Frequently asked questions

Most homeowners across King County schedule gutter cleaning twice a year: once in late fall after the leaves drop, and once in spring after the maple seeds and fir needles accumulate. If you've got heavy tree cover — especially firs, cedars, or maples — you might need it three times a year. Clogged gutters overflow and send water into your foundation or under your roofline, which leads to expensive repairs.

No. High-pressure washing strips the protective granules off composition shingles and shortens the roof's life. We use soft wash for algae stains and hand-brush moss off before treating it with zinc sulfate powder. The goal is to remove the growth and kill what's left without damaging the roof itself.

Yes. Most of our customers aren't home during service. Just leave access instructions — unlocked gates, garage codes, where the hose bib is — and we'll complete the work and leave an invoice. If you want before-and-after photos sent to your email, let us know when you book.

Zinc sulfate treatment typically lasts 1-2 years depending on how much shade your roof gets and how much moisture it holds. North-facing slopes and roofs under heavy tree cover need retreatment more often. You'll see the moss die off over a few weeks after application, and regrowth slows significantly.

No. Gutter guards reduce how often you need cleaning, but they don't eliminate it. Fine debris — fir needles, seed pods, roof grit — still gets through and clogs the downspouts. Pearl Exterior Cleaning cleans gutter guard systems regularly. Most guards work best when paired with annual or bi-annual maintenance.

Pressure washing uses high PSI to blast dirt off hard surfaces like concrete and driveways. Soft washing uses lower pressure with biodegradable cleaners to lift algae, mildew, and dirt from siding, painted surfaces, and roofs. Soft washing is safer for anything that can be damaged by high pressure — wood, paint, shingles.

Yes. Dirty panels lose 20-30% efficiency depending on how much buildup they have. Pollen, dust, bird droppings, and moss all block sunlight. We clean panels with deionized water and soft brushes — no chemicals, no scratching. Most customers see output jump back up within a day or two after cleaning.

Yes. Pearl Exterior Cleaning is licensed with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, bonded, and carries general liability insurance up to $1,000,000 per job. We provide proof of insurance to property managers, HOAs, and commercial clients on request.

We use extension poles with gutter scoops to reach third-story gutters safely. For complex rooflines or difficult access, we use ladders with stabilizers or work from the roof with harnesses. If the building is taller than three stories, we coordinate lift equipment or rope access depending on the site.

Yes. The green and black streaks on your roof are algae. We treat them with a soft wash application that kills the algae and prevents regrowth. The stains fade over a few weeks as the algae dies off. Zinc sulfate treatment also prevents the algae from coming back for 1-2 years.

We can move most furniture and planters as needed. If there's anything fragile, heavy, or off-limits, just let us know when you book and we'll work around it. For pressure washing, we'll move what we need to and put it back when we're done.

We take Visa, Mastercard, checks, and cash. Payment is due after the job is completed to your satisfaction. For recurring customers, we can set up automatic billing if that's easier. Commercial clients can request net-30 terms with an approved account.