Spring Cleaning: Home Exterior Edition

Winter is almost over and spring is just around the corner. You have spent the entire winter bundled up in your house, slowly watching dirt and grime build up on the home’s exterior while knowing you cannot wash it in the freezing temperatures.

Now that spring is here, it’s time to throw on a spring jacket and gloves and spruce up that exterior. Start your spring exterior clean-up checklist with these tips.

Inspect Damage

Winter weather wreaks havoc on home exteriors. A homeowner’s first step should be to take a stroll around he property and inspect it from top to bottom. Check for damage to the siding, deck, screens, the deck and porch, gutters and roof, and outside utilities such as the air conditioner and water outlets.

Siding

We previously wrote a blog on cleaning different siding types. So check that our for a more detailed description.

In general, a power washer is all you need to clean a home’s siding. For harder-to-remove substances, like mildew or other types of grime, specific cleaners will be needed.

The Deck

A deck is one of the most noticeable exterior features of a home. A clean and well-maintained deck is essential to maximizing curb appeal. Fortunately, cleaning the deck is relatively simple. Homeowners should:

• Sweep off debris, dust, twigs, leaves, etc.
• Power wash the surface and scrub it to remove tough spots and prevent gross stains
• Check for any damage, repair if needed.
• And lastly, apply stains and sealers to make the deck look brand new again.

A deck does not need new stain after every winter, as many quality stains and sealers will last a few years. Most professionals recommend staining the deck every two to three years.

Repairing Screens

It’s important that you repair any damaged storm screens before thunderstorm season hits. The Midwest is situated in the perfect spot for severe storms. Cold weather from Canada meets warm weather from the South, which all comes to fruition in the jet stream that runs through the rolling plains. This is why everyone in the midwestern states has storm screens, or at least should. The last thing you want is to feel the storms affects in your living room.

The Roof and Gutters

The roof and gutters take a beating in the winter. Plus, storm season starts in the spring. Homeowners have very little time to transition from winter to spring, meaning roof repairs from the winter and preparation for the spring storms are a high priority. Check for leaks, clogs and damaged areas to ensure the home is trimmed and ready for spring.

Outside Pavement

A power washer is all you need to rinse off the outdoor pavement. Simply remove any furniture and other outdoor accessories, sweep off loose debris, and power wash the open pavement. If you do not own a power washer, laundry detergent or bleach is a cost-effective trick to remove most of that built up grime. Afterward, simply wash it off with the garden hose.

Boost Curb Appeal

Now that the essentials are taken care of, you can focus on boosting your curb appeal by adding new elements or improving what you already have. Spring is a great time to improve the lawn, as well as the features within it. The weather is fair, the soil is soft from the melted snow, and spring showers will help the new plants thrive.

Spring is fun for everyone. The frigid and gloomy winter months are over, the sun is shining, birds are chirping, and the kids are on the final stretch of their current school year. Everything feels happier in the spring, make sure you can enjoy these months in a fresh and well-groomed yard.