Spring Cleaning
/Attending to your home’s exterior needs
The weather is warming up, flowers are blooming, and the trees are growing their leaves. It’s time for a spring cleaning–outside! Just as you do a spring cleaning inside your house, this season is a great chance to clean and refresh the outside of your home.
Pressure Washing
Anyone who has used a pressure washer loves it. You immediately see the results of an area you have cleaned and it’s honestly a bit addictive. You can use a pressure washer to clean the siding of your home, remove algae off a fence, or even remove dirt and stains from your walkways and driveway. Be sure to understand how to properly use your pressure washer on each of these surfaces so that you don’t damage them. For example, on the exterior of your home, stay at least 6 feet away from electrical wires and outlets. Start at the bottom when cleaning siding and work in a horizontal motion. When working on any area, be sure to keep the wand moving so that you don’t apply too much pressure in a single area.
Apply Fresh Paint/Stain
After cleaning with the pressure washer, now you can apply fresh paint or stains. If your siding has faded or you’re ready for a fresh color, now is the time to paint. Benjamin Moore has a good selection of paint products to keep your home looking nice. There is even a color selection inspired by the Southeast.
Your fence needs regular maintenance as well. After pressure washing it, but sure to remove any flaking paint and then it’s time to repaint. If you have a wooden fence, restaining it will help lengthen its life as well. With a wooden deck facing the harsh sunlight or getting wet from rain, this is a very important area to make sure you maintain. Cleaning it and ensuring you keep it well stained will keep it looking sharp.
A driveway or other concrete surface can be sealed after you have pressure washed it. This will help prevent future stains.
Clearing gutters
You may have cleared your gutters last fall, but you need to check them again this spring. Certain trees may have continued to drop leaves since your last clearing. There are also trees that drop seeds and other litter in the spring. Clear out your gutters to make sure they are working properly. If they back up, this can lead to mold growth and pooling water which can show up as a leak in your home. Ensuring everything is cleared helps keep pests away too.
Attend to your gardening
Right now before everything starts growing, be sure to deadhead any flowers, trim back undesired growth, and trim any herbs. Spring is the time you can shape your yard and flower garden to the look you are trying to achieve. You can also add plants now. Many people love to add annual flowers in the spring to warm the curb appeal of your home.
If you are wanting to refresh your home’s exterior and add some curb appeal, come by and see us at Hardwood Specialties. We can help you select a new paint color, discuss an outdoor addition like a living area, or help you update your front porch. Our team loves helping our clients transform homes for your needs. Reach out to our team to discuss your space.