FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What region do you service?
We primarily service the Outaouais region, particularly the area between Buckingham and Aylmer. We also offer our services in the greater Ottawa area. For more distant locations, up to about 1 hour from Gatineau, you can still book our services, but travel fees may apply.

Do you work in the rain?
Yes, we can work in light to moderate rain. In some cases, rain can even help rinse vegetation better during the service. However, extreme weather conditions like strong winds, thunderstorms, heavy downpours, freezing, or ice may force us to reschedule an appointment. When this happens, we usually rebook the service for the same weekend or the following week. Generally, we always wait until the actual day of the appointment before rescheduling, because just because heavy rain is forecast doesn’t mean it will actually fall on your property.

What are your opening hours?
Our administrative office is open Monday to Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. Our technicians may also complete some work on Saturdays, and jobs may finish after 5 PM depending on the operational schedule.

Do you work with commercial clients?
Yes. We offer our services in multiple sectors, including residential, commercial, institutional, municipal, as well as for some provincial and federal mandates.

Are you insured?
Yes. We hold $2,000,000 in civil liability insurance. Feel free to ask us for it: we can provide proof of insurance without any problem.

Do you travel to give an estimate?
Most of the time, no. We typically provide quotes remotely over the phone, which allows us to be fast and efficient. However, for some more complex properties or those requiring a technical evaluation, a visit may be necessary. If your property is located in a more distant area and the online images don’t allow for a proper assessment, we may also ask you to send us photos of the building.

All-In-One Exterior Wash

What is included in the All-In-One service?
Our All-In-One exterior wash service always includes the following elements:

• Gutter cleaning
• Low-pressure cleaning of exterior gutters, soffits, and vinyl siding
• Exterior window washing
• Before/after photos
• Quick visual seal integrity report, including basic observations on caulking, roofing, and chimney

This service is designed to provide a complete, convenient exterior maintenance solution, all in one visit.

How long does it take to wash a house?
For most homes, cleaning usually takes between 2 and 4 hours. The exact duration may vary based on the size of the building, the level of dirt, site access, and the services included in the appointment.

Do I need to be present during an All-In-One exterior wash?
Yes, ideally. It’s best if the homeowner is on site, or at least easily reachable, so we can respond quickly to any question or special situation. Since our work involves water and cleaning materials, there are always some associated risks. The homeowner’s presence helps ensure the service goes smoothly and any issues are resolved quickly.

What if I’m not present during the cleaning?
If you cannot be present during the service, we strongly recommend leaving a way to access the house, such as an unlocked door or a trusted person available if needed. In case of water or electricity-related issues, this access allows us to intervene quickly, for example to turn off a circuit breaker or the main water supply. While this type of situation is rare, quick access to the house can make all the difference.

Do I need to prepare my house before an exterior siding cleaning?
Yes. Before we arrive, you should move objects near the building, such as the BBQ, rugs, flower pots, patio furniture, and any other items that could get in the way. Ideally, these objects should be placed at least 10 feet away from the building to avoid our hoses getting caught during the work.

We also ask that you remove vehicles from the driveway and generally give us as much space as possible to work efficiently and safely.

Will my plants be safe?
Yes. We are very careful with the vegetation around the building. We rinse plants before, during, and after the cleaning to protect them and help keep them in good health throughout the service.

Why is your low-pressure method better?
Our low-pressure method is preferable because it allows us to clean surfaces effectively while significantly reducing the risk of damaging the building. Unlike overly aggressive washing, it limits the risk of altering certain sensitive surfaces or causing issues like oxidation.

Additionally, it’s not just the water that does the work. We use an appropriate algicidal treatment that helps neutralize organic dirt, such as algae and other biological buildup. In contrast, cleaning with only water can sometimes just moisten organic matter without really treating it, which can lead to the problem returning more quickly.

Do you wash houses with high pressure?
No. We do not wash houses with high pressure. We prioritize low-pressure washing, combined with the application of a chlorinated algicidal treatment, to clean surfaces effectively while reducing damage risks. That said, exterior surfaces like concrete and interlocking paving stones can be cleaned with high pressure, with a necessary pre-treatment and post-treatment algicidal application.

Do you clean soffits?
Yes. In our All-In-One exterior cleaning service, soffits are included.

A common question is also: Will there be water in my insulation?
The short answer is no. We clean soffits with low pressure. It’s not the force of the water that does the work, but rather the action of the algicidal cleaning product. We rinse soffits in a controlled, fairly quick way, which prevents water from seeping into the insulation.

It’s also important to note that the soffit area is usually separate from the wall insulation. Soffits themselves are typically hollow and may hold a little water during rinsing, but this water drains out through the built-in openings.

