Nothing feels more satisfying than coming to an immaculate home after an exhausting day. But are carefully ironed drapes, gleaming floors, and sparkling countertops enough to make your home look well-maintained? What about the exterior? Your house’s exterior speaks volumes about your housekeeping skills. From the leaves sprawled on the balcony to the green slime on your windows, every element in the open passes through strictly vigilant eyes. That’s why, alongside taking care of the interiors, you must also think about ways to make the exteriors of your home look presentable.
But where do you start? What do you need to carry out this task, and how often should you do it? Here are our top tips that will help you take care of the exteriors of your home like a pro.
Clean Your Windows
Do you know what makes homes look unkempt? Windows with water streaks, bird droppings, and grime. Regardless of how often you clean your windows, something always manages to escape your cleaning solutions and leave behind a trail. But you can change that by using the right tools and solutions. Regularly cleaning your windows with a good quality glass cleaner will help eliminate unwanted stains.
Depending on the material of your windows, you can also use vinegar or alcohol to clean them. Ensure to use a soft cloth or sponge so that you don’t end up damaging the glass. If you’ve neglected your windows for long enough to have stubborn stains, you can use a pressure washer, like one from Greenworks, with the right attachment to clean them. Be careful with the pressure setting to avoid damaging the glass.
Maintain the Siding
Due to its low pricing and easy maintenance, vinyl siding is a favorite among homeowners. It’s also loved for its durability as it can last for decades without requiring replacement. But that certainly doesn’t mean you can completely forget about it. You still need to regularly inspect the siding for any cracks or holes and seal them as soon as you spot them. Usually, people prefer hiring a general contractor to do this job, as caulking can be tricky.
If you have loose panels, screw them back in place. You should also regularly wash the siding to eliminate dirt, dust, and other debris. Your garden hose can do the job just fine. Just close the windows and protect your shrubs before you start spraying water all over the place.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Your home’s gutters tend to collect a lot of debris, leaves, and twigs. If you don’t clean them out regularly, this debris can lead to clogs and leaks. That’s one gross and unwanted mess you wouldn’t want ruining your house’s aesthetic appeal. Every few weeks, take some time out to clear the debris from these areas. You can use a garden hose to push out the dirt and then use a broom to sweep it away.
If you have a lot of trees in your backyard, you might need to do this more often to prevent the gutters from getting clogged. Installing gutter guards is one fail-proof method of keeping critters and debris from clogging your gutters. These mesh screens fit over your gutters and prevent leaves and twigs from clogging them.
Inspect Your Roof Often
Homeowners tend to neglect this valuable asset of their homes unless there’s an obvious problem. Since your roof is most exposed to the elements, it requires the most attention. Spring and fall are ideal times to inspect your roof and clear away any debris that might have accumulated over the seasons. A leaf blower is your best bet here. Also, look for cracked or missing shingles and replace them as soon as possible. If you spot any leaks, patch them up immediately. You can use a sealant or roofing cement for this purpose.
And lastly, don’t forget to clear the gutters and downspouts on your roof. Clogged gutters allow water to seep into your home and damage the roof. If this happens, you’ll have a bigger home improvement project to tackle. Roof replacements and repairs are not cheap.
Take Care of Your Porch and Deck
Do you enjoy spending time outdoors on your porch or deck? Whether hosting a barbecue or just relaxing with a book, your porch and deck help create lasting memories. But these areas can also get dirty pretty fast. Warped floors, loose boards, and cracked paint are just some of the problems you might face if you don’t take care of your porch or deck. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect these areas for any damage and make repairs as soon as you spot them.
Some handy tips are:
- Protect your flooring with a sealant to prevent warping
- Tighten any loose boards or replace them if necessary
- Repaint the railing and furniture to brighten up the area
- Use soft, non-abrasive cloths to clean the surfaces
- Cover the furniture when it’s not in use to prolong its life
Invest in Hardscaping
Hardscaping refers to the paved areas around your home, like your driveway, sidewalk, or patio. These areas can take a beating from the elements and foot traffic. That’s why investing in good quality materials that can withstand the test of time is important. Concrete is a popular and reliable choice for driveways and sidewalks because it’s durable and low maintenance. But you must sweep it clean and hose it down now and then. Asphalt is another good option for driveways since it’s less expensive than concrete.
When choosing materials for your patio, ensure to pick ones that are non-slip and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Brick pavers are a good choice as they’re both durable and stylish. But it doesn’t end at installation. You also must regularly maintain these areas to prevent them from cracking or deteriorating. For instance, oil stains from your car can damage your driveway if not removed immediately. So, ensure to clean up any spills as soon as they happen.
Conclusion
Cleaning your house’s exterior can take a lot of time and energy. Scrubbing the siding, sweeping the porch, and power washing the deck can physically and mentally drain you. But if you keep up with it and establish a routine, it’ll become second nature in no time. Plus, you’ll enjoy your home’s curb appeal for years to come. So, what are you waiting for then? Get out there and let the cleansing begin.
