Our house washing services are tailored for Halifax’s unique coastal climate and are designed to address algae, mold, mildew, black streaks, and general dirt accumulation on exterior siding.
Restoring Gray, weathered cedar & wood siding in Halifax
ProCare Halifax specializes in restoring cedar shake and wood siding, using our in-house method developed to safely lift oxidized grey weathering and bring wood siding back to its natural state. We are fully licensed, insured, and BBB accredited.
Why cedar siding turns gray faster in Halifax
Real cedar siding contains natural oils and tannins that give it a degree of resistance to mould, mildew, and UV damage that vinyl simply doesn’t have. The caveat is that its textured, porous surface still allows dirt, dust, and pollen to settle deep into the wood grain over time.
In Halifax, the cedar siding is exposed to a constant cycle of moisture and salt air. This accelerates surface weathering, leading to faster greying, deeper staining, and more buildup within the grain compared to drier inland climates.
And while we consider patina a charming coastal home trait with the wood aging gracefully, we tend to leave it alone. But it isn’t. Unlike copper or stone, wood doesn’t form a protective layer as it grays. That gray is the surface of the wood actually breaking down.
The good news is that most gray cedar isn’t ruined, it has just been left too long. As long as the wood is sound, the gray layer can be stripped back, the staining lifted out, and the wood brightened toward its original tone, then sealed so it stays that way.
Before and after house wash and cedar restoration in Bedford, NS.
What our specialized house wash includes
Every home is different, but most projects include:
- Stripping back the weathered gray surface layer to reach sound wood underneath
- Removing black mildew, algae and dark staining from the grain
- Lifting tannin bleed and water staining that leaves streaks on cedar
- Brightening the wood back toward its natural tone
- Work tailored to cedar shakes, shingles and natural board siding
- Soffits and fascia cleaning
- Exterior gutter brightening (optional add-on)
Want everything to match? Bundle house washing with roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, and window cleaning in one visit and save with a property care package.
Before and after cedar shingle restoration in Chester, NS.
What home siding surfaces we can clean
We commonly wash:
- Vinyl Siding: Safe removal of “Halifax green” algae and environmental oxidation.
- Cedar Shingles & Shakes: We specialize in restoring cedar shake siding, using our in-house method developed to safely lift oxidized grey weathering and bring wood siding back to its natural state
- Clapboard & Lap Siding: Meticulous cleaning for horizontal wood planks in all profiles.
- Board & Batten: Specialized care for vertical wood siding and traditional farmhouse styles.
- Composite & Engineered Wood: Specialized low-pressure treatment for modern materials like Maibec, CanExel, and fibre cement.
- Brick & Masonry: Deep cleaning for brick, stone, and mortar without the risk of etching or damage.
- Stucco & Fine Finishes: Careful, case-by-case assessment for delicate or painted specialty surfaces.
- Trim & Accents: Soffits, fascia, window casings, and gutter exteriors.
Our cedar house wash process
- Inspection. We check that the wood is sound and worth restoring before anything else, and flag any boards that need replacing.
- Protection. We cover landscaping, windows and fixtures so nothing gets caught by the cleaning or brightening solutions.
- Cleaning and mildew removal. We clear the black staining, algae and surface growth off the wood first.
- Stripping and brightening. We remove the oxidized gray layer and brighten the wood back toward its natural tone, using wood-safe solutions rather than high pressure.
- Neutralize and rinse. A gentle, controlled rinse that protects the soft wood underneath instead of fuzzing or gouging it.
- Walkthrough. We show you the before and after and give honest advice on how often it should be resealed for your exposure.
Our team safely cleaning a roof with fall-arrest equipment in Halifax’s Northwest Arm.
Why Halifax homeowners choose ProCare
- We restore wood with wood-safe, low-pressure methods that won’t fuzz, gouge or damage soft cedar
- Licensed, insured, and BBB-accredited professionals
- Eco-friendly treatments that protect your landscaping and surfaces
- Fall-arrest certified for safe work on two-story homes and elevated areas
- Free estimates with a transparent scope and no pressure
- Flexible bundled service packages for roof, home, decks, patios, and fences
Our house wash service areas
We work throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality, including Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Clayton Park, Sackville, Hammonds Plains, Fall River, Enfield, Eastern Passage, Tantallon, Terrance Bay, and more.
If you are on the South Shore, we have expanded our reach to include Hubbards, Chester, and Lunenburg. If you don’t see your community listed, give us a call at 902-456-2760 or send us a message to see when we will be in your neighbourhood.
Our team demonstrating roof washing with freshly applied solution.
See what your neighbours have to say!
Halifax house washing FAQs
How much does house washing cost in Halifax?
For a standard 2,000 sq. ft. home with vinyl siding, moderate buildup, and good property access, you can expect to invest around $425.
☞ For a full breakdown of what affects pricing, read our House Washing Cost Guide.
Is house washing the same as pressure washing?
No. Professional house washing typically uses a soft wash process, which applies a cleaning solution at low pressure to safely remove algae, mildew, and buildup. High-pressure washing can force water behind siding and may damage surfaces if not used correctly.
☞ Learn the differences, benefits, and risks of soft washing versus pressure washing in our detailed blog post.
How often should a house be washed?
Most clients enjoy a fresh, clean exterior for 12–24 months, depending on a few factors:
- How much sun your home gets
- Nearby trees or vegetation
- Siding type and age
Regular soft washing helps protect your siding and extends the time between deeper cleanings.
☞ Learn more about proper siding care in our blog post for homeowners.
Why is my vinyl siding turning green?
Green staining on siding is usually algae growth caused by moisture and shade. Halifax’s coastal climate creates ideal conditions for biological buildup, especially on north-facing or tree-covered areas of a home.
Is pressure washing safe for vinyl, wood, or fiber cement siding?
No. Soft washing is the safest method for cleaning every type of siding, including vinyl, wood, stucco, and composite. Unlike traditional pressure washing, which can warp panels or strip paint, our low-pressure system relies on specialized cleaners to do the work without any force.
Can you remove black stains on siding?
In many cases, yes. Black streaks and dark staining are often organic growth or environmental buildup. Results depend on the surface and the cause, and we’ll set expectations up front.
Is your house washing process safe for my garden?
Yes. We take the protection of your landscaping seriously. Our “plant-first” protocol includes pre-rinsing all greenery with fresh water, using biodegradable cleaners, and a final thorough rinse to ensure your soil and plants remain healthy.
What is gutter brightening and do I need it?
Gutter brightening is an optional add-on that removes oxidation and tough discolouration from the face of your gutters. While our standard house wash clears away dirt and grime, some gutters develop deeper stains over time. This service helps restore their original shine for a cleaner, more polished look, especially if your gutters are white or light-coloured.
Property care bundles
Bundling your services into one visit is the easiest way to get total care for your property while saving money.
Essential
House refresh
This package combines our house wash/siding cleaning with professional window detailing. Perfect for annual maintenance or preparing a home for market.
Most popular
ProCare signature
Our top-to-bottom exterior service. Roof soft wash, gutter brightening, house washing, and window cleaning. All in one visit, at our best combined rate.
Flexible
Custom property plan
Flexible exterior maintenance on your terms. Choose the services that fit your property and schedule. Popular with homeowners and property managers who want a consistent annual plan.
Ready for a cleaner home exterior?
Get a free, no-obligation estimate for house washing in Halifax. We’ll assess your siding, explain what’s involved, and give you a clear quote before any work begins.