5 Reasons Why Pros Should Power Wash Your Business

The grind of cleaning and maintaining a commercial property is never-ending. Commercial properties can quickly become rundown from significant traffic. A professional power washing company can help by providing a variety of pressure washing services, including roof cleaning, concrete cleaning, and parking lot cleaning. Power washing professionals will clean and treat every corner of your commercial property.

Wondering what the benefit of power washing would be for your business? Here are just a few of the many benefits of commercial power washing:

Power Washing Makes Your Business Look Inviting

A clean, attractive property is a great marketing tool for your business. If you want to attract new customers—and maintain your existing clientele—be sure to keep your building looking the best that it can. A professional power washing service uses heavy-duty, commercial-grade equipment to restore the exterior of your building as well as concrete surfaces, like parking lots, walkways, and sidewalks.

Offer a Germ-Free Environment

A dirty, dingy property will signal neglect and disinterest to both your employees and customers. It is not a secret that a dirty property can foster the growth of mold and mildew, especially on your building’s roof. Power washing can kill these harmful contaminants before they cause damage, as well as prevent their return. Show your employees and customers that you value their health and wellness by investing in a professional commercial power washing service.

Don’t Worry About Building Maintenance

Maintaining your commercial property is a significant undertaking. Attempting to keep up with cleaning every exterior area without the help of professionals would be extremely time consuming and potentially dangerous. For example, using unfamiliar equipment or climbing tall ladders can put you at risk of injury. Let the power washing professionals handle your exterior maintenance issues.

Get on a Regular Cleaning Schedule

If you keep to a regular power washing schedule, you will sustain the exterior aesthetic of your property. It will not have a chance to become too dirty or run-down between cleanings. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, by keeping to a regular power washing schedule, you can gain peace of mind and the knowledge that your commercial property will always look its best.

Contact StarCare Power Wash today to discuss your commercial power washing needs. We will soon show you the benefit of power washing for your business and keep your commercial property looking new and clean all year long.

Article Source: https://perfectpowerwash.com/5-reasons-why-pros-should-power-wash-your-home/

How to Improve Curb Appeal

Whether you are selling your home or planning to stay awhile longer, keeping up with the curb appeal of your home is vital for stabilizing or increasing your home’s value. If you are not intending to move, adding curb appeal to your home on a consistent basis could even set an example for your neighbors and take steps towards improving the look of the neighborhood.

If you are looking to sell, this article should have everything to steer you in the right direction for easy curb appeal projects. April Howe of The Cleary Company located in Columbus, OH says:

“Curb appeal projects typically have the best ROI (return on investment) of home improvement projects, particularly if you’re considering selling your home in the next 1-3 years”. April Howe, The Cleary Company Amy Draiss of Dayton Nurseries located in Norton, OH says:

“Not only can curb appeal make your home more attractive, but it can significantly increase your home’s value if you plan to sell in the near future. Also, an update to your home can also increase the value of the entire neighborhood to prospective buyers”. Amy Draiss, Dayton Nurseries

Here is a list, in no order of importance, of ways to boost your home’s curb appeal:

• Install New Light Fixtures
• Take Care of Your Lawn
• Landscaping
• Paint (door, trim, house, etc.)
• New garage door
• Power Wash House and Garage
• Inspect/Repair Concrete
• Wash Your Driveway, Patios, and Decks
• Clean and Arrange Outdoor Furniture

Read on for more details on how to complete all the tasks listed above.

Install New Light Fixtures
Light fixtures are most often the first thing noticed when someone is walking into or past your home when the sun is down. If your current fixtures are in subpar condition or simply outdated, replacing them can go a long way. Make sure to clean up any debris or cobwebs in these areas as well. Whether you are replacing current fixtures or installing makeshift ones with string or wire, this is one of the most cost-effective methods for improving curb appeal.

Take Care of Your Lawn
Keeping your lawn in great condition tops the list when it comes to easy curb appeal projects. When rainfall seems to be relatively scarce, primarily during summer months, make sure to water your grass to prevent it from browning out. Additionally, keep up with mowing the lawn. Overgrown grass creates the idea for your guests and neighbors that maintaining your property is not a priority.

Landscaping
We got the chance to speak to Amy Draiss from Dayton Nurseries, a full-service garden center in Norton, Ohio. She had some great tips for homeowners looking to improve the curb appeal of their homes:

“One of the best ways to improve curb appeal is to modernize your landscape. It may be time to ditch those hedges and opt for different shapes and textures in plants, including those that offer seasonal interest throughout all four seasons of the year”. Amy Draiss, Dayton Nurseries

Paint!
Coupled with light fixtures, your front door is likely the first thing a guest will notice on your home. Painting the front door can greatly improve your home’s curb appeal, and it is an inexpensive project. While you are tending to your door, assess whether any trim, shutters, or siding can use some sprucing up as well.

