THE IMPORTANCE OF SEASONAL EXTERIOR CLEANING AND PRESSURE WASHING
An annual exterior cleaning and maintenance program for homes and businesses is VERY IMPORTANT. Exterior cleaning helps keep properties looking great and ensures they remain in top condition throughout the year. There are more reasons than just aesthetics to pressure wash all surfaces of your home. Other reasons include:
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Prevents long-term damage to exterior surfaces
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Maintains curb appeal
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Improves health and safety
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Saves money on repairs
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Prepares surfaces for painting or sealing
Here’s a sample of what a comprehensive seasonal cleaning regiment might look like:
SPRING EXTERIOR CLEANING CHECKLIST
Roof Cleaning: Remove algae, moss, and debris buildup from fall foliage, and winter snow and ice.
Gutter Cleaning: Prepare for the rainy season by clearing out fallen leaves. Clear out leaves, sticks, and dirt to prevent water damage.
Window Cleaning: Clean exterior windows for better visibility and curb appeal.
Pool Deck Cleaning: Pressure wash to keep the area clean and safe for the Summer Pool Season.
Deck & Patio Cleaning: Pressure wash to remove dirt, mold, and mildew that accumulated over the winter.
Driveway and Walkway Cleaning: Power wash surfaces to remove winter grime and improve safety by reducing slipperiness. It is especially important to remove all the salt applied to the driveway over the winter. Salt can accelerate the wear on the top layer of concrete. Over time, it can chemically react with the concrete mix leading to efflorescence and even structural weakening. Salt can also lead to corrosion of any steel reinforcement within the concrete. Lastly, the salt lowers the freezing point of water, allowing more water to seep into the concrete’s pores and cause cracks and deterioration.
Summer Readiness
Siding Soft Washing: Remove dirt, pollen, and mildew buildup on exterior walls.
Fence Cleaning: Power wash to remove dirt and restore appearance.
Install Gutter Guards: If currently don’t have gutter guards, now is a good time to install them before the leaves start falling.
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Fall Cleaning
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Gutter Cleaning: End of the season to remove all dirt, leaves, sticks, nuts and debris that has fallen.
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Roof Inspection & Spot Cleaning: Check for damage or issues before winter weather.
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Window Cleaning: A final wash to ensure clean windows for the holidays.
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Exterior Light Fixture Cleaning: Remove dust and bugs to maintain bright lighting.
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Outdoor Furniture Cleaning: Wash down furniture to remove dust and pollen before storing away for Winder.
Concrete and Aggregate Driveway Sealing – protects from the wear and tear of the upcoming winter. Sealing prevents water from seeping into the surface which then causes damage through the freezing and thawing cycles. Sealing also prevents oil, gas and other contaminants from damaging the driveway. It also protects from UV Rays which can weaken and degrade the aggregate over time. Sealing also helps prevent weed growth and makes maintenance easier. Generally recommended that sealant is reapplied every 1 to 3 years depending on quality of sealant used.
Winter Preparation
Driveway De-Icing Treatments: Apply treatments to reduce ice buildup.
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Snow & Ice Removal: Keep pathways and driveways clear.
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Final Roof & Gutter Check: Ensure gutters are functioning well after any snowfall.
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Dryer Vent Cleaning: Very important to be done annually as dryer vents and lint are one of the leading causes of house fires, especially during the winter months when washing more sweaters, sweatshirts, coats which can add to lint build up.
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Inspect for Mold and Mildew in Moist Areas: Identify areas needing attention in spring.
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Benefits of an Annual Program
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Cost Savings: Regular maintenance prevents costly repairs.
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Enhanced Curb Appeal: Clean exteriors enhance property value.
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Increased Longevity of Materials: Removes harmful buildup that can comprise surfaces.
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Safety: Reduces risks of slip-and-fall accidents on slippery or dirty surfaces.
And lastly, don’t forget…
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Routine pressure washing is a KEY maintenance practice that protects your investment, keeps your property looking great and promotes a healthier environment. Contact Breezy PowerWash Inc. to schedule services for your home or business. Call 615-502-5525 or breezypowerwash.com to schedule an estimate.