A technical lexicon of the compounds, organisms, and techniques impacting your home.
A photosynthetic cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) responsible for the stark black streaks commonly seen on Long Island asphalt shingle roofs. It actively feeds on the crushed limestone filler used in modern shingles, breaking down the roof's structural integrity over time.
Roof CleaningA cleaning method using low pressure (similar to a garden hose) and specialized, perfectly calibrated, biodegradable solutions to safely remove mildew, bacteria, algae, and organic stains from exterior surfaces like vinyl siding and roofs.
House WashingThe white, chalky residue that develops on older vinyl siding due to prolonged UV exposure degrading the PVC material. If you run your hand across dry siding and your fingers turn white, the siding is oxidized.
House WashingAlso known as 'shotgun fungus,' these are tiny, hard black specks (spores) that shoot out of wood mulch and permanently attach themselves to light-colored vinyl siding.
TroubleshootingA white, powdery mineral salt deposit that migrates to the surface of concrete, brick, or pavers as water evaporates. Commonly seen on retaining walls and new patios.
PaversA high-tech blend of fine sand and binding polymers used to fill the joints between pavers. When activated with water, it hardens to lock pavers in place and prevents weed growth and insect tunneling.
PaversA complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. Lichen forms crusty, pale green or gray patches on roofs and its acidic roots aggressively eat into the asphalt shingle.
Roof CleaningA surface-active agent used in our commercial soft washing mixes. Surfactants decrease the surface tension of water, creating a thick foam that allows the cleaning chemicals to 'dwell' on vertical surfaces rather than running off into the soil.
ChemistryVisible, permanent vertical streaks etched into siding, concrete, or wood caused by an amateur using a high-pressure wand incorrectly or too closely to the surface.
TroubleshootingThe process of stripping gray, dead wood fibers and tannin stains from Cedar shake siding or roofing natively found on luxury Long Island and Hamptons homes.
Specialty Cleaning