FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Which area do you serve?
We primarily serve the Outaouais region, particularly the area between Buckingham and Aylmer. We also offer our services in the greater Ottawa area. For more remote areas, up to approximately 1 hour from Gatineau, it is also possible to 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 better rinse vegetation during the service. However, extreme weather conditions like strong winds, thunderstorms, heavy downpours, freezing rain or ice can force us to reschedule an appointment. When this happens, we typically reschedule the service for the same weekend or the following week. Generally, we always wait until the day of the appointment itself before rescheduling, since just because heavy rain is forecast doesn’t mean it will actually fall on-site.

What are your business hours?
Our administrative office is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our technicians can also perform some work on Saturdays, and some jobs may run past 5 p.m., depending on the operation schedule.

Do you offer commercial services?
Yes. We offer our services across several sectors, including residential, commercial, institutional, municipal, as well as some provincial and federal contracts.

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

Do you travel to provide 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 that require a technical evaluation, an on-site visit may be necessary. If your property is located in a more remote area and the available online images do not allow for a proper evaluation, we may also ask you to send us photos of the building.

All-In-One Exterior Washing

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

• Gutter Cleaning
• Low-pressure cleaning of exterior gutters, soffits, and vinyl siding
• Exterior Window Washing
• Before/After Photos
• Quick Visual Leak Inspection, including basic observations about caulking, roofing, and the chimney

This service is designed to provide complete, convenient exterior maintenance, all wrapped into a single visit.

How long does it take to wash a house?
For most homes, cleaning typically takes between 2 and 4 hours. The exact duration can vary depending 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 for an All-In-One exterior cleaning?
Yes, ideally. It is best for the homeowner to be on-site, or at least easily reachable, so that we can respond quickly to any questions or special situations. Since our work involves using water and cleaning equipment, there are always some associated risks. Having the homeowner present helps ensure the service runs smoothly and allows for quick management of any unexpected issues.

What should I do if I am not present for the cleaning?
If you cannot be present for the service, we strongly recommend leaving a way to access the home, such as an unlocked door or a trusted person available if needed. In the event of a water or electrical issue, this access will allow us to respond quickly, such as turning off a circuit breaker or shutting off the main water supply. While this type of situation is rare, quick access to the home can make all the difference.

Do I need to prepare my home before exterior siding cleaning?
Yes. Before our arrival, you must move objects located near the building, such as the BBQ, rugs, flower pots, patio furniture, and any other items that could interfere with the work. Ideally, these items should be placed more than 10 feet away from the building to prevent our hoses from getting caught on them during the service.

We also ask that you move your vehicles out of the parking area, and generally leave us as much space as possible to work efficiently and safely.

Will my plants be safe?
Yes. We take great care of the vegetation around the building. We rinse plants before, during, and after cleaning to protect them and help keep them healthy 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 damage to the building. Unlike overly aggressive washing, it limits the risk of damaging certain sensitive surfaces or bringing out defects like oxidation.

Additionally, it’s not just water that does the work. We use a specialized algaecide treatment that helps neutralize organic dirt, such as algae and other biological buildup. Conversely, a cleaning done only with water can sometimes just wet the organic matter without actually treating it, which can lead to the problem returning more quickly.

Do you pressure wash houses?
No. We do not pressure wash houses. Instead, we prioritize low-pressure washing combined with the application of a chlorine-based algaecide treatment to clean surfaces effectively while reducing the risk of damage. That said, ground surfaces like concrete and pavers can be pressure washed, with pre-treatment and post-treatment algaecide as needed.

Do you clean soffits?
Yes. Sofit cleaning is included in our All-In-One exterior cleaning service.

Another frequently asked question is: Will water get into my insulation?
The short answer is no. We clean soffits using low pressure. It is not the force of the water that does the work, but rather the action of the algaecide cleaning product. We rinse soffits in a controlled, relatively quick manner, which prevents water from penetrating into the insulation.

It is also important to note that the soffit area is generally separate from wall insulation. The soffits themselves are typically hollow and may get a small amount of water during rinsing, but this water simply drains through the openings designed for that purpose.

Can water get behind my exterior siding?
In reality, exterior siding is designed to allow water to flow behind it in a controlled manner. There is typically a protective barrier, such as a house wrap, between the wall structure and the siding, and vinyl panels are also designed with openings to allow water to drain. Obviously, we do not aim to spray water directly under the vinyl sheets. However, it is important to understand that siding is designed to handle a certain amount of water and allow for proper drainage.

Can water get inside my home?
Under normal conditions, no. However, if there is already a seal issue, water may infiltrate during cleaning. This can happen especially with worn or cracked caulking around a window, a faulty window, a window left open during the service, or any other existing weakness in the building envelope.

That is why, when we notice concerning elements during our work, we can provide you with a quick observation report at the end of the service. For example, we can point out visible signs like a cracked window caulking, a weak spot around a chimney, or an abnormal detail noticed on the roof. Our goal is to inform you of what we see, so that you can monitor or fix the situation as needed.

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

Can you wash a 3-story building?
Yes. Thanks to our low-pressure washing method, we can reach heights of more than 30 feet. When necessary, we also use specialized equipment, such as longer wands, to reach the required height and properly clean the targeted surfaces.

Will your cleaning remove wasp nests on gables?
Yes. When we wash the house, we typically remove visible wasp nests on exterior surfaces, including those on gables when accessible as part of the standard service.

