FAQ

Hot water blasting uses water heated up to 100°C, which is highly effective for removing grease, oil, chewing gum, food waste, and stubborn grime — especially in commercial, industrial, or food prep areas. It sanitises as it cleans, all without harsh chemicals.

We focus on all high-traffic insect zones: entryways, around light fittings, door and window frames, and any cracks or gaps where bugs typically enter. If you have specific problem areas, just let us know.

Yes. After a wash, spiders often retreat into cavities and re-emerge to rebuild webs. Our treatment prevents that from happening and helps you enjoy your freshly cleaned home for much longer.

We apply a professional-strength exterior insect barrier to all key entry points like doorframes, window sills, vents, corners, and outdoor gaps. The treatment creates an invisible barrier that deters spiders and crawling insects before they get inside.

We clean the full surface of your deck, including railings, steps, and corners. Once clean, we apply a mould inhibitor to any problem-prone areas like shaded corners or damp zones. This helps extend the life of the clean and reduces regrowth.

We professionally clean concrete driveways, footpaths, patios, and paved areas using commercial-grade surface cleaners and pressure washing equipment. This removes years of built-up grime, mould, and organic material. After cleaning, we apply a mould treatment that continues working for weeks, helping to keep your surfaces looking better for longer.

a high pressure wash This is where we crank things up a notch to remove stubborn moss and mould or to remove loose paint for pre-paint preparation. This method is also great for cleaning driveways, slippery steps,removing oil stains from concrete, cleaning gutters and spouting and removal of unwanted plant growth from the gaps in paving and patio areas. We have a range of nozzles that provide a gentler clean when needed for use on softer materials like a wood fence.

We use a chemical wash when a little bit of oomphis needed to remove heavier build ups of grime, allege and mould. The processis similar to a soft wash only a stronger chemical is used.

Soft washing is the gentlest method for removing mould and grime using bio degradable MAF approved detergent.  The detergent leaves a wax coating to repel mould growth and leave a sparkly shine.The wash is carried out using a nozzle on the water blaster gun that ensures a low pressure application of water in conjunction with turning down the power on the water blaster. When required we also use a water broom to loosen grime. This service is perfect for routine cleaning every 4 to 12 months.

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Yes we do treat for spiders, flies and other bugs.

We do not water blast or pressure wash them we instead soft wash and treat shade sails and canopies.to get them clean. Most shade sails come up looking really nice and clean however there are some fabrics that seem to trap the dirt and grime and these will not always come up clean.

Yes we can water blast most outdoor furniture. We have a variety of different nozzles we can use, and we can also adjust the pressure to ensure a soft gentle wash.

We wash commercial windows however we do not wash residential windows. We have a residential window washer that we often use and can recommend to you.  

It depends where the property is located. We charge 40cents per km from the outskirts of Whangarei as defined by google maps. If the property is in Auckland please make contact so we can discuss if there will be a charge or not.

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The cost of a roof wash is dependent on how many square meters the roof is, how steep the pitch is, how accessible it is and how dirty it is. An alternative option is for to treat the roof instead which it's much quicker for us to do and therefore often a cheaper option.

If you are on tank water we will disconnect the tanks so that none of the dirt or cleaning product we use gets into the tank. You will need to leave your tanks disconnected until you have had 25 mm of rain.

If you have skylights we can also wash these while we're washing the roof. We have specialised brushes to gently wash skylights.

If you can let us know how big the roof is, where the property is located, and what the roof is made out of we will be able to give you a price.

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There are a lot of factors that determine the cost of a house wash for example the size of the house to be washed, whether it's split level, single level or multi-level and how accessible the house is. Another factor that we take into consideration is how dirty the house is, and what sort of mould is on the House. For example, pink mould can take a lot longer to clean off than other moulds.

Also taken into consideration is if the job includes water blasting concrete around the house, washing a garage, decks, patios and porch roofs. We price these things separately So make sure you let us know if you want any of these items priced and washed.  

