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Frequently Asked Questions

At Lake State Cleaning, an educated client is our favorite kind of client.

When you understand the ins and outs of exterior maintenance, we can deliver even better results for your home.

We’ve compiled this guide to empower you with the facts. Read on to get the answers you need to make smart, confident decisions about your exterior cleaning.

How often should gutters be cleaned?

In most cases, two gutter cleanings per year will be sufficient.

In Michigan trees drop seeds, cones, tassels and other debris in the late spring and early summer and leaves, acorns loose branches and other debris in the fall.

Bi-annual service covers both seasons.  If your property has heavy tree coverage, quarterly service may be advisable.

Do you take the debris with you when you are done?

Generally, no.  We bag up the debris and leave it in a place you designate, so it’s ready for your trash pickup day.

If you would like us to take the debris, we can do that.  We charge a small fee.

What’s included in your 30-day gutter cleaning guarantee?

If you have any issues with drainage from your gutters due to clogs caused by debris within 30 days of service, we’ll return and take care of it at no charge to you.

 

What kind of gutter guards do you install?

  • Our premium product is Raindrop Gutter Guard. They are built to last, handle heavy water flow, and outperform every other product on the market.
  • Our standard gutter guard product is FlowGuard.  This product offers excellent protection and balanced performance at an affordable cost.

How do gutter guards handle heavy rain?

Raindrop Gutter Guards offer the best drainage performance on the market.  This product features a patented design that handles big water with ease. The sloped grid keeps debris moving off your roof while allowing water to flow freely into the gutter, preventing overflow and protecting your home’s foundation.

FlowGuard gutter guards offer excellent drainage performance in all but the most severe rain storms.

Will I still need to clean my gutters if I have guards installed?

While gutter guards significantly reduce the need for maintenance, they do not eliminate it entirely. Small, harmless debris is allowed into the gutter where it flushes out naturally. However, we still recommend an annual inspection to clear off any heavy debris that may have settled on top of the guards to keep your system performing at its peak.

Are the gutter guards durable enough for Michigan winters? Yes. Raindrop Gutter Guards are constructed from tough polypropylene that won’t dent, crack, warp, or rot, even after years of brutal Michigan weather. They are also winter-proof, allowing ice and snow to slide right off without damaging your gutters.

FlowGuard gutter guards are made of sturdy aluminum and hold up well to Michigan’s varying weather conditions.

Will the gutter guards look bulky or change the appearance of my home?

Not at all. Raindrop Gutter Guards are virtually invisible from the ground. They feature a low-profile, UV-resistant black finish that blends seamlessly with your roof line, maintaining your home’s curb appeal.

FlowGuard is also invisible from the ground.  We can also color match to most existing gutter systems for an even more seamless look.

Do I need to clean my gutters before you install the guards?

No, you don’t need to worry about that! Every installation includes a full, professional gutter cleaning at no extra charge. We make sure your gutters are completely clear and flowing properly before we install the new system.

Do you bring your own water?

We do carry some water with us.  But generally we will need to hook up to an active water source at the property.

Do you seal/stain wood decks?

No, we don’t.  We can clean wood decks, but we don’t stain or seal them.

Do you seal pavers/driveways, etc.?

Yes!  

For pavers and natural stone tiles, we can clean, sand and seal.  This process enhances the look and preserves the life of your hardscapes.

We also seal concrete driveways.  We use a high tech product that lasts years.  It protects your driveway from corrosion and pitting due to salt residue, moisture penetration, irrigation run-off and more.  And it has a self-cleaning ability that helps your driveway stay cleaner, longer!

Can you remove graffiti?

Yes, we can!

Do you power wash siding (houses, buildings, etc.)

No, we do not power wash siding or other delicate surfaces.  The pressure is too high and can cause damage.

We use a cleaning technique called “soft washing” to clean delicate surfaces.  See below.

Can you power wash my roof?

No.  We don’t use high pressure to clean roofs.  That will cause damage to the shingles, and possibly void the roof’s warranty.

We soft wash roofs.  See below.

 

Will the detergents you use kill my plants/flowers/grass, etc.?

It’s possible, but unlikely. We take precautions on every job to protect landscaping, plants, gardens, etc.

  • We cover delicate plants with tarps
  • We collect runoff of roof cleaning detergents as needed
  • We apply a neutralizing agent to further protect plant life, as needed.
  • We rinse plants and landscaping with clean water before, during and after the roof cleaning process.

 

Do you power wash roofs?

No. Power washing is too much pressure for roofs and can damage shingles. We soft wash roofs.

How long will it take for my roof to look clean?

It depends.  If you have black streaks caused by algae, your roof will look much better almost immediately, and will probably look 99% better after a good rain or two.

If you have moss or lichen growth, it may be several weeks to several months before all of the residue decomposes and is no longer visible on the roof. Rest assured that our roof cleaning process terminates the growth and stops it’s spread, it just may take awhile for the results to be fully evident.

What’s included/not included in your roof cleaning warranty?

We offer a 5-year warranty against the return of black streaks caused by algae. We’ll return and perform spot treatments as needed at no charge.
The warranty does not cover the return of moss, lichen, or general dirt/leaves/other debris.