Do you clean brick exteriors?
Yes, when needed, but it is relatively rare for a brick facade to require a full thorough cleaning. In most cases, brick is not actually dirty. If it has black stains caused by water damage, or green buildup from moss or mold, we can evaluate the possibility of a more targeted cleaning, sometimes using higher pressure depending on the situation.

However, in the vast majority of cases, when a customer books an All-In-One service, we simply rinse the brick to remove any product residue that may have come into contact with it during the cleaning of other surfaces.

Do you clean fiber cement, aluminum, and stucco?
Yes. We can clean fiber cement, aluminum, and stucco. However, it is important to mention this to us during the initial phone estimate, as these materials require specialized cleaning methods and a tailored approach.

Do you clean basement balconies?
Yes. We can clean basement balconies. The cost typically ranges from $25 to $50 per opening, depending on the exact nature of the work requested and the level of buildup to be removed.

Do you clean homes before they are listed for sale?
Yes, absolutely. This is a great time to have the exterior of the property cleaned. For an investment often between $500 and $1,000, it can greatly improve the overall appearance of the home and give it a much cleaner, more polished look before it goes on the market. We also strongly recommend interior window washing before a sale, as it helps let in more light and showcase the property at its best.

Window Washing

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

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

Do I need to move my furniture before your arrival for interior window washing?
Yes. All furniture, objects, or items blocking access to the windows must be moved before our arrival. Blinds and curtains must also be opened or cleared to allow full, safe access to the windows.

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

Gutter Cleaning

When you clean out a gutter, do you use a garden hose to test water flow?
Most of the time, no. With our experience, we can typically recognize if a gutter or downspout is clogged based on the amount and type of debris found, especially in elbows and critical sections. When a clog is detected, we will use a garden hose to help clear it if needed. However, during a standard gutter cleaning, we do not systematically run water through each gutter. That is why we offer a 14-day warranty on gutter cleanings, to allow time for the next rain to confirm that water flows properly. It is also important to note that running water during every gutter cleaning can sometimes unnecessarily dirty the exterior of the building more.

I have gutter guards on my gutters. Will you remove them, clean underneath them, then reinstall them?
No. We do not remove or reinstall gutter guards. It is the customer’s responsibility to inform us in advance if gutter guards are installed on the gutters. When we only need to clean debris on top of the gutter guards, we can offer a more competitive price, since the work is different. However, we do not provide the service of removing and reinstalling gutter guards. Generally, when gutter guards are properly installed, there should not be significant buildup underneath them. If they are installed incorrectly or cause an issue, that is more the responsibility of a gutter installation or repair company than a cleaning company.

Do I need to be present for gutter cleaning?
No. Your presence is generally not required for 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 or twice a year, typically in spring and fall. The ideal frequency can vary depending on the number of nearby trees, the type of foliage, and the environment around the building.

Do you leave debris on-site or take it with you?
For gutter cleanings, we typically do not remove debris off-site. The leaves and other materials removed are usually placed in your compost bin. If you do not have a compost bin available, we can leave them in a leaf or compost bag on your property, so that you can place it at the curb for municipal collection later.

Water and Service Preparation

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

I have a well. Can you still perform the cleaning?
Yes. However, it is important to inform us of this during the estimate or before confirming the appointment if the property is supplied by a well. In many cases, a well does not provide enough water flow to power our equipment continuously. We may therefore need to bring in some additional water to compensate.

You should also plan for the well to be heavily used during the day of the cleaning. Since this type of situation often leads to operational adjustments and sometimes time lost due to water shortages, the cost of the service may be slightly higher than for a property connected to a municipal water supply.

On the day of the cleaning, it is important to limit water use in the home 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 draining the well too quickly and ensures the service runs smoothly.

Specialized Cleanings and Specific Stains

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

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

Can you remove rust stains?
Yes. We can treat some rust stains depending on the surface and the level of buildup. Results can vary depending on the material and the age of the stain.

Can you remove soot after a fire?
Yes. We can perform some exterior surface soot cleanings, depending on the extent of the damage and the type of material to be treated.

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

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

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

Multi-Family Buildings and Property Management

Do you work on multi-family buildings?
Yes. We also perform work on multi-family buildings and already work with several real estate investors. We are familiar with this type of building and the maintenance needs that come with it.

Do you work with property managers, condominiums, and cooperatives?
Yes. We regularly take on this type of contract. We are accustomed to working with property managers, condominium associations, housing cooperatives, and other similar organizations. We understand the realities of this type of project, including coordination, communication, and the expectations of boards of directors and managers.

Booking, Payments, and Cancellation Policy

How far in advance should I book my appointment?
This depends heavily on the time of year. In spring, which is typically our busiest period, we start taking appointments as early as March 1st, and it is often best to book 1 to 2 months in advance to have more choices. In fall, we also recommend booking approximately one month in advance. During the summer, our schedule is typically fully booked 2 to 4 weeks in advance consistently.

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

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

Are deposits required?
Yes, for most of our services, especially for new customers, a deposit is required to reserve a date on our schedule. If a new customer prefers not to pay a deposit, that is not a problem. However, no date will be officially reserved. In this case, the customer may be placed on a waitlist, and we will contact them when an opening becomes available based on our schedule.

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

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

Warranties

Do you offer warranties?
Yes. We offer warranties on some of our services. To learn details and applicable timelines for each type of cleaning, we invite you to check the"Satisfaction Guarantee" page on our website.