Low water pressure will also affect the price as this can mean the job takes a lot longer to complete. If we quote a job and then find that the water pressure is not very good we will need to adjust the price. When this happens, we always contact the person who engaged us to complete the job to let them know the change in price and to check they would still like us to proceed.

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Fill out our online form to request a quote

Most homes benefit from a clean once or twice a year, especially if you have overhanging trees or collect rainwater. We can advise on the right schedule for your property

Yes. If we notice cracked seals, corroded fixings, or anything that needs attention, we’ll take photos and report back. That way, you can address minor issues before they become major problems.

No. As long as we have safe access to your roof and the gates are unlocked, you don’t need to be there. We’ll send you reminders, take before-and-after photos, and leave everything tidy.

Yes, though this does take more time and care. Let us know when you book so we can allow extra time and adjust the quote accordingly.

We don’t disconnect downpipes as standard. We ask homeowners to disconnect them if they’d like them flushed. If you're unable to do so, just let us know and we can assist. It’s important to us that your whole system is working as it should.

We hand-clear the inside of your gutters, removing all leaves, debris, and blockages. The debris is bagged and taken away, so there’s no mess left behind. This helps your gutters function properly and prevents water overflow and damage to your roof, walls, or foundations.

Most roof washes take between 6 to 12 hours depending on the size, access, and condition of the roof. We usually send a two-person team and take care of any runoff, including rinsing down gutters and downpipes if needed. You don’t need to be home, but we do ask that access is clear.

If your roof has severe black mould or thick lichen growth, washing is the only way to get an immediate improvement. Treatment alone won’t break it down fast enough. In these cases, we recommend a roof wash followed by our treatment to both clean and protect.

Yes, absolutely. This service is ideal for pre-sale presentation, real estate photography, open homes, and painting prep. It improves the appearance of your home instantly and can significantly boost curb appeal and buyer impressions.

With the added treatment, most roofs stay looking fresh for 12 months or more. The exact timing depends on location, shade, and roof type. The treatment we apply after the wash continues working for months, helping to slow down the return of moss and mould.

A wash removes the visible growth, but it doesn’t kill the spores buried deeper in the surface. That’s why we always apply a follow-up roof treatment after every wash. This helps prevent moss and mould from coming back quickly and gives you longer-lasting results from your investment.

A roof wash gives you instant results. It removes visible moss, mould, grime, and lichen right away using a soft wash system. A roof treatment, on the other hand, is sprayed on and works gradually with the sun and rain over time. The roof wash delivers a dramatic visual improvement on the day, while the follow-up treatment we include helps prevent regrowth.

To get an accurate price it's best to ask us to quote as there are quite a few different factors that we consider when we are pricing, a gutter clean. This page gives you a bit of an indication of cost and the types of things we consider when we are pricing a gutter clean.

If you are having your gutters flushed out and you are on tank water, the tanks should be disconnected while we complete the freshwater flush and reconnected afterwards.

Our gutter clean is an internal gutter clean which we do by hand and generally from a ladder. Some customers request that we also flush the gutters out which involves an additional technique and tools as we apply a soft wash using one of our water blasters. We can also offer a more premium gutter clean, which involves soft washing the outside of the gutters as well as an internal clean of the inside. It is a good idea to discuss your requirements with us prior to getting us to create a quote. We quote the internal gutter clean separately from the external gutter clean so that you can decide if you would like us to do both or just one of the services.  When we unblock gutters we clear out all the debris and take it away from your property or alternatively you can use it as compost for your garden.

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A roof treatment uses a product to clean the roof as opposed to a water blaster. The product gets sprayed onto the roof surface and is designed to kill lichen and moss. The rain and sun gradually break down and remove the dead lichen and moss. This process can take up to 12 months and generally results can be seen in the first month.

The alternative to a roof treatment is a roof wash. In some cases, this can be done from the ground. Alternatively,we get up on the roof using our harnesses and safety gear and gently wash the roof using low pressure. If you have a tile rood we generally recommend a roof treatment.

Yes in most cases yes we can fix your broken gutter.

