Pressure washing damage

Sometimes the "cheapest" price can be the most expensive in the long run! 

In 12 years of owning and operating Neilson Cleaning, I have been involved in my educational groups and basic social media groups. When I talk to others in the same industry and listen to their process of cleaning, sometimes I cringe.

They tell me how they just use high pressure to blast away the algae, 

This method is a great way to strip paint, or leave marks on the surface from high pressure.  We dont like this method.☹️

Some say they use bleach (straight bleach) to kill the algae.  This will definitely kill the algae , but bleach is also a corrosive and it will fade away the paint if used too strong.   

There is no cheap or simple fix for the damage . 

You will be refinishing the surface damaged, either repairs or replacement. Repainting. 

If you paint the exterior then you've got another surface that you'll have to maintain throughout the years which will add maintenance cost. In short, this "cheap" job will end up costing THOUSANDS to repair the damage caused by an inexperienced cleaner.

Seeing damage like this really makes me angry! Pressure washing is not a game.... it is a skilled trade using extremely powerful tools.  When done improperly it can cost property owners thousands of dollars in damage and lost revenue. Always hire a professional, ask for references, verify their insurance.

When the Color Fades: Why Your House Paint Can't Escape Oxidation

Ah, the fresh coat of paint, bringing your home back to life with vibrant hues. But what happens when those vibrant colors start to dull, leaving a chalky, faded shadow of their former selves? The culprit, my friend, is a phenomenon called oxidation.

Think of oxidation as a slow-burning enemy, lurking in the sunlight and harsh weather. Here's how it steals the life from your paint:

The Sun's Searing Rays: The ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun acts like a relentless bully, breaking down the polymers in your paint. These polymers hold the pigments tight, giving your house its colorful charm. But under constant UV bombardment, they start to weaken and crumble, releasing the pigments and leaving your paint vulnerable.

Weather Woes: Wind, rain, and even humidity work hand-in-hand with the sun. Wind carries dust and grime, which act like tiny sandpaper, further degrading the paint film. Rain soaks and weakens the already fragile polymers, while humidity promotes the growth of mold and mildew, adding another layer of discoloration.

The Color Conundrum: Different pigments react differently to oxidation. Darker colors, especially yellows and reds, tend to fade faster under UV light. Lighter shades, while more resistant, eventually succumb to the relentless wear and tear.

What You Can Do: Don't despair! You can fight back against oxidation:

• Choose High-Quality Paint: Invest in paints with high levels of UV protection and durable resins. They'll hold their color longer. Neilson Cleaning and painting will be there to help  you choose the right type of paint and colors. 
• Regular Maintenance: Routine cleaning and occasional touch-ups (by Neilson cleaning of course 😃) can remove dirt and grime before they break down the paint.
• Strategic Shade Selection: Consider the sun exposure of your house when choosing colors. For sunny sides, opt for cooler tones like blues and greens, which are more resistant to fading. 

Remember, oxidation is a natural process, but with the right knowledge and maintenance, you can keep your house looking its vibrant best for years to come. So next time you admire your colorful abode, remember the silent battle against oxidation happening outside. And perhaps, give your paint a grateful pat - it's standing strong against the sun's fury, bringing a little bit of joy to your neighborhood.

John Neilson

386-956-3406