Can water get behind my exterior siding?
In reality, exterior siding is designed to allow water to drain behind it in a controlled way. There is normally a protective membrane, a weather barrier, between the wall structure and the siding, and vinyl panels are also designed with openings that allow water to drain. Of course, we do not aim to spray water directly under the vinyl panels. However, it’s important to understand that siding is designed to manage a certain amount of water and allow for proper drainage.

Can water get into my house?
Under normal conditions, no. However, if there is already an existing water intrusion issue, water may seep in during cleaning. This can happen, for example, if there is worn or cracked caulking around a window, a defective window, a window left open during the service, or any other weakness in the building envelope.

That’s also why, when we notice concerning elements during our work, we can provide a quick observation report at the end of the service. For instance, we may point out visible signs like a cracked window seal, a weak spot around a chimney, or a small issue noticed on the roof. Our goal is to inform you of what we see, so you can monitor or fix the situation if needed.

When you wash the house, what do you do with cameras and other sensitive elements?
Before starting our work, we take care to protect more sensitive elements, including cameras, lock cylinders, and some exterior electrical outlets when possible. If the property has more than two hard-to-reach cameras, an additional $10 fee per camera may apply for their protection.

Can you wash a 3-story building?
Yes. Thanks to our low-pressure cleaning method, we can reach heights of over 30 feet. When needed, we also use appropriate equipment, such as longer wands, to reach the required height and properly clean the target surfaces.

Does your cleaning remove wasp nests in the gables?
Yes. When we wash the house, we usually remove visible wasp nests on exterior surfaces, including those in the gables when accessible during a standard service.

Do you clean brick facades?
Yes, when needed, but it’s relatively rare for a brick facade to need a full deep clean. In most cases, brick isn’t actually dirty. If it has black stains from water damage or green buildup from moss or mildew, we can assess the possibility of a targeted clean, sometimes using higher pressure depending on the situation.

However, in the vast majority of cases, when a client books an All-In-One service, we limit ourselves to just rinsing the brick to remove any cleaning product residue that may have touched it while cleaning other surfaces.

Do you clean asbestos cement, aluminum, and stucco?
Yes. We can clean asbestos cement, aluminum, and stucco. However, it’s important to mention this during the phone estimate, as these materials require specific cleaning methods and an adapted approach.

Do you clean basement balconies?
Yes. We can clean basement balconies. The rate is generally $25 to $50 per balcony, depending on the exact work needed and the level of buildup to remove.

Do you do cleaning before selling a house?
Yes, absolutely. This is actually a great time to get the exterior of a property cleaned. For an investment of usually between $500 and $1000, it can greatly improve the overall appearance of the house and make it look much cleaner and more well-maintained before going on the market. We also strongly recommend cleaning interior windows before a sale, as it helps let more light in and present the property in its best light.

Window Washing

Do I need to be present for a window wash?
For interior window washing, yes, your presence is required. For exterior window washing only, your presence is generally not needed, as long as access to the building is adequate.

Do you also clean interior windows?
Yes. When we do interior window washing, the service always includes cleaning screens and the window track area as well.

Do I need to move my furniture before you arrive for interior window washing?
Yes. All furniture, objects, or elements blocking access to the windows must be moved before we arrive. Blinds and curtains must also be opened or moved aside to allow full, safe access to the windows.

Do you clean window frames and sills?
Yes. Window frames and sills are always included in our window washing service.

Gutter Cleaning

When you empty a gutter, do you use a garden hose to test water flow through the downspout?
Most of the time, no. With our experience, we can usually tell if a gutter or downspout has a blockage based on the amount and type of debris found, especially in the elbows and critical sections. When a blockage is detected, we then use a garden hose to help clear it if needed. However, during a standard gutter cleaning, we do not systematically run water through every gutter. That’s why we offer a 14-day guarantee on gutter cleanings, to allow time for the next rain to confirm proper water flow. It’s also important to note that running water every time can sometimes unnecessarily dirty the exterior of the building further.

I have gutter guards on my gutters. Will you remove them, clear what’s underneath, then reinstall them?
No. We do not remove, disassemble, or reinstall gutter guards. It is the client’s responsibility to inform us in advance if gutter guards are installed on the gutters. When we only need to clean what is on top of the guards, we can offer a more competitive price, since the work is different. However, we do not offer the service of removing and reinstalling gutter guards. Generally, if gutter guards are properly installed, there should not be significant buildup underneath. If they are poorly installed or causing a problem, this is more the responsibility of a gutter installation or repair company, rather than a cleaning company.

Do I need to be present for a gutter cleaning?
No. Your presence is generally not required for a gutter cleaning, as long as access to the building is possible and safe at the time of the appointment.