Do you use high pressure to clean siding?

No, we use a low pressure cleaning method called “soft washing”.  See below for more details.


Do you use high pressure to clean roofs?

No, we use the soft washing method for roofs.


What is “soft washing”?

Soft washing involves the use of cleaning detergents and low pressure water.  Detergents are applied at low pressure to the surface, allowed to dwell and do their work, and then they are gently rinsed off.

Soft washing is a safe, effective way to clean delicate exterior surfaces like siding, stucco, wood, etc.


Will the detergents you use kill my plants/flowers/grass, etc.?

It’s possible, but unlikely.  We take precautions on every job to protect landscaping, plants, gardens, etc.


Are the detergents you use safe for my pets to be around?

Yes.  We advise that you keep pets and children indoors while we are working.  But when we are done, it’s perfectly safe for them to come outside.

 

Does the customer need to be home for us to clean their windows?

Sometimes.  It depends on a few things.  If screens are on the exterior of windows, we ask that customers remove those prior to our service.

We do not remove screens that must come out from the inside.  In some cases, if screens can be removed from outside we will do so, and then put them back when the window cleaning is complete.

 

What is included in our window cleaning services?

At this time, we only offer exterior window cleaning.  The outside of windows of all windows will be scrubbed and rinsed with specially filtered water that dries spot free.  The scrubbing action removes dirt and debris, the rinsing action carries all of that away, and the windows are left to dry.

The result is sparkling clean glass.

How often should I have my dryer vent cleaned?
 
We recommend an annual cleaning.  This cadence will keep your dryer vent clear so that your appliance can work at peak capacity.  It will also provide you with steady protection against fires caused by dryer lint buildup.
 
Why is dryer vent cleaning so important?
 
Most people don’t realize that a clogged dryer vent is a serious fire hazard and one of the leading causes of house fires. Beyond safety, a clogged vent forces your dryer to work harder, which increases your energy costs and can lead to premature wear and tear on the machine. Regular cleaning protects your home, lowers your bills, and extends the life of your dryer.
 
How does Lake State Cleaning clear out dryer vents?
 
We don’t just clean the opening of the vent. We use a specialized compressed air method to fully clear the line all the way through. This ensures that all lint, debris, and blockages are completely removed, restoring maximum airflow and efficiency to your dryer system.
 
Can I bundle dryer vent cleaning with other services?
 
Absolutely! Bundling is a great way to save time and money. Over half of our customers choose to combine services. You can easily add dryer vent cleaning to a house washing, gutter cleaning, or roof cleaning package. When you bundle two or more services, we can offer you a discounted rate on the total price.
 
Is dryer vent cleaning included in any of your service plans?
 
Yes! If you are looking for a “set it and forget it” solution for your home maintenance, some of our annual service plans actually include a free annual dryer vent cleaning. It’s a great way to ensure this critical safety task gets done every year without you having to remember to schedule it.
Why do my pavers look faded and uneven over time?

Over time, pavers can lose their sharp, clean look due to a combination of factors. Weeds creep into the joints, the original sand washes out from rain and weather, and the natural colors fade from sun exposure and dirt buildup. Our restoration process is designed to reverse all of these issues and bring your hardscape back to life.

What is your process for restoring pavers?
 
We use a comprehensive 3-step process to ensure lasting results. First, we deep clean the surface and joints with a power washer to remove dirt, moss, weeds, and old sand. Second, we sweep fresh sand into the joints to lock the pavers back in place and prevent shifting. Finally, we apply a high-performance penetrating sealer to protect the surface and enhance its natural color.
 
Will the sealer make my pavers slippery or shiny?
 
No, it won’t. We use a high-performance penetrating sealer that enhances the natural color of your pavers without creating a slippery, glossy film on top. We avoid cheap box-store products that trap moisture and peel after a year, ensuring you get a safe, beautiful finish that is perfectly designed for Michigan’s shifting climate.
 
How long will the paver sealer last?
 
When applied correctly using our professional 3-step process, our high-performance penetrating sealer will keep your pavers protected and looking sharp for 3 to 5 years. It provides real, lasting protection against stains, weather, and everyday wear and tear.
 
Do you just seal the pavers, or do you fix the joints too?
 
We do both! A crucial part of our process is joint re-sanding. After we deep clean the pavers and remove the old, dirty sand and weeds, we sweep fresh sand into the joints. This step is essential because it locks the pavers back into place, prevents them from shifting, and creates a solid foundation before we apply the protective sealer.

Our Proven Cleaning Process

We follow a simple and effective process to deliver consistent results.

1

get Your Fast, Free Quote

We’ll listen to your needs, provide a thorough assessment, and give you a fair quote.

2

Schedule Service

You tell us what works for you, and we’ll flex to fit.  Easy, convenient, zero hassle service.

3

Enjoy that CLEAN Feeling

We do the work.  You sit back and enjoy a more comfortable space.

Ready to Schedule your Cleaning?

We’ll make it simple, easy and enjoyable.  And then you can move on to more important things!

Request your free quote today and let our experts handle the job.

Get Your Free Cleaning Quote