Exterior Cleaning FAQ | SHS Exterior Cleaning Pittsburgh PA

Question 1

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve homeowners and businesses across 7 counties in Western Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Butler, Washington, Westmoreland, Beaver, Armstrong, and Lawrence. That covers Pittsburgh and all surrounding suburbs — from Cranberry Township in the north to Peters Township in the south, and from Sewickley in the west to Murrysville in the east.

Question 2

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SHS Exterior Cleaning is fully licensed and carries general liability insurance on every job. We are the exterior cleaning division of Stone Home Services LLC, a registered Pennsylvania business.

Question 3

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

You can request a free estimate online at shsexteriorcleaning.com/quote, or call us directly at (412) 721-6164. We typically respond within one business day. For most jobs we can provide a quote based on your address and a brief description of the work — no on-site visit required.

Question 4

Do I need to be home during the service?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. As long as we have access to the areas being cleaned and a working outdoor water spigot, many customers are not home during the job. We will communicate with you before we arrive and send a completion message when we are done.

Question 5

What days and hours do you work?

Accepted Answer

We schedule jobs Monday through Saturday, 7 AM to 6 PM. We do not typically work Sundays, but can accommodate special requests for commercial clients.

Question 6

Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you are not satisfied with the results, contact us within 48 hours and we will return to address any concerns at no additional charge. Our goal is a result you are proud to show your neighbors.

Question 7

How much does pressure washing cost in Pittsburgh?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the surface type, square footage, and level of soiling. As a general guide: driveway cleaning typically runs $150–$300, a full house exterior wash $250–$600, and deck or patio cleaning $100–$250. We provide free, itemized estimates before any work begins — call (412) 721-6164 or submit our online quote form.

Question 8

How often should I pressure wash my driveway?

Accepted Answer

Most driveways in Western PA benefit from cleaning once a year — typically in spring after winter salt and debris, or in fall before the cold season. Driveways with heavy tree cover or oil stains may need cleaning twice a year.

Question 9

Can pressure washing damage my concrete or pavers?

Accepted Answer

In the wrong hands, yes. Excessive pressure or incorrect nozzle angles can etch concrete, damage mortar joints, or loosen pavers. Our technicians are trained to use the correct pressure settings and nozzles for each surface type, and we always test a small area first.

Question 10

Will pressure washing remove oil stains from my driveway?

Accepted Answer

Pressure washing significantly reduces oil stains, but very old or deeply set stains may not fully disappear with water pressure alone. We use degreasing pre-treatments on oil-stained surfaces to improve results. We will give you an honest assessment before we start.

Question 11

Is pressure washing safe for my deck?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the deck material and condition. Composite decking and older wood decks require lower pressure settings to avoid surface damage. We assess every deck before cleaning and use the appropriate technique — often a soft wash approach for wood and composite surfaces.

Question 12

What is soft washing and how is it different from pressure washing?

Accepted Answer

Soft washing uses low water pressure combined with biodegradable cleaning solutions to remove algae, mold, mildew, and organic staining from surfaces. Pressure washing relies primarily on water force. Soft washing is safer for delicate surfaces like roofs, vinyl siding, stucco, and painted wood — and it kills the organisms at the root rather than just blasting them off, so results last longer.

Question 13

Is soft washing safe for my roof?

Accepted Answer

Yes — soft washing is the recommended method for roof cleaning by most roofing manufacturers. High-pressure washing can dislodge granules from asphalt shingles and void warranties. Our soft wash solutions kill algae and moss without damaging the shingles, and the results typically last 2–4 years.

Question 14

Will the cleaning chemicals harm my plants or lawn?

Accepted Answer

We use biodegradable, plant-safe cleaning solutions and take precautions to protect your landscaping — including pre-wetting plants before treatment and rinsing them thoroughly afterward. We have cleaned thousands of homes without landscape damage.

Question 15

How long do soft washing results last?

Accepted Answer

On roofs and siding, soft washing results typically last 2–4 years depending on the level of tree cover and shade around your home. Shaded, north-facing surfaces tend to re-grow algae faster than sun-exposed surfaces.

Question 16

Do you clean both inside and outside windows?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer interior and exterior window cleaning, including screens, frames, tracks, and sills. Interior cleaning is available on request — just let us know when you schedule.

Question 17

How much does window cleaning cost?

Accepted Answer

Window cleaning is priced per pane. A typical single-story home with 15–20 windows runs $150–$250 for exterior only. Two-story homes and homes with specialty windows (skylights, arched windows, divided lites) are priced individually. We provide a free estimate before scheduling.

Question 18

Can you remove hard water stains from windows?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hard water mineral deposits require a specialized treatment beyond standard window cleaning. We use professional-grade mineral deposit removers to restore clarity to affected glass. This is priced separately from standard window cleaning — we will note it in your estimate.

Question 19

How often should I have my windows professionally cleaned?

Accepted Answer

Most homeowners in Western PA have their windows cleaned once or twice a year — typically in spring and fall. Homes near busy roads, with heavy pollen exposure, or with hard water issues may benefit from more frequent cleaning.

Question 20

How often should gutters be cleaned in Pittsburgh?

Accepted Answer

Twice a year is the standard recommendation for most Pittsburgh-area homes — once in late spring after pollen and seed season, and once in late fall after leaves have dropped. Homes surrounded by pine trees may need cleaning 3–4 times per year because pine needles fall year-round.

Question 21

What happens if I don't clean my gutters?

Accepted Answer

Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and pool against your foundation, which can lead to basement water intrusion, foundation cracking, and fascia board rot. In winter, clogged gutters contribute to ice dams that can damage your roof and interior ceilings. Regular cleaning is one of the most cost-effective forms of home maintenance.

Question 22

Do you flush the downspouts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every gutter cleaning includes a full downspout flush to confirm water flows freely from the gutter to the ground. If a downspout is clogged, we clear it as part of the service.

Question 23

How much does gutter cleaning cost?

Accepted Answer

Most single-story homes run $100–$175. Two-story homes typically run $150–$250. Pricing depends on linear footage of gutter, roof pitch, and level of debris. We provide free estimates — call (412) 721-6164 or use our online quote form.

Question 24

Do you offer gutter guards or gutter protection installation?

Accepted Answer

We focus on cleaning rather than installation, but we are happy to inspect your gutters and give you an honest recommendation on whether gutter guards would benefit your home based on your tree coverage and cleaning frequency.

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