What's included
- Every uPVC window frame and the rubber seals around the glass
- Window sills, including the black streaks that run off the frames
- Fascia boards along the roofline and the soffits underneath
- The outside of the gutters, where the green and black tiger stripes build up
- The glass itself, rinsed last so it dries clear
Why plastic goes grey
uPVC is slightly textured. Traffic film, algae and soot settle into it and turn white frames grey or green, worst on north-facing walls and under trees. A wipe with a cloth moves it around. A soft brush and plenty of pure water lifts it out.
What we won't promise
Old uPVC that has gone chalky or yellow from sunlight has changed colour in the plastic. Cleaning takes the dirt off, but it won't make faded plastic new. Spirit-based cleaners and scouring pads that some people use to "restore" frames can strip the surface, so we don't use them.
Why do gutters get black stripes?
Rain carries soot and road grime off the roof and over the front edge of the gutter, where it dries in vertical streaks. They don't wash off in the rain, because rain is what puts them there. Our post on why uPVC fascias and gutters go black explains the causes.
How we clean the roofline
Top to bottom, by hand and with soft brushes. We clean the fascias, gutter faces and soffits first, so anything washed off runs down onto parts we haven't done yet. Then the frames, the sills and finally the glass, rinsed with pure water so it dries clear.
We don't use a pressure washer on the roofline. It can force water behind the fascia boards, damage the finish on uPVC and strip paint from timber.
Weatherboarding and cladding
Many Essex homes, from South Woodham Ferrers to the coast, have timber or uPVC weatherboarding. Every board has a ledge that collects dirt and algae. We wash boarding gently by hand, the same way as the fascias.
When is a deep clean worth it?
- Before you sell, so the front looks cared for in the photos
- After years of only having the glass cleaned
- Before a wedding, party or event at home
- After building work, scaffolding or a new roof
- When you've just moved in and want a fresh start
Do you need to be home?
No. A deep clean is outside work. As long as we can reach the back garden, we can do it while you're out.
How long does a deep clean take?
Most houses are done in one visit. A bungalow or a small terrace is quicker; a large detached house with deep eaves, bay windows and conservatories takes longer. We'll give you a rough time when we quote, based on your photo.
What about the gutters themselves?
A deep clean is the outside faces: fascia boards, gutter fronts and soffits. If your gutters are blocked or overflowing, tell us on the form. A blocked gutter is often what causes the heaviest staining, and it's worth sorting at the same time.