New Garage Door
You probably never noticed it since it is usually hard to tell from a distance, but your old garage door can likely use a replacement. Having a new garage door installed can greatly increase the curb appeal for your home, especially if you live on a lot where the garage has high visibility from the street. Additionally, replacing the garage door has a solid return on investment when selling the home.

Power Wash the House and Garage
Having your house washed professionally is the best way to restore its shine. Throughout the year, surface contaminants like algae, mold, and dirt make their way to your siding. Soft washing your home will safely eliminate those surface contaminants and get your siding looking like new. When having the house washed, it is recommended to address the roof. If there is any moss or streaking on the roof, having a low-pressure treatment with the proper cleansers will revitalize the surface. When selling your home, having it professionally washed can add upwards of $15,000 in value as well.

Inspect/Repair Concrete
If you notice that the concrete on your driveway, front steps, or patio is crumbling or deteriorating, you should take the proper steps to address those. While having new concrete poured is relatively expensive, safety is what is most important. According to April Howe of The Cleary Company:

“Crumbling steps, cracks in your driveway or uneven surfaces pose hazards that could lead to injury and even make you liable for injuries or damages“. April Howe, The Cleary Company Additionally, having these surfaces repaired or replaced will have a great return on investment when selling your home.

Wash Driveway, Decks, and Patios
First, sweep the debris off your patio, driveway, and deck. Once you have swept, you should have these surfaces washed as well. Washing these surfaces will help restore their shine, but make sure to use a safe pressure and the proper cleansers when doing so. If you are not comfortable using a pressure washer, calling a professional power washing company is always a great option.

Clean and Arrange Furniture
Now that your decks and patios are looking fantastic, you likely want the furniture to match. Simply hosing off and gently scrubbing your patio furniture will put you and your guests at east. Arranging your furniture in an appealing manner will also create a better experience, especially for potential buyers trying to imagine themselves in this space.

Article Source: https://perfectpowerwash.com/how-to-improve-curb-appeal/

Help Keep Your Customers and Staff Safe by Having Your Business Disinfected and Sanitized - Call StarCare Power Wash!

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StarCare Power Wash is Vacaville's #1 Exterior Cleaning Company!

We can disinfect and sanitize those areas that absolutely need professional pressure washing.

Full-service pressure washing and soft washing. We specialize in exterior cleaning on both commercial and residential properties. We are experienced, insured, reliable and easy to do business with! We also specialize in disinfecting and sanitizing exterior surfaces!

Call us today to set up your appointment!

707-580-3665

Differences Between Algae and Mold

Algae and mold are different but equally harmful to your property. Mold is a fungus that will eat nutrients to survive. Algae is more plant-like and eats the limestone filler in shingles and organic matter on a home’s siding. Neither is good news for your home’s exterior. Read on to learn the differences between algae and mold, and most importantly, how the two can be removed.

Algae Overview
Gloeocapsa magma is the scientific term for the algae on your roof. Algae is airborne and blows from one roof to another. As the algae feeds on the limestone in your shingles, a black residue is left behind and gravity causes it to streak down the roof. Algae can separate the granules in the shingles requiring shingle replacement if it is allowed to grow long enough.

Algae colonies also grow on your home’s siding where there is a lack of direct sunlight, which is most commonly on the north side. If you notice one side of your home much dirtier than the rest, algae is most likely the culprit.

Mold Overview
Because mold is a fungus and not a plant, it produces spores. These spores are significantly smaller than a human hair, measuring in at a size range of 3 to 4 microns; in comparison, a strand of human hair is 75-150 microns.

Damp, dark conditions are ideal for mold growth. The space behind house siding and roof shingles are perfect breeding grounds for mold. Tiny spores quickly multiply. People who have a mold allergy or asthma may have a stronger reaction to mold. For example, coughing or worsened asthma symptoms can be a result of breathing in mold spores. Other symptoms include eye or skin irritation, throat irritation, and a stuffy nose.

How to Remove Algae
There are many key advantages to hiring a professional to treat your roof and siding over taking care of it yourself. Hiring an insured professional will protect you against any harm caused to your roof or the worker. It is also possible that there are more living organisms on your roof and siding than just the algae. Gloeocapsa magma has a symbiotic relationship with certain fungi and the pairing of the two can lead to the growth of lichens. A professional will check and treat the property for algae, mold, lichens, and the beginning stages of moss growth.