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Most homes see results for around three months. Some homes in bushy or damp areas may require treatment more often, but in many cases it lasts longer, depending on exposure to rain and sun.

Yes. When applied professionally and left to dry, the treatment poses no harm to pets or children. We also take care around vegetable gardens, edible plants, and play areas.

In most cases, no — especially with modern windows and weather-tight joinery. But if your home has old wooden windows or perished seals, some water seepage can happen. In those cases, we recommend placing old towels or rags along the inside sills as a precaution. We always work with the grain of the house and avoid forcing water into gaps, but we can’t 100% guarantee a watertight outcome in vulnerable spots. If we notice anything concerning before we start, we’ll let you know.

We definitely wouldn’t advise pressure washing or water blasting the house as this could cause damage. 

The method that we use and recommend is a soft wash using a water blaster and specialised nozzles, which allow pressure control and prevents damage to the cladding. We also use a cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, mould, mildew, and other contaminants.

A pre-paint wash, using the above soft wash technique removes also removes any surface grime and is the first step in pre-paint preparation.

Check out our cost guide here

To wash the exterior of a brick house, you can follow the below DIY general 8 step guide:

1. Prepare the area by clearing any objects or furniture near the walls that may obstruct the cleaning process. Cover plants, shrubs, or sensitive areas with plastic sheets to protect them from water or cleaning agents.
2. Gather the necessary tools and materials. You'll need a hose with a spray nozzle, a stiff-bristle brush or broom, a bucket, a garden sprayer or pump sprayer, a mild detergent or brick cleaner, safety goggles, and protective gloves.
3. Start by thoroughly wetting the brick surface with water using a hose with a spray nozzle. This will help loosen dirt and debris.
4. Prepare the cleaning solution in a bucket, mix water with a mild detergent or a brick cleaner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid using harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers, as they can damage the bricks.
5. Apply the cleaning solution useing a garden sprayer or pump sprayer to apply the cleaning solution to the brick surface. Start from the bottom and work your way up, allowing the solution to dwell on the bricks for a few minutes.
6. Scrub the bricks useing a stiff-bristle brush or broom to scrub the bricks gently. Focus on any areas with stains, mildew, or moss growth. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as it may damage the bricks or mortar.
7. Rinse the bricks after scrubbing thoroughly with clean water using a hose with a spray nozzle. Ensure that all the cleaning solution is removed from the surface.
8. Repeat if necessary: If there are still stubborn stains or areas that require further cleaning, you may need to repeat the cleaning process.

Allow the bricks to air dry naturally. Avoid using excessive heat sources or direct sunlight for drying, as they can cause the bricks to fade or crack. If you would rather use a water blast to soft wash the brick cladding read our blog on how to soft wash a house in 5 steps.

Remember to prioritize safety during the process by wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes and using gloves to shield your hands from any chemicals or abrasive substances. If you're unsure about any specific cleaning agents or techniques, consult a professional or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

The roof treatment and moss and mould product we use. 

The treatment product we use is 100% water-soluble and will not damage the surface. Our product is also bleach-free, non-acidic and phosphate-free. You can buy DIY products from hardware stores however check the labels as a lot of these products are quite diluted so often do not work as well.

The house wash chemicals we use:

There are various chemicals that can be used to wash the exterior of a house, depending on the specific cleaning needs and the type of surface being cleaned. Here are a few commonly used chemicals for house washing:

Water: Water is the most basic and widely used chemical for cleaning the exterior of a house. It can effectively remove dirt, dust, and some mild stains.

Detergent or Soap: Mild detergents or soaps are often used along with water for general house washing. They help to break down dirt, grease, and grime, making it easier to rinse them away.

Bleach: A diluted solution of Chlorine bleach composed of water and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is commonly used to remove mildew, mould, and algae from exterior surfaces. Bleach is effective in removing dirt and moulds and restoring the appearance of the house. It can also help in removing stains caused by these growths. The sodium hypochlorite in bleach acts as a disinfectant and sanitizer, eliminating bacteria and microorganisms.

