Building Washing

Building washing removes dirt, algae, mildew, and exhaust film from the walls of commercial buildings. Diamond Exteriors washes offices, retail centers, and multi-unit properties around Cleveland, using low-pressure soft washing on siding, EIFS, and painted surfaces and higher pressure only on durable masonry and concrete.

Why the north wall always looks worst

In Northeast Ohio, the side of a building that gets the least sun stays damp longest, and that is where green algae and black mildew take hold. Add exhaust film from busy roads like Brookpark Road, Pearl Road, or Lorain Avenue, and a building can look years older on one side than the other.

Building washing removes that growth and film so the exterior looks the way it did when it was new—or at least as close as the material allows.

The method depends on the wall, not the equipment

Blasting every surface at full pressure is how siding gets forced loose, mortar gets etched, and painted trim gets stripped. We use soft washing—low pressure with a cleaning solution that does the work—on vinyl, EIFS, stucco, and painted surfaces. Brick, split-face block, and concrete can take more pressure, and we adjust as we go.

Before we start, we look at the building for loose panels, failing caulk, and open penetrations, and we point out anything that could let water in.

Multi-story and occupied buildings

Apartments and office buildings are rarely empty. We coordinate with property managers on tenant notices, parking, and which entrances stay open, and we protect landscaping, light fixtures, and vehicles close to the work area.

For multi-unit properties, washing the building faces, breezeways, and walkways in one visit keeps disruption to a single day where possible.

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Questions about building washing

Will pressure washing damage my building's siding?

It can if the wrong pressure is used. That is why vinyl, EIFS, stucco, and painted surfaces are soft washed at low pressure with a cleaning solution, and high pressure is reserved for durable materials such as brick, block, and concrete.

How long does it take to wash a commercial building?

A single-story retail building or small office is often done in one day. Larger or multi-story buildings may take longer depending on height, access, and how much growth is on the walls. The estimate will include a realistic timeline.

Can window cleaning be done at the same time?

Yes. Washing the walls first and cleaning the exterior glass afterward is the most efficient order, since it keeps runoff from spotting freshly cleaned windows.

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Get a written estimate for building washing.

Request a free estimate. We’ll review the scope in person and provide straightforward pricing—for facilities and homes alike.