How to Remove Mold
One of the most efficient ways to eliminate mold is through professional power washing. An experienced team will neutralize and remove all mold with a biodegradable cleanser that will remove it and help protect against its return.

Mold can grow underneath siding panels, leading to premature replacement if left untreated. Mold can get inside of the underlying plywood and become a severe health risk. Always consult a professional if you suspect the presence of mold and never try to remove it yourself.

How to Prevent Algae and Mold
We recommend having your house washed every year to avoid the growth of algae and mold. Our certified technicians utilize specialized detergents to ensure your home not only stays looking great but is protected against these infestations.

Article Source: https://perfectpowerwash.com/differences-between-algae-and-mold/

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Wishing you holidays filled with fun and laughter, and very best wishes for a prosperous new year.

What's the Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting? StarCare Power Wash Knows!

According to the CDC Website there is a big difference between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting. StarCare understands the difference and provides professional Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting!

CLEANING: this process removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

SANITIZING: This lowers the number of germs on surfaces to a safe level as judged by public health standards.

DISINFECTING: kills germs on surfaces. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kills germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces, but by killing germs it can lower the risk of spreading infection.

Call us today to schedule your appointment!

707-580-3665

Professional vs DIY Power Washing

While some home improvement projects lend themselves to the do-it-yourself community, others should be left to professionals. When it comes to power washing, if you have simply done a few minutes of research, you know both DIY and hiring a professional service are options. There is a lot to consider, from cost to the quality of the job, and both options present a list of pros and cons. In this post, we highlight those pros and cons to make sure you have all the information you need before power washing your home.

DIY Power Washing

PROS
On a per-day basis, renting a power washer is not too expensive. For smaller projects, you can adequately wash surfaces and keep it cost-effective. Another benefit of choosing the DIY route for power washing, if you decide to do so, is that you have full control over the operation and outcome of the project. You can easily find a standard residential pressure washer at a local home improvement store for rental.

CONS
While doable, power washing your home can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous. For example, there are countless hard-to-reach areas on a typical home that are difficult to clean with a standard pressure washer. In this situation, your first instinct will likely be to grab a ladder. While logical, there is a high risk of injury since there is a great amount of pressure coming from the wand. Additionally, the high pressure can easily damage the structure of your vinyl siding.

Another common perception is that, in general, it is cheaper to power wash on your own. While that may be true for small and concentrated areas, there are several overlooked factors:

• Cost of equipment (pressure washer rental/purchase, fuel, etc.)
• Cost of soap/cleansers
• Cost of water used
• Opportunity cost

While opportunity cost may not be top of mind, it is critical to know that washing a house without professional-grade equipment can take days to complete. Even then, the results may not be what you expected. Simply put, the best and safest way to power wash a home is to use a soft wash method in combination with professional cleansers. DIY power washing makes it nearly impossible to accomplish that.

Professional Power Washing

PROS
Hiring one of the professional power washing services in your area will yield the best results for your home. Reputable power washing companies have the experience and processes to assure that your property gets washed safely and efficiently.

As previously mentioned, a standard residential pressure washer will not have the capability to reach high areas or effectively clean stubborn areas of a home. Conversely, a professional power washing company will have the equipment and technology to clean your entire home thoroughly. On top of that, here a few other advantages of hiring an experienced professional company:

• A reputable company is fully insured in case of any unforeseen issues.
• All contaminants, like algae and mildew, will be removed from your home.
• You will have a single expense vs. shopping around for a long list of equipment.
• You do not have to spend your weekend or free-time power washing.

CONS
When hiring a company or contractor to wash your home, it is understandable to look for the lowest price. Just like in any industry, price is often directly correlated to quality. We encourage you not to focus solely on price, but instead spend time researching a company’s credibility and reviews. This will prevent a situation where someone shows up with just a pickup truck and the same pressure washer you could have rented. Additionally, a contractor like this may become elusive once the job is paid for, which can be especially problematic if there were any issues with the job. Unfortunately, fly-by-night companies do exist.

Article Source: https://perfectpowerwash.com/professional-vs-diy-power-washing/

Hire a Professional like StarCare Power Wash!

Full-service pressure washing and soft washing. We specialize in exterior cleaning on both commercial and residential properties. We are experienced, insured, reliable and easy to do business with! We also specialize in disinfecting and sanitizing exterior surfaces!