Siding is where the "more pressure is better" instinct actually causes damage — vinyl panels can crack or blow out at close range under high PSI, and aggressive spraying can force water behind siding into wall cavities. The right approach is low-pressure "soft washing": a cleaning solution that kills algae and mildew at the root, applied at low pressure and rinsed clean.
Shaded, north-facing walls in older Kitchener and Waterloo neighbourhoods with mature tree cover are the most common problem spots — that greenish-black streaking is algae, and pressure alone won't remove it without the right solution first.
No — it's a different method entirely. Low pressure alone won't kill algae at the root; the cleaning solution does the work, and the low-pressure rinse is just to clear it off without forcing water behind siding panels.
No — windows and trim are rinsed as part of the standard pass at safe pressure, same as the siding itself.
Typically 1–2 years depending on shade and moisture exposure. Sunnier, drier walls stay cleaner longer than shaded north-facing sides.
Roof soft washing is a related but separate service — see our roof and gutter cleaning partners for that; siding and roof use different solutions and techniques.