What's Actually Growing on Your Siding?
That dark streaking and green haze on your home's exterior isn't just dirt — it's alive. Georgia's warm, humid climate makes it a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew, algae, and a bacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma, which is responsible for the black staining you often see on light-colored siding.
These organisms feed on moisture and organic material in and around your siding. Left alone, they can degrade paint, eat into caulk, and — over time — accelerate the breakdown of siding materials. A thorough house wash doesn't just improve curb appeal; it actively protects your home.
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Mold & Mildew
Thrives in Georgia humidity. Causes the green and black patches commonly found on north-facing walls and shaded areas.
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Algae
Green or yellow-tinted film that spreads across siding surfaces, especially in areas that retain moisture and don't get direct sunlight.
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Gloeocapsa Magma
A bacteria that produces a dark protective coating, causing the distinctive black streaking seen on vinyl and Hardie board siding.
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Cobwebs & Pollen
Georgia springs coat every surface with yellow pollen. Combined with cobwebs and dirt, they build up quickly in eaves, corners, and trim.
Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing: What's the Difference?
Many homeowners assume pressure washing and house washing are the same thing. They're not — and using the wrong method on your siding can cause real damage. Here's how they compare:
| Feature |
Pressure Washing |
| Water Pressure | Low — 100 to 500 PSI | High — 1,500 to 3,500+ PSI |
| Kills Mold & Algae | ✓ Yes, at the root | ✗ Blasts away but doesn't kill |
| Safe for Vinyl Siding | ✓ Yes | ✗ Can crack or dent |
| Safe for Hardie Board | ✓ Yes | ✗ Can chip or gouge |
| Protects Paint | ✓ Yes | ✗ Can strip or peel |
| Results Duration | 12–24 months | 3–6 months |
| Risk of Water Intrusion | ✓ Minimal | ✗ Can force water behind siding |
Soft washing uses a professional-grade, biodegradable cleaning solution applied at low pressure. The solution does the work — breaking down biological growth and lifting grime — while the low-pressure rinse removes it safely without stressing your siding, caulk, or paint.
What's Included in a Piedmont Exterior House Wash
Every house wash from Piedmont Exterior is a top-to-bottom exterior clean. Here's exactly what we cover:
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All Exterior Siding
Every face of your home — front, back, and sides. Vinyl, Hardie board, brick, stucco, and wood siding.
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Fascia, Soffits & Trim
Often overlooked, these surfaces collect mold and cobwebs. We clean them top to bottom as part of every wash.
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Exterior Gutter Faces
The outside face of your gutters cleaned as part of the service — removing green streaking and grime buildup.
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Landscaping Protection
We pre-wet all plants, shrubs, and lawn before we start, and rinse thoroughly throughout. Your landscaping is protected.
Note on Red Clay Staining
Georgia red clay is notoriously stubborn. A standard house wash will often reduce clay staining on foundations and lower siding, but full removal may require a specialty treatment. If we see significant clay staining during your estimate, we'll review it with you and discuss options — no surprises on your invoice.
What Does House Washing Cost in Madison, GA?
House washing at Piedmont Exterior is priced based on the square footage of your home's exterior. Pricing accounts for the total exterior surface area — not just the footprint. Here are typical ranges for homes across Morgan County and surrounding areas:
Small Home
Under 1,500 sq ft
$175 – $250
Mid-Size Home
1,500 – 2,500 sq ft
$250 – $350
Larger Home
2,500 – 3,500 sq ft
$350 – $450
Large / Estate
3,500+ sq ft
Custom Quote
Pricing may vary based on accessibility, story count, heavy soiling, or add-on services. Every estimate is free and confirmed with you before any work begins. We serve Madison, Lake Oconee, Greensboro, Athens, Eatonton, Watkinsville, and all of Morgan County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will soft washing damage my siding or paint?+
No — soft washing uses low pressure combined with professional cleaning solutions, so there's no risk of denting vinyl siding, cracking caulk, or stripping paint. Our solutions are carefully mixed and rinsed thoroughly, making this method safe for vinyl, Hardie board, stucco, brick, and wood siding.
What exactly does a house wash include?+
Our standard house wash covers all exterior siding, fascia, soffits, and trim. We also clean the exterior face of gutters as part of the service. We pre-wet landscaping before we start and rinse it thoroughly throughout to protect your plants and lawn.
Will it hurt my plants and landscaping?+
No — when done properly. We thoroughly pre-wet all landscaping before applying any cleaning solution, and we rinse continuously during and after the wash. Our solutions are biodegradable and diluted to a safe working concentration.
How is soft washing different from pressure washing?+
Pressure washing relies purely on high-pressure water to blast away grime — which can damage siding, force water behind surfaces, and still leave biological growth like mold and algae alive. Soft washing uses low pressure with a surfactant-based cleaning solution that actually kills mold, mildew, and algae at the root, so results last significantly longer.
How long will the results last?+
Most homeowners in the Madison and Lake Oconee area see their home stay clean for one to two years. Georgia's warm, humid summers mean biological growth will eventually return, but a properly done soft wash significantly slows regrowth compared to pressure washing alone.
Do I need to be home during the service?+
Not necessarily. We just need access to an outdoor water spigot and clear access around the home. If you have a gate or other access considerations, we'll coordinate details with you beforehand. Most customers go about their day while we work.
What about red clay stains on my foundation or lower siding?+
Red Georgia clay is stubborn and not always fully removed by a standard soft wash. Some improvement is common, but full removal may require a specialty treatment. If we spot significant clay staining during the estimate, we'll discuss add-on options with you upfront — no surprises on your invoice.
How much does house washing cost in Madison, GA?+
Our pricing is based on your home's exterior square footage. Most homes in Madison, Greensboro, and the Lake Oconee area fall between $200 and $450 for a full house wash. We provide free estimates — no obligation.