FAQ

Commonly Asked Questions Answered

There are quite a few details that need to be considered when preparing to clean your home or business. Different pressure washers have different abilities and certain types of surfaces can be damaged if not cleaned correctly. Different types of stains require a variety of cleaners, specific chemicals, and processes. Hiring Exterior Pros will ensure the proper equipment, cleaners, and methods are used to avoid damage, which could lead to expensive repairs.
    • Cleansol BC
    • F9 Lineup – Barc, Groundskeeper, Double Eagle, and EFFLO
    • Sodium HypoChlorite – Bleach
Whether natural or manmade, harsh elements can cause the appearance of your home/business to deteriorate over time. Dirt, pollutants, smoke, mold, and mildew can build up on the exterior of your property, making it look dingy and aged. Regular cleaning of your properties exterior will keep it looking fresh and new, while reducing future repair costs. Whether you are preparing to sell or just maintaining your property, exterior cleaning pays for itself.

Your roof is one of the most protective elements of your home or business. Keeping your roof free from any tree debris, mold, and algae growth not only improves its appearance, but also maintains its integrity.
The Visual: first impressions are important when it comes to your home; the exterior is not only the first but also the last thing people see when they come to visit.
Whether you are preparing to sell or just maintaining your property, cleaning the exterior will greatly enhance its appearance.
Prevent Damage: Regular cleaning prevents damage and premature aging by removing harmful growths and pollutants.

A neglected exterior can lead to problems, but regular maintenance can significantly reduce the amount of time and money you will have to invest in home repairs.

No Drips: Leaves and debris build up in your gutters, preventing water from flowing through. Clogged gutters can do damage to your siding, landscaping, and roof. Avoid costly repairs by cleaning your gutters regularly.

Most commonly, there are two types of roofs on the Big Island: shingle and metal. And they both pose some unique challenges. Common metal roof ailments in our area include organic buildup and heavy oxidation. In most cases, organic buildup can be treated with our soft wash system; however, oxidation requires a more in-depth approach with specialized cleaners and surface scrubbing. Shingle roofs can never be put under high pressure. All shingle roofs will be treated with our soft wash process.
Roof restoration is the process of removing oxidation from painted metal roofs. We begin by conducting a small test to find the correct ratios and confirm process validity. Sadly not every roof can be saved. If we determine your roof is treatable, each area will be treated with Cleansol BC, which will then set in, then be scrubbed and finally rinsed. We repeat the process as necessary. This process will restore your roof to a nearly-new finish.

Solar

We know that dirt, mold, bird droppings, and other debris can negatively affect solar panel efficiency. Google conducted a groundbreaking experiment at their 1.6 MW Solar Farm in Mountain View, California. They found that cleaning the solar panels was “the number-one way to maximize the energy they can produce.”

Cleaning solar panels that have been in operation for 15 months doubles their output. The same study also found that rain is not a satisfactory way to clean solar panels.

Solar panels that were cleaned professionally had a 12% higher output compared to those cleaned by rain. Here in Hawaii, mold and algae growth are the top concerns. These microorganisms can completely block all photovoltaic cells, rendering the panels useless.

Solar panels that are cleaned once and twice a year produce 3.5% and 5.1% (respectively) more than those left uncleaned. Here is the best piece of advice we can give when it comes to frequency: monitor changes of the power output of your solar panels before and then after cleaning.

Once output begins to fall below these numbers, we know it is time to clean them. Your power bill will reflect these numbers for you.

We use an electrically safe water-fed pole that can extend 24 feet and is fed by ionized water filtered to allow spot-free drying. We use no chemicals on solar panels, because they do not always rinse clean.
Payment option are cash, check, and credit cards. Credit cards do require a 2% processing fee. Payment is due at the time of service
please have someone onsite during service:
    • Ensure all windows and doors are closed
    • Move all plants, furniture, personal items and etc. away from building
    • Have pets inside or secured at a safe distance
    • Place vehicles in garage or move out of the driveway and/or carports

Commonly Asked Questions Answered

There are quite a few details that need to be considered when preparing to clean your home or business. Different pressure washers have different abilities and certain types of surfaces can be damaged if not cleaned correctly.

