Home exterior tips for BC homeowners
-
How to Safely Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding in BC
TL;DR For high powered washers at 3000-4000 PSI stay at least three feet back and always point downward. Better yet – do most of the cleaning work with a telescopic soft bristle brush and a 1-2% bleach solution, then use the pressure washer mainly for rinsing. Never spray upward into soffit vents… water gets into insulation, insulation grows mould, mould spreads. Runoff from your cleaning solution cannot legally go down a storm drain in BC – divert it onto soil, rocks, or grass. Protect plants by thoroughly wetting them before and after so they can’t absorb the solution. How to…
-
How to Clean Your Gutters in BC
TL;DR Clean your gutters at least once a year in BC, twice if you have heavy tree coverage. Ladder and scoop method is the most reliable because you can see exactly what you’re doing. A leaf blower works in dry conditions but isn’t effective against wet asphalt granules or pine needles stuck in the downspout protective screen. Pressure washing works but the kickback on extended wands is brutal and debris goes everywhere. Never clean gutters from the roof. If your roofline is too high or the yard slope makes ladder access unsafe, call a professional! They will likely use a…
-
How to Get Rid of Moss on Asphalt Shingle Roofs in BC
TL;DR Don’t pressure wash asphalt shingles… it strips the granules and shortens the roofs life span. Use a stiff bristle brush working down from the peak. Apply a zinc powder along the peaks after cleaning. Reapply annually before BC’s rainy season. Clear the gutters after… moss debris left in gutters blocks drainage and causes further problems. If the pitch of the roof is too steep or the moss growth is too extensive, call a professional! How to Get Rid of Moss on Asphalt Shingle Roofs in BC If you’ve noticed dark green patches creeping across your roof, you’re not alone.…