House Washing Bay of Islands

If you are on tank water for your drinking water, then the answer is yes, it is provided the downpipes are disconnected from the water tank and stay disconnected until there has been 25 ml of rain. Before reconnecting the tank, you can check the water coming off the roof has no smell or foaming. If smell or foaming occurs do not connect the tank until the water runs, clear. 

If we have only washed the roof but not applied a treatment the tanks can be reconnected straight after the wash.

A common misconception about roof cleaning is that power washing or water blasting is the best way to get the roof clean. This is not necessarily the case. Power washing can actually cause damage to tile roofs, decramastic roofs, older iron roofs and it can even damage the protective coating on new roofs.

We are big advocates of roof treatments  over roof washes because they are gentler on the roofing materials, they are considerably cheaper for our customers and the process uses much less water, which is important in the Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell, Bay of Islands area and even the far north area as a lot of properties rely on tank water for their water.

If a roof wash is required because the roof is getting painted, or because you are needing to see an instant result the best way to get the roof clean is through a gentle cleaning process that uses low pressure and specialising cleaning solutions. This method is called soft washing and it is much safer and gentler on your roofing materials.

The best way to clean concrete tiles on a roof is with a roof treatment. This is a very gentle method that will clean-up over time.

We do not recommend water, blasting or soft, washing the tiles of a tiled roof, particularly if it is an older roof as this can potentially damage the tiles and if the tiles are loose, it can also potentially loosen them further, or even worse cause them to fall to the ground and break.

Sometimes we come across situations where the owner wants to paint the roof and needs it to be clean urgently. In these situations, we will assess the roof on a case-by-case basis as to whether or not it can be soft-washed.

A really good way to ensure your tiled roof stays looking clean is to have it treated on a regular basis. For some roofs, this could be a yearly treatment and for other roofs, it may only need to be done every 2 to 3 years.  How often it needs doing depends on the environmental factors that surround the roof such as if there are a lot of trees or a lot of road pollution to name a few. If you would like us to give you some advice on how often your roof needs treating, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

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.