FAQ's

The most common reaction on siding from the elements isn't algae growth but oxidation. Oxidation on siding is a natural chemical process where your exterior surfaces gradually break down when exposed to oxygen, moisture, and especially sunlight. Over time, this creates a chalky, faded appearance that makes your home's exterior look aged and worn. For vinyl and aluminum siding, oxidation manifests as a whitish, powdery residue that develops on the surface, which not only diminishes your home's aesthetic appeal but can also compromise the protective coating of the material, making it more vulnerable to further environmental. The easiest way to tell if your siding has oxidation is to rub your index finger across the siding and look to see if your finger has any residue on it. If so, that siding has oxidation. Using too much pressure to clean siding will likely cause layers of oxidation to be removed unevenly. This is why your siding can appear to be free of any black/green algae but still have discolored areas. However, heavy enough oxidation will inevitably be unevenly removed with any amount of pressure. This is when we would either recommend an oxidation cleaning, which includes brushing all the siding by hand, or a new coat of paint for non-vinyl surfaces.
Another possibility is that your home may have areas of the siding experiencing thermal bridging. Thermal bridging occurs when heat moves more easily through certain materials in your walls, creating what looks like visible lines or stripes on the exterior of your home's siding. Think of these materials—typically the wooden studs behind your walls—like superhighways for heat, allowing temperature differences to pass through much more quickly than the surrounding insulation. Because these studs conduct heat differently than the insulation around them, they create temperature variations that become visible on your home's outer surface, especially during colder months.
These lines you're seeing are essentially "heat highways," showing where the structural elements of your wall are located. When it's cold outside, the areas around the studs get cooler faster than the insulated sections, which makes them appear as distinct lines or shadows on your siding. It's similar to how you might see the outline of a wooden frame through a thin blanket—the frame creates a different temperature zone that becomes visible. While these lines don't necessarily mean your home is poorly constructed, they indicate that your wall's thermal performance could be improved with additional insulation techniques like continuous insulation or thermal breaks.

Living here in North Georgia, we all have to deal with this red Georgia clay. It can be very difficult to remove this soil from the surfaces it comes in contact with! Most different types of siding and deck materials can have the clay removed with one of our cleaning solutions because pressure alone is not effective. However, concrete, especially concrete that is part of the foundation, may not be as simple. Here's why:
When clay is mixed into concrete during the curing process, it can become an integral part of the concrete structure, making it extremely difficult or even impossible to remove. This occurs because several factors work together to permanently incorporate the clay into the concrete.
As concrete cures, it undergoes a chemical reaction called hydration. Clay particles present during this process can become chemically bonded with the cement paste, creating a permanent connection. Additionally, clay particles can fill in small voids and pores within the concrete matrix as it's setting. Once the concrete hardens, these clay particles are physically trapped within the concrete structure.
The presence of clay can affect the concrete's properties, potentially changing its strength, porosity, and overall composition. This integration makes it impossible to separate the clay without damaging the concrete itself. If clay was kicked in during pouring or curing, it might not just be on the surface, but also distributed throughout the concrete's depth. If this is the case, no amount of pressure or even clay-removal cleaning solution is going to be effective. If we notice this may be the case with your home or business, we will set the proper expectations with you.

We understand that you may be concerned about our cleaning solutions' impact on your lawn and garden. Rest assured, our use of diluted bleach for cleaning is designed to be safe for your plants when applied correctly. Here's why:

1. Pre-wetting: Before we begin cleaning, we thoroughly wet all surrounding plants and grass. This protective layer of water acts as a barrier, preventing the cleaning solution from directly contacting plant tissues.

2. Proper dilution: We use carefully measured, diluted bleach solutions. Compared to concentrated bleach, this significantly reduces the potential harm to plants.

3. Targeted application: Our trained professionals apply the cleaning solution precisely where it's needed, minimizing overspray onto surrounding vegetation.

4. Immediate rinsing: We promptly and thoroughly rinse all treated areas and nearby plants after cleaning. This quick action further dilutes any residual cleaning solution and washes it away from plant roots.

5. Post-cleaning hydration: After the cleaning process, we give all nearby plants a good watering. This helps flush any remaining traces of the cleaning solution from the soil.
   When these steps are followed, the risk to your plants is minimal. The small amount of diluted bleach that may come into contact with your greenery is typically insufficient to cause lasting damage, especially when proper pre- and post-cleaning precautions are taken.
   Our team is committed to delivering excellent cleaning results while respecting your property and its landscaping. If you have any specific concerns about particular plants, please let us know, and we'll be happy to take extra precautions in those areas.

We can pressure wash a wide variety of surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, patios, decks, fences, siding, brick, and concrete. For commercial properties, we clean parking lots, building exteriors, and more.

Yes, we specialize in pressure washing services for both residential and commercial properties, ensuring your home or business looks its best.

We use industry-best practices to adjust pressure levels and cleaning solutions to ensure that each surface is cleaned safely without damage. For delicate materials, we may use soft washing techniques.

For most properties, we recommend pressure washing annually to maintain curb appeal and prevent dirt, mold, and algae buildup. However, high-traffic or heavily soiled areas may require more frequent cleaning.

Pressure washing uses high-pressure water to clean durable surfaces, while soft washing uses low pressure and specialized cleaning solutions to safely clean delicate surfaces like roofs, painted siding, and windows.

Yes, we use eco-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for your family, pets, and landscaping.

The duration of the service depends on the size and condition of the area being cleaned. Most residential jobs can be completed within a few hours, while larger commercial projects may take longer.

Yes, our pressure washing services effectively remove mold, mildew, algae, and other organic growth, helping to prevent structural damage and maintain a clean appearance.

Absolutely! We offer free, no-obligation estimates for all pressure washing projects. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.

Yes, Shadburn Exterior Enhancement, LLC is fully licensed and insured for your peace of mind and protection.

Yes, regular pressure washing enhances your property’s curb appeal, which can positively impact its value, especially if you're preparing to sell.

No, as long as we have access to the areas being cleaned and a water source, you do not need to be present during the service.

We proudly serve Dawsonville, GA, and surrounding communities in North Georgia. Contact us to see if we cover your area.

Before we arrive, please remove any furniture, plants, or obstacles from the areas to be cleaned. We’ll handle the rest!

Scheduling is easy! Call us, email us, or fill out our contact form to book your free estimate.