House washing in St Ives
The common St Ives exterior job is a roof and gutter package: clear the gutters and valleys of bark and leaves, treat lichen on terracotta or concrete tiles, wash the solar array, then soft wash the brick, eaves and render below. Single-storey homes from the 1950s to the 1970s are straightforward to reach; two-storey rebuilds and townhouse blocks need more equipment. Pool areas add glass fences, pavers and shade structures that go green under trees, and garden paths and retaining walls collect moss. On the bush edge, a wash before summer also removes the dry leaf build-up that sits in roof corners and behind downpipes.
Vetted tradies use soft washing on painted surfaces and eaves, moderate pressure on brick and paving, and low pressure with a treatment on tiled roofs, since blasting tiles shortens their life and forces water into the roof space. Solar panels are cleaned with purified water and soft brushes, never detergent or high pressure, and with the system isolated if the installer's instructions require it. On the roof, the NSW WHS Regulation calls for anchors, edge protection or similar fall controls. Run-off is kept out of stormwater and directed to lawn, as the state's pollution law requires, and if a 1960s eave lining or shed looks like asbestos cement, cleaning stops until it is confirmed.
Post the job with the roof type, number of storeys, whether solar panels are on the roof and how close the bush is, and add a photo of the gutters if you can. Vetted, independent tradies with St Ives homes already on their round contact you and quote directly, in writing. A good quote separates roof, gutters, solar and walls, names the method for each, explains wash water handling and says what the price does not include. It is free for homeowners to post, with no obligation to hire. Driveways and garages make access simple; mention locked side gates and dogs.
Exterior cleaning services you can post
Frequently asked questions
Twice a year is common, in late autumn and before the summer storm season, with a check after big winds. Gutter guard stretches the interval but does not remove the need entirely.
Under trees, yes. Leaf, pollen and bird droppings shade cells and reduce output. The tradie cleans with purified water and a soft brush, following the installer's guidance about isolating the system.
Low pressure and a treatment is the right approach. High pressure strips the surface of old concrete tiles and pushes water into the roof. A tradie will also check for cracked tiles while up there.
Clearing gutters, valleys and roof corners of dry leaf litter removes a place for embers to lodge. It is one of the maintenance steps the NSW Rural Fire Service recommends for homes near bushland, alongside checking the council's mapping.