It is a good idea to wash your house or commercial building at least once a year to extend the life of your paint 20 to 25% longer. Many clients opt to have their properties washed 2 or 3 times a year to keep them looking good and to eliminate spider webs.

If however you live in a coastal area you should look to have your property washed at least 2 times a year or more depending on how close you are to the sea. This assists with any coastal breeze erosion.

It is also important to note if any of the materials used to construct your house or building have a warranty. If so, these materials must be washed according to the warranty specifications so that the warranty does not become in valid

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Yes washing once or more a year will increase the life expectancy by 20 to 25%. Paint manufacturers have carried out many studies to back this up. And it is much cheaper to get a regular wash than repaint more often you need to.

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Our standard house wash includes your exterior walls, joinery, eaves, entrance alcoves, and the outside of your gutters and downpipes — everything from the ground up to the gutter line. We’ll also treat mould-prone areas as part of the wash (not as an extra) to help prevent regrowth and keep things looking good for longer.

Water blasting alone will not kill and remove Moss mould and lichen. We apply a solution that is 50% stronger than most over-the-counter products and will keep the surfaces free of moss, mould and lichen for longer.

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Make sure there is no washing hanging on the line, if you have pots and plants or furniture that is likely to get in the way please move it out of the way. If you have a dog, please ensure the dog is contained.

If you are in an older house with wooden joinery it is a good idea to put towels down on the inside of the windowsills.Please also ensure that all windows and doors are shut.  

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We have many absentee owners and are more than happy to take before and after photos at your request. We are also more than happy to do a pre and post wash report on any damage we notice for example broken gutters or down pipes, rusting roof. This can be particularly useful in areas which cannot be seen easily from the ground and if an issue is caught early enough it can save thousands in damage.

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No you do not have to be home when we wash your house or property. Just remember to close all your windows and move anything away from the house that you do not want to get wet.

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Yes we will definitely provide a discount if you have more than one property you want washed.

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When we quote to wash a house, the wash includes exterior walls which are washed from ground level to gutter including joinery, entrance alcoves, eaves, exterior gutters, spouting and downpipes.

The following is not included in a house or building wash: If you would like other items washed such as the roof, decks, driveway, paths, patios, garage or other detached buildings we price these separately.

Clearing out gutters also gets priced separately.

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We sure do. Pete was a dairy farmer for over 20 years and so Loves an excuse to get back on the farm

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Yes we can flush windows after we have washed a house or building and in most cases we will do this as part of a house wash.

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No. We use a low-pressure soft washing method — never high-pressure blasting — to safely clean your roof without cracking tiles or stripping protective coatings. It's safe for most roofing types including concrete tiles, longrun metal, and Colorsteel. Our technicians are trained to adjust their approach depending on the surface and condition of your roof.

Not at all. Most of our customers aren’t home during their service — we just ask that gates are unlocked, windows are shut, and pets are secure. We’ll send friendly reminders and a profile of the technician coming to your place so you know exactly who to expect and when.

Nope. We use a low-pressure soft wash system that’s designed to gently clean without causing damage. It’s completely safe for painted surfaces, weatherboards, and delicate cladding — even older homes. If we spot any vulnerable areas before we begin, we’ll treat them with care and adjust our approach to protect your property.

To answer this question, we will look at each of the individual items separately.

Plants - The cleaning product used can damage plants if the operator does not apply it in the correct manner. If you are concerned about your plants let us know. We can wet any plants close to the area that is being washed with water to dilute the solution to avoid any damage. We can also then gently rinse the plants afterwards and we can use a diluted mix of our wash down product.

Pets & people - Once again the answer to this is yes if the operator does not know what they're doing. It is important that the cleaning product is mixed at the correct ratio with water to ensure a safe dilution. All the Blast Away Guys team is thoroughly trained on how to do this.

Pool - No the product we use will not damage your pool. If we're cleaning around the outside of an in ground pool every effort will be made to stop debris from being washed into the pool.

