Exterior cleaning in Dunstablethat makes tired surfaceslook new again.
Driveways, patios, paths and walls cleared of moss, algae and grime by Francis. Send a photo and get a free quote, often the quickest way to transform a property.
£100k Insured
Public liability cover
Licensed Waste Carrier
EA licence CBDU430346
Owner-Operated
Francis does every job himself
Free Photo Quotes
No site visit needed
Exterior Cleaning overview
A simple way to lift the look of your home
Exterior cleaning removes the moss, algae, weeds, dirt and staining that build up on outside surfaces. It covers driveways, patios, paths, steps and walls. Crown Property Services carries out exterior cleaning for homeowners in Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard, Toddington, Harpenden and the surrounding area.
It suits homeowners whose patio has turned green and slippery, people preparing to sell or let a property, landlords between tenancies, and anyone who wants their home to look cared for from the street.
Most people book exterior cleaning in spring before using the garden, before selling, after building work, or when a surface has become slippery and unsafe.
Doing it properly matters because the wrong method can damage the surface. Too much pressure can strip the surface of block paving, etch soft stone or blast out pointing. Francis matches the approach to the surface, so it comes out clean without being damaged.
The cost of waiting
What builds up when outside surfaces are left
Moss and algae are not just unsightly. They hold water and slowly break surfaces down.
Slippery, unsafe surfaces
Green algae on patios, steps and paths becomes very slippery when wet, a real risk for children and older family members.
Weeds lift paving
Weeds growing in joints push slabs and blocks apart, leading to uneven surfaces and trip hazards.
Staining sets in
Oil, rust and organic staining becomes harder to shift the longer it is left.
Poor first impression
A dirty driveway and green walls make a property look neglected to buyers, tenants and visitors.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a high-pressure jet too close, which damages the surface and blasts out joints.
- Not re-sanding block paving after cleaning, so weeds return quickly.
- Using harsh chemicals that run into lawns and borders.
- Cleaning without dealing with the shade or drainage problem that causes the algae.
How it works
The exterior cleaning process, step by step
- 1
Photos or visit
Send photos of the surfaces and Francis will check the material, condition and size.
- 2
Free quote
A clear price for the areas to be cleaned.
- 3
Preparation
Loose debris and weeds are cleared and nearby plants and areas protected.
- 4
Clean
Surfaces are cleaned using a method suited to the material.
- 5
Finish and tidy
Waste is cleared away and you check the result with Francis.
What you get
The benefits of doing it properly
Instant kerb appeal
A clean driveway and patio make the whole property look better.
Safer underfoot
Removing algae makes surfaces far less slippery.
Longer surface life
Removing moss and weeds slows damage to paving and joints.
Surface-appropriate method
Cleaned without stripping or etching the material.
Insured
£100,000 public liability insurance on every job.
Photo quotes
A free price without waiting in for a visit.
Pricing explained
What affects the cost of exterior cleaning
Every job is priced on what it actually needs, so there is no fixed price list. These are the things that make the biggest difference. Send photos and you will get a clear, free quote before any work starts.
Get a Free Price- Size of the area
- A small patio is quicker to clean than a large driveway, paths and walls together.
- Type of surface
- Block paving, natural stone, concrete and tarmac each need a different approach and may need different aftercare.
- How dirty it is
- Years of moss and algae build-up takes more work than an annual clean.
- Re-sanding
- Block paving often needs re-sanding after cleaning, which adds materials and time.
- Access and water
- Easy access and an outdoor tap make the job simpler.
In detail
Surfaces we clean and how
Every surface reacts differently to cleaning. These are the most common.
Block paving driveways
Block paving collects moss and weeds in its joints. After cleaning, joints usually need re-sanding to lock the blocks and slow weed growth.
Patios
Concrete and natural stone patios turn green in shady gardens. Cleaning removes the algae and brings back the colour of the stone.
