Alright im in need of a little advice. I had a woman reach out to me with a HUGE exterior cleaning job on a 4,000 sq. foot house with redwood siding. She needs about 5,500 sq. foot of concrete cleaned multiple decks, all windows including 6 skylights, retaining walls and a few other things. Which is fine, but as im researching i cant find ANYTHING on cleaning redwood siding, and i like to know EXACTLY what im doing before I start a job. I dont want nor need any mishaps. If any of you have any knowledge of cleaning redwood siding it would help me tremendously by spreading some my way. Thank you all.
https://pressurewashingresource.com/community/search?q=Redwood%20
Check out the threads in that link why you wait for expert advice.
3 Likes
thanks man.
How to clean it depends on different factors such as if it’s stained, if there’s mildew, tannin stains, etc. It also depends on what they plan on doing with it afterwards. You really need to post some pictures to get accurate advice.
2 Likes
she did tell me she has never had it cleaned in 35 years and her husband built the home.
Set the proper expectations for the customer.
1 Like
yes, I let her know i can not gurantee how it will turn out. i let her know i cant gurantee that it will be uniform once were done just because i do not know. However im not going to come in with no knowledge and just try to get paid. I want to do right by her and leave her with a satisfactory result.
2 Likes
Somethings are just easier to paint. Good luck on this if you do choose to take it 
2 Likes
That house is shot, time for some paint.
1 Like
It needs cleaning and then re-stained - going to fade some when washed. would specify cleaning for re-stain or paint on estimate, because going to look even more blotchy when you wash it - not going to even out the color by washing. Price accordingly. Going to take some work. Got a good amount of sun damage there. Unless you really know what you’re doing, suggest she let you take care of concrete, retaining walls, etc and walk on the siding.
7 Likes
If you did softwash it what percent Sh would you use? Or use sodium percarbonate and treat like a fence? Citric acid after?
I have no idea, I’ve never washed redwood. Just linked the article. I did notice that as well.
thanks everyone for your input. I did get the job booked however i explained it would not make since for me to clean it if she was planning on painting or staining becuase the painter would more than likely have to pressure wash with the chemicals they use . she was happy with that and booked all the other work with us so its a win win.
4 Likes
Smart move on your part. Nicely done.
1 Like
