New homeowners can celebrate after finally getting a house they can call their own. Now they have the privilege to decide the property’s look from wall color, fixtures, decorative pieces, furniture, and more. But new homeowners must be aware that the house’s exterior is just as important as the inside because it adds to the property’s curb appeal. Always keep in mind what you see outside gives out the first impression of what it looks like inside, so it’s ideal to keep it clean, functional, and aesthetically appealing all the time.
That said, to keep your property’s exteriors clean and looking fresh, here are some viable tips to help you do it with ease:
1. Check The Roofing
There is an age-old rule to start with the top and work your way down that applies to cleaning both the interior and exterior of your home. You’d want to begin at the roof so that debris that falls will be cleaned later on.
It’s recommended to seek the assistance of a roof inspector before cleaning, especially if you have not checked it for over a year. Depending on the size of the roof and its condition, you’re looking at spending anywhere from USD$75 to USD$800.
Cleaning the roof can take considerable work because of mold, algae, and fungus that you may see on the surface and under the shingles. The eaves and the shingles are susceptible to damage if left uncleaned.
To ensure that the roof receives proper attention, it’s better to employ the services of a professional within your location to provide pressure washing Raleigh NC for your property. Trained cleaners will know how to use the right tools and equipment that’s suitable for the areas of your property that require thorough cleaning.
2. Clean The Gutters
Often than not, people forget that gutters also need cleaning. You should assume that the property might be in the market for a long time before you’ve acquired it and for sure dried leaves and debris would’ve settled in these gutters. When there’s an obstruction of water flow, it can cause water damage to the house exterior. For that reason, gutters should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
That said, it’s ideal to clean your gutters during the summer season, this is to prepare for the coming fall and winter months when there’s rain and snow. If you’re not capable of cleaning it by yourself, it would be best to call professional experts to clean and identify issues early on to avoid further damage and costly repairs.
3. Remove Driveway Stains
If you have a concrete garage floor or driveway, it can be prone to staining because the material is porous. Vehicle fluids such as oil, grease, and antifreeze can leave behind stains. Apart from these fluids, mold, mildew, rust, and fungus can also contribute to discoloration.
You should clean the driveway by removing the stains. It can be done by covering the affected sections with a drying agent. Leave the agent for at least a day, then use a laundry detergent to scrub away the oil. You can also buy a commercial oil stain remover from an auto parts store.
Moreover, rust stains can be removed through wood bleach. Use it on the stain and leave it on for a few minutes. Use a brush to scrub the area, then rinse with water. If there are tire marks on the floor or concrete, use a degreaser, like solvent or chemical stripper to scrub them off.
4. Observe The Exterior Siding
More than anyone realizes, the siding is the most visible part of the home exterior. Most homes in the United States have composite or vinyl sidings which are durable, affordable, and easy to clean. It’s also one of the most important areas of the property that can increase the value of the home.
Your home’s exterior sidings of can be cleaned with either a power washer or a soft-bristled brush with a long handle.
To clean the exterior sidings of your home, here’s how it should be done:
- Use a hose to wet the surface first, then scrub the siding from the bottom up with a 70/30 combination of water and white vinegar.
- If there are plants nearby, remove or cover them because the water vinegar is harmful to them.
- After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse off the mixture with water.
5. Clean The Deck
Some would argue that it’s best to clean the deck at least twice a year during the spring and fall. However, it’s best not to clean the deck with commercial cleaners with chemicals to ensure it doesn’t mix into the rain that washes into the ground.
When cleaning the deck, you should use the types of deck cleaners that are environmentally safe. For example, you can prepare a box of baking soda, a cup of vinegar, two tablespoons of dishwashing liquid, and one gallon of water. Take the box of baking soda and sprinkle it on mold-affected areas of the deck. Mix the soap and vinegar into a bucket of water. Apply water to the mold and mildew-infested deck and use a brush to scrub it. Repeat the process if necessary.
Conclusion
The property’s market value can also be seen by how much it is cared for by the owner. The exterior part of your home is just as important as the inside, always remember that people primarily view your property from the outside. Thoroughly cleaning and maintaining the exterior of your home enhances the attractiveness of your property and saves you from costly expenses in the long run. Keep the list mentioned above to serve as your checklist as you go along in preserving the beauty of your new home.
