Frequently Asked Questions
What are the black streaks on my roof?
Those dark streaks are caused by Gloeocapsa Magma, a type of algae that feeds on the limestone in your asphalt shingles. As it spreads, it leaves behind a dark pigment — creating the streaky, stained look you see. Moss, mold, and lichen can also contribute. Left untreated, this growth traps moisture against your shingles, accelerating wear and potentially voiding your roof warranty.
Is the cleaning solution safe for my plants and family?
Yes. We use biodegradable, EPA-compliant cleaning solutions and take care to pre-wet and protect your landscaping before we start. Once dry, the treated surfaces are completely safe for kids, pets, and plants.
How often should I have my windows cleaned?
For most homes, twice a year — spring and fall — keeps windows looking their best and prevents mineral buildup from becoming a bigger problem. Homes near sprinkler systems, busy roads, or with lots of tree coverage may benefit from more frequent cleanings. Commercial properties typically need service more often.
What is hard water, and what does it do to my windows
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals — mainly calcium and magnesium. When water hits your windows and evaporates, those minerals get left behind as cloudy white spots or a filmy haze. Over time, these deposits bond to the glass and become increasingly difficult to remove with regular cleaning. The longer they sit, the more they can etch into the surface permanently.
Why is gutter cleaning important?
Gutters are your home’s first line of defense against water damage. When they’re clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, rainwater has nowhere to go — it overflows and pools against your foundation, seeps under your roof line, and saturates your fascia boards. Over time this leads to foundation cracks, basement flooding, rotted wood, and mold. Regular cleaning keeps water flowing away from your home where it belongs.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
Most homes need gutter cleaning at least twice a year — once in late spring after seeds and pollen have fallen, and once in late fall after the leaves are down. If you have a lot of trees close to your roofline, especially pine trees, quarterly cleaning may be a better fit. We also recommend a quick inspection after any major storm.
What happens if I have gutter guards? Do I still need cleaning?
Yes. Gutter guards significantly reduce how much debris gets in, but they’re not maintenance-free. Small particles, shingle grit, and organic matter still get through or build up on top of the guards over time. We can clean around and through most gutter guard systems and let you know if anything needs attention.
Do you flush the downspouts, too?
Absolutely. Clearing the gutters doesn’t mean much if the downspouts are blocked. We flush every downspout to make sure water can flow freely all the way through. If a downspout is packed with a stubborn clog, we use pressurized flushing to clear it out completely.
Can clogged gutters really cause that much damage
Unfortunately, yes. Some of the most expensive home repairs — foundation work, basement waterproofing, fascia and soffit replacement — can be traced back to neglected gutters. A gutter cleaning costs a fraction of what water damage repair does. It’s one of the best-value maintenance services a homeowner can invest in.
Why do I need my dryer vent cleaned?
Every time your dryer runs, it pushes hot, moist air — and lint — out through a vent to the outside of your home. Over time, lint builds up inside that vent line. A clogged dryer vent is one of the leading causes of house fires in the U.S. It also forces your dryer to work harder, using more energy and wearing out faster. Cleaning the vent keeps your home safe and your dryer running efficiently.
How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning?
Watch for these warning signs: clothes taking more than one cycle to fully dry, the dryer feeling unusually hot to the touch, a burning smell during operation, or the laundry room feeling humid and muggy while the dryer runs. If your dryer vent flap outside isn’t opening fully when the dryer is on, that’s another red flag that airflow is restricted.
How often should the dryer vent be cleaned?
The general recommendation is at least once a year for most households. If you have a large family doing frequent loads, or if your vent line is especially long or has multiple bends, every 6 months is safer. New homeowners should have it inspected right away — you don’t know the history of the previous occupants.
Can a clogged dryer vent really cause a fire?
Yes — and it’s more common than most people realize. Lint is highly flammable, and a restricted vent traps heat with nowhere to go. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that dryers cause thousands of residential fires every year, with failure to clean the vent being the number one contributing factor. It’s a simple, affordable service that can literally save your home.