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Yes. We provide photo documentation and can report on surface condition, drainage concerns, or issues requiring maintenance — useful for lease, health and safety, or compliance purposes.

Yes. Many property managers choose quarterly or six-monthly car park cleans. Routine cleaning reduces long-term maintenance costs and keeps your property looking well cared for.

Definitely. Removing moss, algae, and oil improves grip and reduces the risk of slips and falls. This is especially important in shaded or high-traffic areas where contaminants build up quickly.

Yes. We’re careful to avoid damaging painted lines, bollards, or traffic markings. We can also include an optional line brightening rinse if required to lift the look of faded markings.

Yes. We use hot water blasting (up to 100°C) to lift oil, grease, and chewing gum without damaging the surface. This method is ideal for commercial car parks, workshop forecourts, and retail centres.

We clean concrete and asphalt surfaces using commercial-grade pressure or hot water blasting, depending on the type of contamination. This removes oil, chewing gum, moss, algae, tyre marks, food spills, and general grime — making the space safer and more attractive.

Our primary focus is exterior windows, but we can provide interior window cleaning by request for certain commercial clients. Just let us know during your quote process.

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It depends on your exposure. Coastal and high-traffic areas often benefit from quarterly cleans, while some buildings need servicing just once or twice a year. We can tailor a plan to suit your needs and budget.

Yes. Because we don’t use soap or chemicals, there's no residue left behind for dirt to cling to. This means your windows stay cleaner for longer and are less prone to streaking or spotting after rain.

Yes. We’re certified for working at heights and can safely clean high windows, hard-to-reach glass, and multi-storey buildings using the correct access equipment. We ensure minimal disruption to your site and work within health and safety requirements.

We use pure water-fed poles combined with soft brushes to gently remove grime, salt, and mineral build-up from exterior glass. This system ensures no chemicals or detergents are left behind — just clean, streak-free glass with no residue.

Yes. We include before-and-after photos and can provide a simple condition report on the guttering system. If we notice rust, separations, or overflow points, we’ll document it so you can take action before it becomes a bigger problem.

Most commercial buildings should have their gutters cleared and flushed at least once a year, or twice annually in leafy areas. Blocked gutters can cause major structural issues and even void insurance if left unmaintained.

We work with offices, schools, warehouses, retail centres, and public facilities — essentially any commercial or institutional building with roof guttering. Whether you manage one site or multiple, we can provide a plan to help you stay on top of gutter health.

Yes, but this requires extra time and care. Please let us know if your building has gutter guard in place — we’ll reassess the scope and provide an updated quote. Gutter guard can hide debris that slowly accumulates and causes hidden issues, so periodic checking is still important.

Yes. We are fully trained and certified for working at heights. We use harness systems, roof anchor points, or access equipment depending on the site. Whether your roof is low-slope, steep pitch, or multi-level, we have the gear and experience to do the job safely.

Yes. After clearing the gutters, we flush the downpipes to confirm water is flowing freely. If any blockages are found, we’ll do our best to clear them and report back on any areas that may need further attention.

We hand-clear all leaves, debris, and built-up material from commercial gutters and then flush them using water to ensure full flow. This helps prevent overflow, internal leaks, and structural water damage. It’s especially important for buildings with large roof spans or multiple downpipes.

Yes. We provide photo documentation of the job for your records, compliance, or lease reporting. We also let you know if we spot maintenance concerns like rusting spouting, cracked cladding, or blocked gutters.

We offer both. Many commercial clients choose annual or twice-yearly cleans as part of their maintenance plans. Regular soft washing helps extend the life of your building materials and keeps your business looking sharp year-round.

We service schools, offices, warehouses, factories, retail spaces, and public buildings. Whether your site is small or sprawling, we have the team and equipment to handle it. We’re also SiteWise Gold certified, which makes us a trusted option for educational and health-sector properties.

We offer flexible scheduling to minimise disruption. For offices and retail spaces, we can work early mornings, after hours, or on weekends. We also ensure safety signage and cordoned areas are in place where required, so your staff and customers stay safe.

