Starting an Exterior Cleaning Business: Your Easy Guide | Essential Tips and Services

Have you ever thought about turning your love for clean outdoors into a profitable business?

If you live in an area with plenty of trees and buildings, starting an exterior cleaning business could be the perfect opportunity for you. Offering a range of services from gutter cleaning to window cleaning, pressure washing, roof cleaning, and more, you can help homeowners and businesses maintain their properties.

Exterior cleaning services are always in demand. Plus, this business comes with low startup costs and the flexibility to set your own hours. Whether it's clearing out gutters, washing windows, power washing driveways, or removing graffiti, there’s a wide range of services you can offer to keep properties looking their best.

What is an Exterior Cleaning Business?

An exterior cleaning business provides a wide range of cleaning services for the outside of buildings and properties. These services include gutter cleaning, where your main task is to remove leaves, debris, sticks, and other materials from rain gutters to ensure they function properly and prevent potential damage to the structure.  
Additionally, exterior cleaning encompasses window cleaning to enhance visibility and appearance, pressure washing to remove dirt and stains from various surfaces, roof cleaning to eliminate moss and algae, high-reach vacuuming for hard-to-reach areas, and concrete cleaning to maintain walkways and driveways. 

These services are essential for maintaining the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of properties, making exterior cleaning a vital and in-demand business.

What Would I Be Cleaning, and Is It Regular Work?

In an exterior cleaning business, you'll handle a variety of tasks depending on the specific services you offer. These tasks include removing leaves, sticks, and debris from gutters, cleaning windows, pressure washing surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, and cleaning roofs to remove moss and algae. These services are often needed year-round, particularly in areas with heavy foliage or frequent weather changes.
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Regular exterior cleaning helps maintain the appearance and integrity of properties, preventing issues such as water damage, foundation problems, and pest infestations, ensuring a steady stream of work for your business.

What Exterior Cleaning Services Could I Provide?

You can offer a range of other exterior cleaning services, expanding your business and attracting more clients. Here are some additional services you might consider:

  • Gutter Cleaning: Gutter cleaning is vital for preventing water damage and maintaining the structural integrity of a property. By removing leaves, sticks, and debris, you ensure that rainwater flows properly through the gutters and downspouts, preventing overflow that can damage foundations, walls, and landscaping. Regular gutter cleaning not only protects the property but also enhances its overall appearance and functionality, making it an essential service for both residential and commercial clients.
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  • Window Cleaning: Exterior window cleaning is essential for maintaining a clear and bright view. By removing dirt, grime, and streaks, you enhance the appearance of the property and ensure that windows let in maximum light. This service can be particularly appealing to commercial clients who want their storefronts to look inviting and well-maintained.
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  • Pressure Washing: High-pressure cleaning is effective for removing built-up dirt, mold, and stains from various surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks, decks, fences, and exterior walls. This service not only improves the appearance of these areas but also extends their lifespan by preventing deterioration caused by grime and mold.
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  • Roof Cleaning: Roof cleaning involves removing moss, algae, mold, and debris that can damage the roof's integrity and appearance. By keeping roofs clean, you help prevent leaks, preserve the roofing material, and enhance the overall look of the property. This service is especially important in regions with high humidity or heavy tree cover.
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  • Concrete and Driveway Cleaning: Cleaning and stain removal from concrete surfaces, driveways, and pathways help maintain a fresh and clean appearance. This service is particularly popular among homeowners and businesses looking to improve curb appeal and ensure the safety of their walkways by removing slippery substances like oil and algae.
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  • Gum Removal: Gum removal is essential for maintaining the cleanliness and professionalism of any property. Chewing gum stuck on sidewalks, entrances, and other surfaces can create an unsightly and unhygienic environment. By offering gum removal services, you help property owners keep their premises clean and inviting, improving the overall appearance and preventing long-term damage to surfaces. This service is particularly valuable for high-traffic areas like schools, shopping centers, and public spaces, where cleanliness is crucial for maintaining a positive image.
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  • Graffiti Removal: Graffiti can significantly detract from the appearance of a property. By offering graffiti removal services, you can help property owners restore their walls and surfaces to their original condition, enhancing the overall aesthetics and deterring future vandalism.
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  • Solar Panel Cleaning: Clean solar panels are essential for optimal energy production. Dust, dirt, and debris can significantly reduce the efficiency of solar panels. By providing regular cleaning services, you ensure that clients get the maximum energy output from their solar investments, making this an attractive service for eco-conscious customers.
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  • Gutter Brightening: Over time, gutters can become stained with debris and develop unsightly "tiger stripes." Gutter brightening involves cleaning the exterior of the gutters to remove these stains, enhancing the overall look of the building. This service pairs well with gutter cleaning and offers an additional upsell opportunity.

    How Much Could I Earn, and What Are the Hours? 

    With gutter cleaning alone, you could earn up to $800 a day, depending on your location, the number of jobs you secure, and the range of services you offer. As a business owner, you have the flexibility to set your working hours, making it possible to maximize your time and income efficiently.

