Winter is hard on Ohio homes. Snow, freezing rain, and damp shaded walls leave behind layers of algae, mildew, and grime that a garden hose just won't remove. Here are the five most common signs we see when homeowners finally pick up the phone.
1. Green or black streaks on the siding
That's algae — most often Gloeocapsa magma or a green algae bloom. It's living on your siding and slowly etching the surface. A soft wash kills it at the source.
2. "Tiger stripes" on the gutters
Dark vertical streaks on the face of the gutters come from oxidation reacting with rain runoff and shingle granules. A regular pressure rinse doesn't fix it — it needs a dedicated detergent treatment.
3. Mildew dots on shaded walls
North-facing walls and any side under tree cover usually show small black dots — early mildew. Catch it now and a soft wash easily clears it. Wait two seasons and it spreads under the lap of the siding where it's much harder to remove.
4. Faded, chalky vinyl
Old vinyl can develop a chalky residue that smudges when you touch it. A soft wash with the right detergent can dissolve much of that residue and bring back the color, especially on south-facing walls.
5. Long black streaks running down the roof
See the deep dive on roof streaks. Short version: that's algae eating the limestone in your shingles, and the only safe way to remove it is a low-pressure soft wash.
If you're nodding at two or more of these, your home is overdue. Request a free quote and we'll give you a written estimate the same day.