Short answer: about once a year for most homes around Maryville, Knoxville and the rest of East Tennessee. Some houses need it more often, some can go a little longer. Here’s how to tell.
Why houses here get dirty so fast
East Tennessee is humid, green and shady, and that’s exactly what mildew and algae love. The north side of a house, any wall under a big tree and anything close to the woods can turn green in a single season. Add the thick yellow pollen we get every spring and the red clay that splashes up every time it rains, and even a newer home can look tired fast.
Signs your house is due
- Green or black streaks on the shady side
- Red clay splashed along the bottom of the siding
- Gray film on white trim, soffits or gutters
- Spider webs and wasp nests under the eaves
When to wash more often
If you’re on a wooded lot, near the lake or in the mountains (think Townsend cabins or Lenoir City lake homes), you might want a wash every six to nine months on the shady sides. Same goes if you’re selling, or if your HOA is sending letters.
Why soft washing lasts longer
Spraying a house with a regular pressure washer knocks the top layer off, but the roots of the mildew stay put and it comes back quick. A soft wash uses low pressure and a cleaning solution that kills the growth, so your house stays clean a lot longer and nothing gets damaged.
Not sure if your house is due? Send us a photo or call 865-268-9589 and we’ll tell you straight.
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