Yes. We use a soft washing technique combined with biodegradable detergents, meaning even painted signs, decorative panels, and delicate cladding materials are cleaned safely without high pressure. Our system protects your finishes while still delivering a thorough clean.

We soft wash the entire exterior of your commercial building — from the ground to the outside of the gutters. This includes cladding, eaves, spouting, joinery, entryways, heat pumps, signage, and any attached awnings. It’s a comprehensive clean that removes mould, grime, dust, cobwebs, and weather staining without damaging surfaces.

The answer to this question depends completely on the size of the building, the scope of work and how many people we put on the job. If you have a specific deadline, you would like the job completed by, let us know at the time of quoting so that we can do our best to ensure we can meet your needs. When we quote, we can also indicate how long we think the job will take.

We assess each commercial job individually to ensure we consider all aspects of health and safety relating to the job. Some of the things that we consider are: 

• Does WorkSafe needs to be notified
• Is traffic management required
• Are spotters are required 
• What are the safest times to complete the work for the public and people that work within the building 
• What access equipment may be required and what health and safety procedures need to be followed in accordance with the access equipment 
• What health and safety equipment will be required 
• How can we mitigate risks
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This will be considered, discussed and captured in our Job Safety Analysis. We also keep a Hazard and Risk Register, Incident and Injury Register, Chemical Register, Safe Operating Procedures and carry out Monthly Maintenance Checks

Our team of 10 means prioritising jobs based on urgency for clients. It also means we can get larger jobs finished in a shorter time, minimising disruption for business.

We like to be as flexible as possible and prioritise work based on client needs. If you have a deadline, let us know, and we will see what we can do to prioritise your job. We also have contractors and partners who can provide other services should it be required.

This depends on where the business is situated and what other businesses or residential property are in the area that could be impacted by the work being carried out.

If a commercial property has busy main entrances and/or loading bays, we will often wash those areas before the business opens and then continue to complete the other areas once the business is open, provided it does not impact traffic or pedestrians.

Sometimes having a spotter at the main entrance while the business is open can work well, provided there is no heavy foot traffic.

If we need to have access machinery on the road, we will need to get traffic management to help ensure the public's safety. This work is almost always completed at night, and during periods when traffic is at it's quietest.

We have 10,000,000 Public liability insurance

Yes we provide window washing for commercial buildings.

Yes definitely.

Hot water blasting raises the temperature of the water to as much as 90c to cut through and remove chewing gum, grease, oils, cooking fats and other oily products by breaking them down.The results are much more impressive than cold water blasting.

Yes we do wash grease from Industrial plants and machinery. We have a hot water blaster which is amazing removing grease and grime.

Yes we do can clean oil stains,spills and grease. We use our hot water blaster and degreaser which is effective for oil stains and spills.  For oil spills we will often need to get a sucker truck to eliminate oil going down the drain and into the sea.

Yes, we do remove chewing gum form pavements. We have a special hot water blasting machine which makes an impressive difference and saves time and money. It offers some distinct advantages when you have a job where you really need some grunt.

Yes definitely. We will often wash just the front and signage three or four times a year and then complete a full wash of a building once a year.  

Blast Away Guys is very committed to the Health and Safety of our team,clients and anyone else working on the sites that we are washing. Before we begin any site work we perform hazard identification, Worksafe NZnotifications, site specific emergency planning and other relevant planning and documentation.  We have in place regular safety meetings, audits and reporting. All our team also attend on-going training programmes.

SiteWise performed an independent assessment of Blast Away Guys and as a result  awarded us a green certification status for our health and safety procedures and systems. This means that have we demonstrated to SiteWise that we have quality health and safety systems in place

Yes we can definitely provide a post wash report this would include comments on the overall condition including pre wash state and problem areas such as heavy lichen and rust. We also report on the overall condition of the building and materials. This can be particularly useful in areas which cannot be seen easily from the ground. In many cases this has saved building owners thousands because issues are spotted before they cause expensive damage.

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