As with cleaning your house inside and out, it is best to begin at the top and work your ways down. This guide will show you how to transform your home from gritty to shiny just in time for spring. Let’s get started by putting on our boots and our work clothes.
Roof
There are many types of roofing materials available, but asphalt shingles is the most widely used. Although the tips are focused on asphalt roofing, the general process is applicable to all types of roofs.
- Use binoculars to assess the situation or a ladder for a bird’s eye view.
- Remember to follow safety guidelines when you set up or use your ladder.
- Check for missing or cracked shingles. New fasteners may be required for any “sliding” shingles that seem to have moved. It is best to wait until warmer weather, when asphalt shingles will be more flexible and less likely crack, before you repair multiple areas of your roof.
- Once everything is secure and sturdy, clean the roof with a leaf blower or by hand.
- High-pressure water should never be used to clean your roof. Pressure washing can cause shingles to be easily torn or removed by the force of the water. Use a low-pressure, high volume approach.
- If your roof is located under trees or in shade, you might need to use a soft wash to remove any algae, lichen or moss from shakes, tiles, shingles or tiles.
Gutters
Regular gutter cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. Damage to your roof, fascia and siding can result from clogged gutters or downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause damage to your foundation, decking, and rafters if left unattended.
- The first step is to assemble all the necessary tools: a ladder and a hose. When digging in the treasures of nature, gloves will keep your hands clean.
- Begin by removing leaves, twigs and branches using your hands. Next, you can use your trowel to clean out the dirt and gunk from the bottom. Your hands might be the best tool, as scooping debris from the gutter fasteners can prove tedious.
- Next, use the garden hose’s spray nozzle to flush your gutters with water. To begin, choose the opposite end of your downspout.
- Adjust your hose to maximum force, and then direct water flow into the downspouts. Clogs can be removed by climbing down the ladder. You may need to have a plumber remove any remaining obstructions.
Siding
Vinyl siding is a popular cladding material because of its low maintenance cost. Vinyl siding offers many benefits, and it’s easy to maintain with proper care. This is the time to leave your pressure washer in the garage. They can cause siding damage by making holes in the siding or forcing water to places it isn’t supposed to, which could lead to mold and rot.
- To make your own cleaner, mix 70% water with 30% white vinegar. For extra power against mold, you can add household bleach to your cleaner if your siding is particularly dirty. You can also buy store-bought solutions.
- Protect any flowers or shrubs that are in danger and take out anything that could get in the way.
- Spray siding with water after vents and windows are closed.
- Use a pump sprayer to apply the cleaner, and then use a soft bristle toothbrush to remove dirt and mold.
- The Vinyl Siding Institute suggests that you should not work from the top down, but instead start at ground level to prevent streaking. Be sure to clean up any residue after you finish.
Windows
Windows can get extremely dirty over the course of the year. Pollen, dust and other debris from all walks of life stick to the glass and cause damage. This is the ideal time to clean your siding and roof.
- Begin by washing the windows with a garden hose. This will remove any dirt or grime that remains. You can let any residue soak in your cleaner while you make your cleaner.
- You can fill a bucket with water and some of your favorite liquid soap.
- Depending on the size of your surface, dip a mop or microfiber cloth into the mixture. Scrub the entire area with a scrub brush. You can remove any stubborn stains by spraying cleaner on the surface and then gently brushing with a soft brush. Never use steel wool.
- Next, wash the glass with your preferred store-bought solution. Or make your own using a mixture of water and vinegar. A microfiber cloth is better than paper towels and will leave less waste.
- Keep your screens in mind! After removing the screens, spray them with vinegar-water solution. Rinse with plain water. Before reinstalling, dry them in a clean environment.
- These same tips can also be applied to vinyl patio doors!
Our guide will show you how to clean the windows in your house.
Porch/Deck
Once you have cleared away all the gunk and crud, it is time to tackle those porches and decks. Grab your tools, cover any valuable foliage, and let cleaning begin!
- Be careful when exterior house wash in auckland. High-pressure water can damage wood surfaces. Use only brushes and cleaners for wood surfaces. Save the pressure washer for concrete, stone, tile and concrete surfaces.
- Be sure to remove all large objects and scrapes with your hands before you begin.
- Use a leaf blower to remove any dirt or dust. You can also sweep the area with an old, stiff brush.
- Then, use a garden hose to rinse everything and then apply the cleaner. There are many options depending on what material you are cleaning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once everything is thoroughly soaked, use a long-handled brush to scrub the deck. Stiff bristles work best.
- Let the deck dry completely with water.
- Now is the right time to seal your porch or deck. While most environments need to be sealed every one to three year, some areas may require more frequent treatments.
Congratulations! You’ve done it. You can now relax and enjoy your clean and safe home for many more months. For a significant increase in curb appeal and peace of mind, you might consider replacing your patio doors, shutters, siding, or windows.