How often should gutters be cleaned?
Most properties should have their gutters cleaned at least once to twice per year, generally in spring and fall. The ideal frequency may vary depending on the number of trees nearby, the type of foliage, and the environment around the building.

Do you leave the debris on site or take it away?
For gutter cleanings, we generally do not transport debris off-site. Leaves and other removed materials are usually placed in your compost bin. If you do not have a bin available, we can leave them in a leaf or compost bag on your property, so you can place it on the roadside during municipal collection.

Water and service preparation

Do I need to provide water for my house cleaning?
Yes. We need a working water source on-site to perform the cleaning. The client must ensure that an outdoor water outlet connected to the building is accessible and working before our arrival.

I’m on an artesian well. Can you still perform the cleaning?
Yes. However, it’s important to mention this during the estimate or before confirming the appointment if the property is supplied by an artesian well. In many cases, a well does not provide enough water flow to supply our equipment continuously. We may therefore need to bring some water to compensate.

It’s also important to consider that the well may be heavily used on the day of cleaning. Since this situation often leads to operational adjustments and sometimes lost time due to water shortages, the service price may be slightly higher than for a property connected to municipal water.

On the day of cleaning, it’s important to limit water use in the house as much as possible. We ask that you do not run high-water-use appliances like washing machines or dishwashers, and do not fill a pool during our service. This helps avoid emptying the well too quickly and ensures the service goes smoothly.

Specialized cleaning and specific stains

Do you do specialized stain cleaning?
Yes. We can treat several types of exterior stains, such as graffiti, rust, soot, oil, grease, and certain hydrocarbon-related stains. Each situation must be evaluated based on the surface, the age of the stain, and the realistically achievable result.

Can you remove graffiti?
Yes. We can treat some types of graffiti depending on the affected surface, the type of siding, and the condition of the stain. A prior evaluation may be necessary.

Can you remove rust stains?
Yes. We can treat certain rust stains depending on the surface and the level of penetration. The result may vary depending on the material and the age of the stain.

Can you remove soot after a fire?
Yes. We can intervene for certain soot cleaning on exterior surfaces, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of material to treat.

Can you remove oil stains?
Yes. We can treat certain oil stains, particularly on concrete and other exterior surfaces. However, some deep or old stains may be harder to remove completely.

Can you remove restaurant grease?
Yes. We can clean certain exterior grease buildup, particularly around service areas, equipment, or commercial buildings, depending on the situation.

Can you remove gas or fuel stains?
Yes. We can treat certain fuel or hydrocarbon-related stains, depending on the affected surface and the level of penetration into the material.

Apartment buildings and property management

Do you work on apartment buildings?
Yes. We also perform work on apartment buildings and already work with several real estate investors. We are therefore familiar with this type of building and the associated maintenance needs.

Do you work for property managers, condo boards, and cooperatives?
Yes. We regularly complete this type of mandate. We are used to working with property managers, condo corporations, housing cooperatives, and other similar organizations. We understand well the realities of these projects, including coordination, communication, and expectations from boards of directors and managers.

Booking, payments, and cancellation policy

How far in advance do I need to book my appointment?
This depends heavily on the time of year. In spring, which is generally our busiest period, we start accepting appointments on March 1st, and it’s often better to book 1 to 2 months in advance for more availability. In fall, we also recommend booking about one month ahead. During summer, our schedule is usually filled 2 to 4 weeks in advance at all times.

How can I pay?
We currently accept Interac e-Transfers, checks, and cash. We also plan to offer online payment via Stripe soon for even more convenience.

What is your cancellation policy?
We ask our clients to notify us as early as possible if they need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. However, if cancellation is made less than 48 hours before the appointment, no deposit will be refunded.

Are deposits mandatory?
Yes, for most of our services, especially for new clients, a deposit is required to reserve a spot in the schedule. If a new client prefers not to pay a deposit, that is fine. However, no date will be officially reserved. In this case, the client may be placed on a waiting list and we will contact them when an appointment becomes available in our schedule.

Do you call before arriving?
No, not systematically. You will instead receive a reminder email about 24 hours before your appointment with important details to prepare for your service. This reminder often includes instructions like moving objects near the building or work path and ensuring windows are closed before our arrival.

Do you offer annual maintenance packages?
Yes. We offer recurring annual services for exterior siding washing, window washing, and gutter cleaning. This helps keep the property regularly clean and makes it easier to plan maintenance from year to year.

Warranties

Do you have warranties?
Yes. We offer warranties on some of our services. For details and applicable timelines for each type of cleaning, please consult the « Satisfaction Guarantee » section on our website.