How to Keep Your Home Exterior Clean and Safe This Winter

Winter weather can challenge even the most well-kept home. Outdoor areas face snow, ice, and rain that bring dirt and damage. Taking simple steps helps maintain cleanliness and prevents problems. In this blog, we’ll discuss several safe ways to remove ice and grime from home exteriors.

Keep Your Roof and Gutters Clean

A roof shields everything inside your home from harsh weather. Worn shingles and clogged gutters can let moisture seep in, potentially leading to significant issues over time. Regular cleaning is important to keep your roof resilient against snow and ice. After heavy storms, a roof rake can clear excess snow and minimize ice buildup, protecting your home from damage.

Helpful Tasks:

• Remove leaves and twigs from gutters.
• Repair small cracks in shingles.
• Clear away moss and mildew.
• Check that downspouts direct water away from the house.

Did you know? Accumulated leaf litter in gutters accelerates corrosion due to chemical reactions and prolonged wetness. Clean gutters dry 25x faster than those with leaf litter.

Care for Siding and Windows

Dirt, mold, and algae tend to cling to siding during damp seasons, making it essential to clean these surfaces before colder weather sets in. Washing your siding and sealing gaps around windows can help protect your home from winter’s challenges. Use the table below as a quick reference when caring for siding and windows.

Prepare Driveways, Decks, and Patios for Winter

Walkways, patios, and decks often experience heavy foot traffic. Snow can create slippery surfaces and hidden hazards. Cleaning these areas on a schedule prevents grime buildup and keeps everyone safer. Consider the following strategies:

• Sweep leaves and debris off walkways.
• Rinse away dirt on patios with warm water when possible.
• Use snow shovels and de-icers designed for driveways.
• Consider sealing concrete surfaces before deep winter sets in.

Is Pressure or Power Washing Worth It For Winter?

A pressure washing service is an effective way to keep your home’s exterior clean during winter. It removes dirt, mold, and algae that can build up on siding, driveways, and patios. Professionals use methods that are safe for delicate surfaces while tackling tough stains and grime. This helps prevent long-term damage and keeps your home looking fresh even in harsh weather.

Professional pressure washers can also handle hard-to-reach areas like tall siding or roofs. This service can clear slippery moss from walkways and refresh dirty siding. It’s a simple way to protect your home’s exterior and maintain its appeal throughout the colder months.

Protect Doors, Fixtures, and Outdoor Furniture

Weatherstripping your entryways is helpful in preventing winter home damage. Adding insulation layers and weatherstripping to doors and windows reduces heat loss and protects against extreme cold, based on studies of energy conservation in winter climates.

Outdoor lights help prevent slips during dark winter days. Additionally, storing or covering patio furniture reduces wear and tear from moisture and freezing conditions. Regular checks of handrails and steps keep everything safe for family and guests.

Know When to Call the Pros

Some home exterior cleaning tasks may feel too difficult, especially when dealing with tall ladders or power tools. Outdoor cleaning professionals have experience and proper equipment to handle challenging chores. They can effectively clean gutters, wash high siding, and inspect roofs without safety risks.

Signs It’s Time to Call the Pros

• You notice clogged gutters or downspouts but don’t feel comfortable using a ladder.
• There are moss, algae, or grime build ups on high siding or your roof that are hard to reach.
• Roof shingles look damaged or loose, and you’re unsure how to repair them.
• Ice dams have formed on your roof, and you don’t have the tools to remove them safely.
• Pressure washing is needed for large or delicate areas, and you don’t want to risk causing damage.
• Outdoor cleaning tasks are piling up, and you lack the time or equipment to handle them.
• You feel unsure about tackling jobs that require power tools or heavy equipment.

Regular maintenance helps prevent sudden, expensive fixes in the middle of winter. Reliable planning and a set schedule keep your home in great shape.

Conclusion

Winter presents challenges, but preparation makes a big difference. Focused attention on the roof, gutters, siding, and walkways helps your home resist damage. Actively maintaining a clean and safe home in the winter keeps your home comfortable and attractive through the season.