    By expanding your service offerings beyond gutter cleaning, you can significantly increase your earning potential. Including services such as window cleaning, pressure washing, roof cleaning, and high-reach vacuuming can attract a broader range of clients and create additional revenue streams.

    For example, window cleaning can enhance the overall appearance of properties, while pressure washing can rejuvenate driveways, sidewalks, and decks, making them look new again. Roof cleaning helps prevent damage from moss and algae, ensuring the longevity of the roofing materials. High-reach vacuuming allows you to clean hard-to-reach areas safely and effectively.

    In other words: You get to decide when you work, so you can make the most of your time and money.

    Your Time Really Is Your Money

    Efficiency and productivity are crucial in this business. The more jobs you complete efficiently, the higher your earnings. Optimizing your time means you can take on more clients and provide exceptional service.
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    Learn More About Gutter Cleaning 🍂

    Gutter cleaning is a crucial maintenance task for homeowners and businesses, offering a significant opportunity for starting a profitable business, because traditional gutter cleaning involves using long ladders and climbing onto roofs to blow leaves, pine needles, sticks, and dirt out of the gutters with handheld or backpack blowers.

    Ladder Fall Feature Image

    While this method can be quick, it is also hazardous. Each year, around 90,000 people in the USA are hospitalized due to falls from ladders, often while carrying tools like leaf blowers. Given the risks and the essential nature of this task, there is a high demand for professional gutter cleaning services that can perform the job safely and efficiently.

    A Safer Alternative: SkyVac Gutter Cleaning Systems

    SkyVac offers a safer method for cleaning gutters. With SkyVac systems, you can vacuum gutters from the ground, no ladders, reaching heights of up to 40 feet. This method significantly reduces the risk of accidents and increases efficiency. Here’s a look at the various gutter vacuum systems offered by SkyVac:

    ▪️ SkyVac Mighty Atom

    SkyVac Mighty Atom Feature Image

      The SkyVac Mighty Atom is a compact yet powerful gutter cleaning vacuum system designed for residential and light commercial use. Equipped with featherlight carbon fiber poles that comes in height packages suitable for reaching gutters up to 35 feet high. 

      ▪️ SkyVac Sonic Atom

      SkyVac Sonic Atom Feature Image

        The SkyVac Sonic Atom, a dual-motor system, is perfect for both domestic and commercial applications. With its 1600 watts and 170 CFM airflow, it effectively handles deep-rooted gutter debris and post-roof cleaning. Its compact design ensures efficiency even in challenging environments.

        ▪️ SkyVac 85 Elite

        SkyVac 85 Elite Feature Image

          As the ultimate mobile gutter cleaning system, the SkyVac 85 Elite features three 1100-watt motors, providing exceptional suction power and up to 150 inches of water lift. Designed for professional cleaners tackling stubborn gutter blockages, it includes a PowerMix system for enhanced cleaning efficiency.

          ▪️ SkyVac Interceptor

          SkyVac Interceptor Feature Image

            The SkyVac Interceptor, powered by a 5.5HP Honda engine, operates independently of electrical supply. With its robust all-terrain chassis, it can handle gutters up to 40 feet high, making it ideal for industrial settings and remote locations where mobility is crucial.

            SkyVac’s range of gutter vacuum systems provides safe, efficient, and powerful solutions for all your gutter cleaning needs. For more information and to compare the different systems, visit our Specifications Comparison Page.

            Insurance

            Due to the inherent risks in gutter cleaning, specific insurance policies are essential. Workers' compensation and general liability insurance are crucial for protecting your business and employees.

            Transportation

            When considering transportation for your business, think about your needs and budget. Here are some options:

            • SUV or Small Mini Van: Possibly use a vehicle you already own for a low startup cost.
            • Truck: Either use one you already own or purchase a new or used one based on your budget.
            • Low Ceiling or Tall Ceiling Van: Protect your equipment but might require a ramp for loading/unloading.
            • Open-Faced Flat Trailer: Easy to load/unload, but lacks weather protection.
            • Closed Trailer: More costly but provides better equipment protection.
            • Large Boxed Truck: Offers lots of protected space for equipment but is more expensive.
            Need a custom van for your cleaning services? Click here!

              Marketing

              Marketing is a vital aspect of your business. Pricing, acquiring new customers, and retaining existing ones are key. Many in the industry excel at cleaning but may struggle with business management. Utilizing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software can help track communications, manage customer relationships, and handle estimates, quotes, scheduling, invoicing, and payments efficiently.

              Training and Support

              Consider joining a SkyVac Training Day at the Sanford, NC, USA facility. These workshops, typically offered monthly, provide valuable training for new startups and existing companies looking to expand their services. The workshop fee is $50, covering up to two people from your group and lunch, and this fee is deducted from any purchase you make during your visit. 

              Helpful Links:

              Below, we have provided links to some blogs that may help you. However, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

              Starting an exterior cleaning business is a promising venture. With the right equipment, efficient practices, and effective marketing, you can build a profitable and sustainable business. For more information on products and training, visit SkyVac USA.

              If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

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