer?
- What if only parts of my roof are dirty.
- Won’t pressure washing hurt my roof?
- What kind of mess does it make?
- How long does it last?
- Do you have references?
Power Washing:
- Do you need use my water or do you bring your own?
- Do you use hot water when you clean my house or building?
- Do I need to be home when you’re working on my property?
- Does NorthEast PowerWashing have insurance?
- I received a quote from another pressure washing company offering very low prices, why are your prices higher?
- What are these black streaks on my gutters and can they be removed?
- Can you clean my house, deck, or gutters in the winter?
- What is this white powdery stuff on my masonry and can it be removed?
- How often should we have our home power washed?
- Do you charge sales tax?
Paver Cleaning
- How often should i have my pavers cleaned?
- What is the process for cleaning my brick pavers?
- How long does is last?
- My pool deck is all brick pavers and i want it cleaned and sealed, what do you do to protect my pool from getting dirty?
- How much does it usually cost?
Do I have to be home for the estimate or during the cleaning?
No. We can inspect your roof and leave a written estimate on your front door if you’re not home. You don’t have to be home for the cleaning either, but before you leave please bring pets inside, make sure all doors and windows are closed securely, unlock any gates, and move your vehicles into the garage or out to the street. We will need to use your exterior water spigots during the process, so please make sure that we’ll have access to them. If you won’t be home during the cleaning, please leave a signed copy of the estimate and your check on or near the front door so that we can begin work! Checks should be made payable to “Northeast Powerwashing”. Top of Page
Those streaks on your roof consist of Gloeocapsa Magma, a type of algae that thrives in humid areas like Connecticut. It has become more of a problem in the last few decades because shingle-makers now use limestone filler in the manufacturing process, which is a food source for the algae. Roof stains are therefore an indication that your shingles are literally being eaten, quite possibly resulting in a shortened lifespan for your expensive roof. Not only that, but if allowed to go unchecked, the algae build-up can significantly diminish your roof’s reflective properties, resulting in more strain on your air conditioner and higher energy costs. Lastly, those black streaks are unsightly, and can dramatically tarnish the curb appeal of an otherwise beautiful home. After our treatment you’ll be amazed by how great your roof looks and your neighbors will probably appreciate it, too! Roof cleaning is one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways to instantly sharpen the look of your home and neighborhood. Top of Page
Will your chemicals hurt my landscaping plants?No. We use environmentally friendly cleaners and low pressure water. Your plants are safe around us! Top of Page
Yes. We use a gasoline-powered water pump to wash away the dead mildew, fungus and other debris from your roof. Top of Page
What if only parts of my roof are dirty.We can clean the stained area only and treat the whole roof with a preventative. We have a $250 minimum on roof cleaning services. Top of Page
Won’t pressure washing hurt my roof?The environmentally friendly cleaning products we apply dissolve the mildew and fungus so that only a low pressure rinse is needed to wash away the mold and dirt. Our equipment is set for high water flow with little pressure and the washing tools we use apply an even beam of wash water over a large area. Top of Page
What kind of mess does it make?A big one. Or at least it looks like a big one. Most people are impressed with the amount of black muck that comes off the roof during cleaning. After we finish the roof we go around the outside of the house and wash away the mess. Top of Page
How long does it last?Your roof will stay clean depending on the amount of sunlight and tree growth that surround your roof. Most roof cleanings will last 2-3 years and many even longer. Washing your roof slows mold spore growth cycles by removing the dirt where mold loves to grow.Keep your roof looking great longer with our annual chemical treatments that inhibit the growth of moss, lichen and algae. Remember: A clean roof is a beautiful, longer-lasting roof. Top of Page
Power Washing
1. Do you need use my water or do you bring your own?
When possible we like to use your water for the cleaning because it will be cheaper for you but if needed we can bring our own water to your residence or business. We are capable of bringing 700 gallons of water for your power washing needs if you are concerned about the water at your residence or business Top of Page
2. Do you use hot water when you clean my house or building?
No, some companies like to use hot water when rinsing and will use it as a selling point, but we do not when cleaning houses. We feel that our cleaning methods are very effective with cold water and that the use of hot water is not necessary and only adds to the cost of the job. Top of Page
3. Do I need to be home when you’re working on my property?
No, because we understand that you are just as busy as we are. We do ask that you close all of your windows, clear your driveway or deck and put away fragile decorations on your home or deck. Top of Page
4. Does NorthEast PowerWashing have insurance?
NorthEast PowerWashing LLC carries a 4 million dollar insurance policy. We can provide this upon request. Top of Page
5. I received a quote from another pressure washing company offering very low prices, why are your prices higher?
We strive to be competitive in our prices but we also do not like to be compared to ‘fly-by-night’ power washing business. There is a lot that come with the price that we give. We are certified in what we do, every year we seek education to better serve you, and we have a satisfaction guarantee. Top of Page
6. What are these black streaks on my gutters and can they be removed?
The black streaks on your gutters are in the oxidation layer of the paint and are also known as “Zebra Stripes”. The black streaks can be removed with the right chemicals fallowed by a gentle scrub as long as the gutters are less then 20 years old. Top of Page
7. Can you clean my house, deck, or gutters in the winter?
Yes, we operate all year long and can still clean your house, deck, and gutters in temperatures above 35 degrees F. Top of Page
8. What is this white powdery stuff on my masonry and can it be removed?
The white powdery stuff is called Efflorescence. It is caused when water seeps through and dissolves salts inside then evaporates leaving the salt on the surface. It can be removed with the right pressure and chemicals. Top of Page
Paver Cleaning & Sealing
1. How often should i have my pavers cleaned?
it is recommend with the Seal N’ Lock systems have it sealed every 2 to 3 years Top of Page
2. What is the process for cleaning my brick pavers?
The cleaning and sealing is a 2 day process. The first day we clean the surface and remove any, mold, Algea, dirt and grim and we will remove the sand, weeds,and dirt in between the pavers as well. The second day we will add new polymeric sand to the joints and then apply the sealer. Top of Page
3. How long does is last?
Once the pavers have been sealed they have a 2 year water-bead warranty. The coating after 2 years will start to wear off and it will be necessary to apply another application of the sealer Top of Page
4. My pool deck is all brick pavers and i want it cleaned and sealed, what do you do to protect my pool from getting dirty?
If we do work around your pool, great care will be taken in keeping your pool clean, but even though we are careful your pool and windows will be subject to debris (i.e. sand, dirt, etc…) from pressure cleaning, re-sanding and/or repairs. We suggest, in case pool gets excessively dirty, to schedule your pool company to inspect your filters and clean your pool 48 hours after surface is sealed. Top of Page
5. How much does it usually cost?
Every job is different and there are a lot of factors that come into play when pricing out a job. some of those factors are size of the job, size of the joints in the pavers, the type of paver, complexity of the job, how dirty the pavers are. we charge by the square foot and to give you an idea it can range from 1.00 to 1.50 a square foot Top of Page