While most of us can easily recognize when the interior of our homes needs a deep cleaning, it’s important to also be aware of the signs that indicate the exterior needs cleaning as well. Both the inside and outside of your home require cleaning at regular intervals. By knowing what to look for, you can easily identify signs that indicate when it’s time to clean the outside of your home. In the following paragraphs, we will outline these signs for different areas of your home.
Roof
When your roof starts to change color and appears discolored, many assume it needs replacement. However, there are cleaning options available if the issue is manageable buildup. Over time, debris can accumulate on your roof, including pollen, dirt, moss, leaves, twigs, and other materials. Depending on the number of trees on your property, you may need to clear leaves, pine needles, and branches several times a year. Cleaning the roof may be as easy as blowing it down, but a professional roofer can recommend other cleaning options as well.
Driveways
It’s often easy to identify when a driveway needs cleaning, as oil stains and other marks are common issues that can require a thorough cleaning. It’s important to address these stains as soon as possible to make them easier to remove. Power washing is an effective way to clean a driveway, and hiring a professional power washer can make the process quick and easy.
Siding
When the siding on your home begins to appear dull, it’s likely that routine maintenance is needed. The cleaning options for the siding may vary depending on the material used. In many cases, a pressure washer can effectively remove dirt and debris that is causing the siding to appear dull. However, for some types of siding, regular maintenance may involve restaining or other types of care.
Windows
Over time, it’s common for windows to lose their shine and become dull, which can result in reduced light in your home and an overall less enjoyable atmosphere. Pollen can also build up on windows, worsening allergies for some people. Deep cleaning your windows, including the screens, is an effective way to improve the appearance of your home and enhance air quality.
While cleaning the windows, it’s also a good opportunity to check for any leaks in the window seals. This will ensure that the windows are air and water tight, which can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling bills. Drafty windows can cause energy loss and result in higher utility costs.
Decks
Decks are a surface that often gets neglected despite the need for regular care. If you notice that your deck flooring is missing stain, feels slimy, or splintery, it’s a sign that it’s time to clean and care for your deck. Deep cleaning your deck may require a new sealant and stain for a full rehabilitation, but the finished results are worthwhile. Your deck can look brand new once it’s resealed.
It’s important to note that water damage can ruin a deck quickly, especially if your deck is located around a pool or another body of water. Keeping your deck sealed is vitally important to prevent water damage and maintain the overall look and longevity of your deck.
Gutters
Gutters are often forgotten, yet they fill with debris quickly. Leaves, sticks, and other materials can build up in your gutters, causing them to drain poorly. The extra weight of debris can even pull the gutters off your roof line. Cleaning your gutters at the end of fall and the beginning of spring is a great way to keep them working well and protect your home from run-off.
Spider webs
Another reason to clean the exterior of your home is spider webs and other signs of bugs. Spider webs can build up in light fixtures, eaves, and along the siding of your home, causing it to look dingy. If your home looks dingy, cleaning off spiderwebs and other nests can make it look better and more cared for.
HOA notices
Keeping up with routine maintenance for your home’s exterior is essential for preventing deferred maintenance issues and potential HOA notices. Committees responsible for patrolling neighborhoods are on the lookout for exterior violations and maintenance issues like discolored roofs, stained driveways, missing bricks, and other similar problems.
By regularly inspecting the exterior of your home, you can catch these signs of deferred maintenance early and address them before they escalate into bigger and more costly problems. Taking the time to maintain your home’s exterior can save you both money and time in the long run.
