Frequently Asked
Questions
How much does it cost to pressure wash a house in Michigan?
A typical single family house wash in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area starts at around $350. The price depends on square footage, number of stories, how much algae growth there is, and how easy the house is to get around. Concrete, deck and fence cleaning booked at the same time are cheaper than booking them separately since we are already on site with the equipment set up.
How much does gutter cleaning cost?
Most gutter cleanings in this area run $150 to $300, depending on the length of the gutter run, the number of stories and the roof pitch.
How much does it cost to have windows cleaned?
Exterior only starts at around $200 for a typical home. Inside and out, including screens and sills, is usually $300 to $400.
How much does deck refinishing cost?
A deck cleaning is usually a few hundred dollars. A full refinish, meaning strip, wash, dry and re-stain, is typically in the low thousands depending on the size of the deck, the number of railings and spindles, and the condition of the existing finish.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. Every quote is free and there is no obligation or pressure to book a job. For most jobs we can quote from photos and an address without needing to visit.
Can my siding be cleaned without being damaged?
Yes. The damage people worry about comes from high pressure, which can force water up behind a lap seam and put moisture inside the wall, and can crack or warp older vinyl. We avoid it by soft washing instead using low pressure and a cleaning solution that lifts the algae without force. Vinyl, aluminum, painted wood, fiber cement, brick and stone are all handled this way.
Is soft washing safe for my house?
Yes, and it is the method we use on most houses. Low pressure combined with a cleaning solution, rather than force, means nothing gets driven behind the siding and nothing gets stripped. There is a fuller explanation of how it works, and how it differs from pressure washing, on the pressure washing page.
That green stuff on my siding, is it mold?
Usually it is algae rather than mold, and it grows on the shaded north and east sides of a house where the siding stays damp. It is living growth, not dirt, which is why rinsing it off never lasts. It needs a cleaning solution, not just water.
What causes the black streaks on my roof?
Those streaks are a bacteria called Gloeocapsa magma, and they are extremely common on Michigan roofs. It feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, which is why the streaks run downward with the water. It is not dirt and it will not weather off. Scrubbing or high pressure will take granules off the shingle and shorten the life of the roof, so it has to be treated with a low pressure wash and the right solution.
How do I get moss off my roof?
Not with a pressure washer. Moss holds moisture against the shingle and blasting it off takes the granules with it. It is treated with a low pressure application that loosens the moss so it releases and weathers away over the following weeks. Moss usually means a shaded, damp roof, so it comes back unless the overhanging branches are dealt with too.
How often does a house need washing in Michigan?
Every two to three years for most houses here, which is how long a properly soft washed exterior stays clean. Shaded sides and houses under heavy tree cover become dirty faster. If a house was rinsed at high pressure rather than soft washed, the algae roots were left behind and it will usually look dirty again within a single season.
Do I need to be home while you work?
No. Most house washes, gutter cleanings and exterior window cleanings happen with nobody home. We need access to an outdoor water spigot and to the yard. Interior window cleaning and interior painting require someone there to let us in.
Do you use my water?
Yes, from an outdoor spigot. If you do not have a working exterior tap, tell us when you book and we will plan around it.
What about my plants?
We wet the beds and shrubs down before we start and rinse them afterwards. This is standard on every job, not an extra.
When is the best time to pressure wash a house in Michigan?
Any time from March through October. Late spring is the most popular because the algae becomes obvious once the leaves return, and because the pollen has just finished. Late summer, particularly August, is our quietest stretch, so it is the easiest time to get the date you want.
When should I clean my gutters in Michigan?
Twice a year, in spring and in late fall. The important local detail is that Michigan leaves finish falling much later than most schedules assume. Oaks and maples here usually hold their leaves into November and December, so gutters cleaned in early October are often full again before the first freeze. We clean gutters until the end of the year for that reason.
Can you pressure wash in the winter?
Generally no. Once temperatures are consistently below freezing, water on a surface becomes an ice hazard and cleaning solutions stop working properly. We move to interior painting services through January and February.
How far ahead should I book?
In spring, which is our busiest stretch, booking a few weeks ahead is recommended. In late summer we often have availability the same week.
Where are you based?
Simply Amazing LLC is at 7630 Bay Tree Drive in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We serve Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Saline primarily, and we travel to Canton, Dexter, Whitmore Lake, Milan, Chelsea, Manchester, Belleville, Northville, Plymouth and Novi.
How long have you been in business?
Since 2016, under the same owner.
Do you do commercial work?
Yes. Storefronts, small commercial buildings and multi-unit residential, including scheduled recurring service.
How do I get a quote?
Call or text 734-755-9793, or fill out the form on the contact page. Photos and an address are usually enough for us to give you an estimate the same day.