Paths and steps
Paths and steps are where slips happen. Keeping them clean is one of the simplest safety improvements around the home.
Walls
Garden walls and boundary walls collect algae and dirt, especially near gutters and downpipes. Cleaning improves the look and helps you spot pointing that needs attention.
Tarmac and concrete
Tarmac and concrete driveways pick up oil and tyre marks. Cleaning lifts general grime; some staining can be reduced rather than fully removed.
Before selling or letting
Cleaning outside surfaces is a low-cost way to improve photos and viewings.
Linked jobs
Algae on walls is often caused by leaking gutters. Francis also repairs guttering and carries out repointing, so the cause can be dealt with too.
Front of house first
If budget is limited, start with the areas visitors see: the driveway, front path and front steps. These make the biggest difference to how a property looks from the street, and the rear patio can follow later.
Protecting plants and lawns
Water and debris from cleaning can run into borders and lawns. Nearby plants are protected and runoff is controlled as far as possible, so your garden is not damaged while the hard surfaces are cleaned. Tell Francis about any plants you particularly care about when you book.
Keeping surfaces clean for longer
Regular sweeping, cutting back overhanging plants to let in light, and clearing leaves before they rot down all slow the return of moss and algae. Fixing leaking gutters that drip onto paving helps too.
Steps, ramps and older residents
For older homeowners and those with limited mobility, keeping steps and paths clean is a simple, practical way to reduce the risk of slips around the home.
Combining cleaning with other work
Exterior cleaning is often booked after landscaping, fencing or brickwork, so the whole outside of the property looks finished at the same time.
Related services
Exterior Cleaning across Beds & Herts
When you book exterior cleaning with Crown Property Services, you are not booking a company with an office, a sales team and a rota of subcontractors. You are booking Francis McDonagh. He is the person who answers the phone, looks at your photos, gives you the price and turns up to do the work. If you have a question halfway through the job, the person who knows the answer is standing in your garden.
Francis spent many years as an HGV driver before setting up the business. Throughout that time he was renovating and maintaining his own properties and helping family and friends with their repairs. That practical, hands-on experience is what Crown Property Services is built on: real work on real homes, not theory.
Every job is covered by £100,000 public liability insurance. Francis is a registered waste carrier with the Environment Agency (licence CBDU430346), which means old materials and waste from your job are removed and disposed of legally; you will not find them dumped down a country lane with your address on them. Workmanship on roofing, fencing and brickwork is guaranteed.
Quotes are free and can be given from photos or a site visit. Francis works Monday to Saturday, 08:30 to 18:30, across Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard, Toddington, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, St Albans, Harpenden and Redbourn. Payment is by bank transfer (BACS) or cash; card payments are not accepted.
Questions answered
Exterior Cleaning FAQs
How much does exterior cleaning cost?
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It depends on the size and type of surface. Send photos for a free quote.
How long does it take?
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Most domestic driveways and patios are a short job. You will be given a timescale with your quote.
Will cleaning damage my block paving?
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The method is matched to the surface to avoid damage. Joints may need re-sanding afterwards.
How long will it stay clean?
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That depends on shade, trees and drainage around the surface. Shaded areas turn green faster.
Can you clean walls as well as driveways?
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Yes, as well as patios, paths and steps.
Is exterior cleaning guaranteed?
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Francis's written guarantee covers roofing, fencing and brickwork. For any other job, you deal with Francis directly, so if something is not right you know exactly who to call.
Do I need to be home?
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Not always, as long as Francis has access to the outside areas. Discuss it when you book.
Do you cover Leighton Buzzard and Toddington?
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Yes. Francis covers Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard, Toddington, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted, St Albans, Harpenden and Redbourn.
How do I pay?
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Payment is by bank transfer (BACS) or cash. Card payments are not accepted.
Get your exterior cleaning sortedby the person who quotes it.
Send a photo today for a free, no-obligation quote. Insured with £100,000 public liability cover, and you deal with Francis from start to finish.