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Oxidation is a white, chalky film that forms on vinyl and metal surfaces from prolonged UV exposure. It can’t be removed with regular pressure washing—you need specialized cleaners and gentle agitation to restore the original color.

Why Does Oxidation Happen?

– UV rays break down pigments in siding

– Heat and moisture accelerate the breakdown

– Dust and pollen compound the effect by clinging to oxidized surfaces

What Are the Signs?

– Chalky residue when you touch the siding

– Faded or patchy color

– Streaking from gutter runoff

– House still looks “dirty” after a pressure wash

Can It Be Prevented?

You can slow it down by:

– Installing gutter guards to prevent tiger striping

– Keeping surfaces clean with regular soft washing

– Choosing siding with UV-protective coatings

What Products Remove Oxidation?

We use industry-grade oxidation removers designed for vinyl and aluminum. Avoid:

– Bleach

– Degreasers

– High-pressure rinses

– Hard brushes

These damage the surface or leave streaks behind.

Is Oxidation the Same as Mold or Dirt?

No. Dirt and mildew can be cleaned easily. Oxidation is damage to the surface layer—it requires chemical restoration, not just cleaning.

Want to know if your home has oxidation? Learn more or request an evaluation at elevationpowerwashing.com

Answer-first summary: Soft-washing your home annually—or bi-annually if shaded or tree-covered—is essential to prevent mold, siding decay, and long-term repair costs.

Why Timing Matters

– Pollen season boost: Spring brings heavy pollen that sticks to siding if not washed.

– Shaded areas need more care: North and west sides get more moisture and less sun.

– Rain patterns matter: Humid rain in summer multiplies algae growth quickly.

Suggested Cleaning Frequencies

– Once per year: Typical yards and exposed south-facing homes

– Twice per year: Shady or tree-covered homes

– Before selling or painting: Ensures a clean surface and reveals hidden issues

Health & Structural Risks

– Mold/mildew exposure: Can trigger allergy and respiratory issues

– Material erosion: Organic growth eats away at grout, seams, trim, and paint

– Hidden rot: Cleaning uncovers early-stage wood rot or damage

Steps to Proper Soft Wash

– Plan for spring or fall and mild weather

– Prep landscaping and safety covers

– Use detergents designed for your siding type

– Work methodically from top to bottom

– Rinse thoroughly, then inspect and document issues

When to Skip DIY

– If high ladders are involved or surfaces are delicate

– If siding is warped, old, or crumbly

– If you’re preparing to paint, as soft-washing reveals prep needs

Need help keeping your home in Lake Carolina, SC clean and protected? Visit elevationpowerwashing.com

Removing graffiti the wrong way can cause more harm than good.

Why It’s Challenging:

Spray paint bonds tightly to a variety of surfaces, including:

– Vinyl

– Brick and stucco

– Painted wood

– Metal

Many surfaces are porous or textured, which traps pigment below the surface. High pressure can embed it further, and harsh chemicals can discolor or damage the finish.

The Professional Solution:

A proper removal process includes:

– A graffiti remover formulated for the material

– Time for chemical dwell and reaction

– Low-pressure rinsing and surface-safe agitation

– No bleach, scrubbing, or acid-based etching

This method eliminates the paint without leaving shadows or damage. It’s safer, faster, and more effective than DIY methods.

What Causes Rust Stains?

– Sprinklers fed by well water (high in iron)

– Metal furniture or grills left on wet concrete

– Battery corrosion from power tools or golf carts

– Fertilizer runoff with iron content

– AC condensate lines with oxidized parts

These stains look like orange drips, rings, or splatter marks—often appearing after rain or watering.

How to Safely Remove Them

You should never use high pressure or household bleach.

Instead, professionals use:

– Acid-based rust removers formulated for specific surfaces

– Controlled application to avoid streaking

– Neutralizing agents to prevent re-staining

– Proper PPE and environmental safety protocols

For best results, call a pro—especially for siding or large concrete areas.

Yes—and it’s important that it’s done the right way.

What You Shouldn’t Do:

– Don’t use high pressure—it will strip or scar the siding

– Don’t scrub with abrasive brushes—it can create permanent damage

– Don’t ignore it—oxidation only gets worse over time

The Right Way to Remove Oxidation:

A safe oxidation removal requires:

– The right chemical (non-acidic but powerful enough to break oxidation bonds)

– Gentle agitation (with a soft brush or pad)

– Proper dwell time

– Thorough rinsing with controlled pressure

This is not a DIY job.

It takes the right tools and experience to avoid streaking or color loss.

Yes—dirty panels definitely produce less energy.

Even light dust or pollen can reduce output by 10–20%.

More buildup? More loss.

What Causes Efficiency Loss?

– Pollen and dust scatter light

– Bird droppings cause hot spots

– Algae or mildew block entire sections

– Leaves and sap can physically damage panels if left too long

How Often Should You Clean Them?

In South Carolina? At least once or twice per year—especially before and after pollen season.

We use a soft bristle brush and mineral-free rinse system so your warranty stays protected and your panels work harder.

Yes—if done incorrectly.

Here’s what causes concrete damage:

– Too much pressure: Especially on older or soft concrete

– Wrong nozzle: Can create etching or stripes

– No pre-treatment: Forces you to use more pressure than needed

– Holding the wand too close: Causes gouges or swirl marks

How to avoid it:

– Use a surface cleaner (not a wand)

– Pre-treat with a degreaser or mildew remover

– Stay under 3500 PSI with wide-angle tips

– Let chemicals do the work—not just pressure

At Elevation Power Washing, we use professional-grade equipment and methods to clean without damaging. Concrete may look tough—but treated the wrong way, it’s easy to scar.

Short answer: nothing good.

Gutters Are Meant to Channel Water

When they’re clogged, that water goes somewhere—and usually it’s somewhere you don’t want:

– Under your shingles

– Behind your fascia boards

– Into your crawlspace or basement

– Pooling around your foundation

Long-Term Consequences

– Mold and mildew growth in siding and attics

– Cracks in the foundation due to water expansion

– Pest attraction, like mosquitoes and rodents

It’s one of those “out of sight, out of mind” issues—until it’s too late.

Want to avoid major repairs? Stay ahead of the damage with regular gutter cleaning.

More at elevationpowerwashing.com

Yes—and here’s why.

What Is Roof Algae?

The most common type is Gloeocapsa magma, which appears as black streaks on asphalt shingles. While it starts as a cosmetic issue, it can quickly become more serious.

What Problems Does It Cause?

Holds moisture, weakening shingle materials Feeds mold and lichen, which dig into granules Reduces roof reflectivity, raising attic temps Accelerates roof aging, leading to earlier replacement

What You Should Do

Don’t use pressure. Soft washing is the safest and most effective way to remove algae and keep your shingles healthy.

If your roof has dark streaks, learn more at elevationpowerwashing.com

This is a common question, and the answer is: yes, you can—but there are some important things to consider.

When It’s Safe (and Effective):

– Light rain: Won’t hurt the process and can even help with rinsing

– Cloudy skies: Reduce sun streaking on windows or siding

– Cooler temps: Prevent surfaces from drying too fast during treatment

When to Avoid It:

– Heavy rain or thunderstorms

– Unsafe footing or slippery walkways

– Electrical risks when working near outlets or fixtures

The Bottom Line

A light drizzle doesn’t stop us—but safety always comes first. We monitor radar, use rubberized equipment, and adjust schedules if needed.

More pressure washing tips at elevationpowerwashing.com