Different types of stains require a variety of cleaners, specific chemicals, and processes. Hiring Exterior Pros will ensure the proper equipment, cleaners, and methods are used to avoid damage, which could lead to expensive repairs.

Chemicals:

Exterior Pros does not use “’store”-bought cleaners or detergents. We purchase chemicals specifically designed for what we do. Soaps such as Gain, Dawn, etc. are degreasers and can damage siding and shingles by removing necessary oils. We understand that the cost of these supplies is greater, but we purchase them knowing they are designed, tested, and safe to use on your property. Here is a list we use:

what chemicals do we use

    • Cleansol BC
    • F9 Lineup – Barc, Groundskeeper, Double Eagle, and EFFLO
    • Sodium HypoChlorite – Bleach

Whether natural or manmade, harsh elements can cause the appearance of your home/business to deteriorate over time. Dirt, pollutants, smoke, mold, and mildew can build up on the exterior of your property, making it look dingy and aged. Not only can regularly cleaning your property’s exterior keep it looking fresh and new; it can also save time and money in the future.

Your roof is one of the most protective elements of your home or business. Keeping your roof free from any tree debris, mold, and algae growth not only improves its appearance, but also maintains its integrity.

Metal vs Shingle Roofs: Most commonly, there are two types of roofs on the Big Island: shingle and metal. And they both pose some unique challenges. Common metal roof ailments in our area include organic buildup and heavy oxidation.

In most cases, organic buildup can be treated with our soft wash system; however, oxidation requires a more in-depth approach with specialized cleaners and surface scrubbing. Shingle roofs can never be put under high pressure. All shingle roofs will be treated with our soft wash process.

Roof Restoration: Roof restoration is the process of removing oxidation from painted metal roofs. We begin by conducting a small test to find the correct ratios and confirm process validity.

NOT every roof can be saved. If we determine your roof is treatable, each area will be treated with Cleansol BC, which will then set in, then be scrubbed and finally rinsed. We repeat the process as necessary. This process will restore your roof to a nearly-new finish.

Solar

We know that dirt, mold, bird droppings, and other debris can negatively affect solar panel efficiency. Google conducted a groundbreaking experiment at their 1.6 MW Solar Farm in Mountain View, California. They found that cleaning the solar panels was “the number-one way to maximize the energy they can produce.”

Cleaning solar panels that have been in operation for 15 months doubles their output. The same study also found that rain is not a satisfactory way to clean solar panels.

Solar panels that were cleaned professionally had a 12% higher output compared to those cleaned by rain. Here in Hawaii, mold and algae growth are the top concerns. These microorganisms can completely block all photovoltaic cells, rendering the panels useless.

Solar panels that are cleaned once and twice a year produce 3.5% and 5.1% (respectively) more than those left uncleaned. Here is the best piece of advice we can give when it comes to frequency: monitor changes of the power output of your solar panels before and then after cleaning.

Once output begins to fall below these numbers, we know it is time to clean them. Your power bill will reflect these numbers for you.

We use an electrically safe water-fed pole that can extend 24 feet and is fed by ionized water filtered to allow spot-free drying. We use no chemicals on solar panels, because they do not always rinse clean.

High Pressure: “Pressure Washing” and “Power Washing” are two terms that are used interchangeably because they both, in part, use the force of water to achieve their goal. But pressure isn’t always a good thing; typically, the higher the pressure, the higher the risk of damage.

Certain surfaces can handle higher amounts of pressure; it is often required to clean deep in those surfaces’ pores to remove dirt, mold, algae, and grime. Other surfaces, like roof shingles and vinyl siding, should never be treated with high pressure.

Here are just a few examples of damage that can be done with someone inexperienced using high pressure: Water can be blown behind vinyl siding, causing mold and mildew growth. Siding, shingles, and shutters can be accidentally dented or removed.

Paint can be unnecessarily removed and/or discolored. Wood can be splintered or furred. Stone surfaces can be splintered or cracked. This is why you always hire a professional to clean your exterior. We inspect all surfaces to determine the proper course of treatment.