Washing and cleaning the outside of your house doesn’t have to be an afterthought anymore. A thorough routine cleaning is essential for keeping your home’s most protective features pristine and in perfect shape. Since different parts of your home’s exterior are constantly exposed to the sun and harsh environmental conditions, they’re bound to get worn out, dirty, and clogged with time.
Some of your home’s exterior features are more exposed and affected than others, hence the need to clean them more often. Below, we’ll discuss the five most crucial house exterior parts that need routine cleaning so you know where to focus on your next cleaning.
Roof
You’re as guilty as many other homeowners who barely remember that their roofs need power-washing at least once yearly. If trees and shade surround your roof, the frequency of cleaning should be shorter than yearly. Leaves, branches, and animal droppings can impact the performance of your roof, causing many problems in the lower sections of your house. Regular roof cleaning comes with several advantages, such as:
- Improved home value
- Optimal roofing performance throughout the seasons
- Identifying potential problems early before they escalate
Cleaning your roof should be a priority when planning your next exterior cleanup exercise, especially if you haven’t cleaned it since it was installed.
Walls and Siding
Besides making your home structurally sound, sidings and walls also play a crucial role in boosting curb appeal. A lack of care here will lead to structural compromise and deterioration of curb appeal because dust, mold, dirt, and mildew continue to gather on them over time.
The best way to keep your walls or sidings in perfect shape is to have them cleaned more often by professionals. However, you can do it yourself using a solution containing 30% vinegar and 70% water. While at it, use a soft cloth, soft-bristled brush, or broom to avoid scratching the siding, especially if it’s vinyl.
If you opt for DIY, remember to set aside enough tools and materials and spare enough time, as this process can be time-intensive when using improvised tools. If all this isn’t worth it, always hire a professional to handle it in record time and perfectly so.
Patio
Building a patio in your backyard is one of the best home addition decisions ever. However, depending on the material used in its construction, one patio design can be easier to clean than the other. For instance, a patio made of concrete is easier to clean than one made of wood.
Regardless of the construction material, patios need regular cleaning to ensure they’re free from algae, mold, and other organic stains. Regularly cleaning your patio means enjoying the fresh air, unwinding, or sheltering from the rain without worrying about poor air conditioning or an unkempt ambiance. Before you clean or hire a professional cleaner to work on your patio, you might want to check out some telltale signs that cleaning is due. These signs include:
- Strange smells from mold and mildew growth
- Black spot buildups in different places on your patio
- Splinters, especially on wooden patios
Whenever you spot any of these signs, it’s time for expert pressure cleaning. A good pressure wash leaves your patio spotless, preventing black spots and algae buildup. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can also use a mixture of soapy water and vinegar.
Walkways and Driveways
Driveways and walkways are not just paths you drive or walk on. They’re also a significant aesthetic addition to your home’s overall curb appeal. Well-maintained yards strike a perfect contrast against clean and well-patterned walkways and driveways. Since they’re among the first features your home visitors notice, they play a significant role in influencing the decision of interested buyers when it’s time to sell.
Regular cleaning helps eradicate accumulated dirt and stains from the environment and grime from vehicles and foot traffic. Through professional pressure-washing, you can prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and other harmful organic matter that might eat into your driveways, causing expensive repairs.
Fence
You love your fence for its ability to protect your family and property from thieves and burglars, but that’s not all there is to love about a fence. Fences can also double up as part of your home’s external beauty, enhancing curb appeal.
However, your fence is only as attractive as your maintenance. Pressure-washing your fence at least once every two to three years can help preserve its natural function and look. Even if you’re using vinyl fencing that’s less susceptible to harsh weather elements, regular washing can help remove water and dirt stain buildups.
A fence covered in grime and gunk is a clear tell-tale sign that it needs a thorough pressure washing. Other signs include visible swelling, heaving, cracking, and the growth of mold and mildew.
Whether you’re moving into a new home or looking to improve the condition of your existing home, these five exterior areas should be of concern. Maintaining the cleanliness of these exterior parts can be overwhelming, and that’s why you’re better off working with professional cleaners. With constant, effective pressure washing, you can enjoy the most of your exterior home’s beauty all year long.
