If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t know how fast dirt, mold, and other environmental build-up can eat away at the outside of your home; therefore, you may not know when exterior cleaning is required. Industry research indicates that climbing mold, mildew, and moisture from rain are all examples of building contaminants that will shorten the lifespan of a house and its components by up to 30%.
In the state of Michigan, where the weather changes constantly from rainy/wet to dry during the middle of the summer, the need to conduct regular exterior cleaning should be on every homeowner’s list of preventative maintenance tasks, not only for the sake of curb appeal, but also to protect the structural integrity of your home.
You may think that cleaning should occur once a year; however, the amount of dirt, moisture, and debris varies depending on the materials that your home was built with, your region and locality’s climate and seasonal changes, and how the weather affects the outside of your home.
In this blog, we will outline how frequently you should clean the outside of your house, what to look out for daily, and when to engage with a company that specializes in residential exterior cleaning in Oakland County.
Importance of Cleaning Your House in Oakland County
The seasons in Oakland County provide individuals with vastly different amounts of humidity and moisture; during the summer months, rat and mice infestations may occur because of the build-up of debris from the warmer months, and during the winter months, ice and snow may occur due to the build-up of contaminants.
All of these seasonal conditions contribute to the growth of many contaminants; without regular cleaning, the exterior surfaces of your home will show signs of premature failure in addition to permanently staining your siding and weakening your roofing material over time.
An experienced Cleaning Service Oakland County can help maintain your home and ultimately increase the curb appeal of your property while reducing your long-term structural deterioration.
Generally, a good guideline to follow is:
At least once a year (minimum), you should wash your home entirely (exterior). If you live in an area that has lots of trees, shaded areas, or is near busy roads and traffic, you may need to have your house washed every 6–9 months.
If your home is located in a heavily treed area, a shaded area, or right next to a very high-traffic area, it is recommended to wash your home regularly (every 6–9 months). Regular washing will keep buildup on the surface of your siding or driveway from reaching damaging levels.
- Spring Cleaning
When spring arrives, the most important time to clean your home’s exterior is during the spring, as winter will leave a coating of dirt, moisture from rain, and salt as a result of de-icing sidewalks and roads on the exterior of your home. If these remaining residues are not removed, they will lead to discoloration and degradation of your home.
- Winter Cleaning
Salt sprayed on sidewalks and roads in the winter will be splashed onto the lower parts of the siding and foundations of your home every time it rains. If left untreated, it will cause discoloration and deterioration of the exterior. A spring cleaning by a reputable Cleaning Company in Oakland County will help restore your home after it has been subjected to the winter months.
- Summer Cleaning
During the summer, there is increased humidity and warm weather, which are both ideal for the growth of algae and mold. When it comes to cleaning and maintaining the integrity of the siding of your home (north-facing and shaded areas), this is an ideal time to address this problem.
Mold will reproduce and live in warm, moist, humid conditions, and can quickly ruin your siding, trim, and deck. Without treatment, it will continue to grow in those areas and eventually become permanent. Mid-summer cleaning of your home by a Professional Cleaning Company in Oakland County will help eliminate organic growth from your siding and trim.
The areas that require the most cleaning during the summer months (primarily because of the abundance of organic growth) are siding, decks and fences, and roofs. Regular cleaning of these areas will allow you to maintain your home’s appearance while you are in the midst of peak growing months for organic growth.
Why Spring Cleaning Prevents Future Damage/Issues
Winter has passed. As spring begins, trees will begin to bloom with the arrival of new buds and flowers. Also, spring’s wet and windy conditions cause debris to build up on rooftops and exterior surfaces.
If materials are not cleaned off an exterior surface, they can hold moisture against the surface, causing mold growth and staining if not washed off prior to freezing temperatures.
Gutters, soffits, siding, and driveways are all surfaces that, if left dirty, will create an environment that allows excess water to be held against them. All of these surfaces are able to be cleaned by your local Residential Cleaning Oakland County.
Things to Look For During the Wintertime for Future Spring Cleaning Opportunities
When temperatures drop below freezing, it is typically not a good idea to clean the entire exterior of your home. However, it is important to monitor problem areas almost daily during the winter months.
Salt buildup, residue from ice dams, and visible staining are all indicators that these areas require attention during spring cleaning. Scheduling with a local Residential Cleaning Oakland County service provider will ensure that these areas are cleaned as soon as temperatures rise.
Signs Your Home May Need to Be Cleaned Sooner Than Scheduled
Often, your home will show that it requires attention prior to the scheduled spring cleaning date. Some warning signs include:
- Green or black streaks on the side of your home
- Dark stains are forming on the upper portion of your gutters
- Chalk-like residue on the outside of your home
- Visible fungus and/or algae growth on the outside of your home
If you see any of these signs, call your local Cleaning Company Oakland County immediately to prevent permanent damage to your home.
Why Hire Professionals to Wash My House?
Many homeowners desire to wash their homes themselves, but there are significant risks associated with this approach.
If the pressure levels are not correct, washing can damage the siding, force water behind the walls, and strip paint off the exterior surface. Additionally, a typical household pressure washing solution may not be strong enough to eliminate all organic growth from the outer surfaces.
A professional service provides surface-specific methods and uses company-owned, commercial-grade products that clean effectively without damaging the facade.
How a Professional House Wash Can Protect Your Property Value
The exterior of your home is an important contributor to the overall value of your property and perception of your neighborhood. Dirt and mold can create the impression that a home does not receive regular maintenance, even when it has been effectively maintained.
Routine cleaning will help preserve materials and delay the need for repairs, thus protecting long-term property value. This is especially important for homeowners who plan to sell or refinance.
Frequently Asked Questions About House Washing in Oakland County
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When should I wash my vinyl siding?
Most vinyl siding materials should be cleaned once each year, but should be cleaned more often if they are located in shaded areas or near trees.
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Will washing get rid of mold or damage my siding?
Yes. If you do not regularly wash your siding, mold and algae can create permanent staining and degrade the finish coating over time.
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Is pressure washing safe for all house types?
No. Because different building materials require unique washing methods, a professional cleaning company based in Oakland County will always employ safe cleaning methods.
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Should I wash my house before selling it?
Yes! Washing improves curb appeal, which can positively affect potential buyers’ opinions of the home.
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What time of year is best to schedule my house washing?
The best time for washing houses is during spring and fall; however, the timing will depend on the weather conditions and the amount of visible buildup.
Final Note: Seasonal Scheduling Keeps Homes Looking Their Best
House washing is not a one-time job; house washing is part of regular home ownership. Due to the unique seasonal conditions in Oakland County, it is imperative that exterior surfaces are routinely cleaned to safeguard them from damage that will occur over time.
When homeowners follow a seasonal washing program and work with a highly reputable professional cleaning service located in Oakland County, their exteriors will have a longer lifespan and maintain great curb appeal year-round.
Next Level Exterior is a leading provider of professional exterior cleaning services in Oakland County. As an established cleaning company, we specialize in safe and effective house washing, surface cleaning, and seasonal maintenance.
Next Level Exterior is committed to protecting homes with effort and high-standard cleaning, quality products, and careful attention to detail. Our goal is to help homeowners maintain cleaner, healthier, and longer-lasting exteriors throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning service.
