December 17, 2021 by Mulberry Maids
The American dream definitely includes a big and beautiful house, but keeping it that way requires regular maintenance. Whether you’re preparing your home for short-term rentals or just want to get it ready for the holidays, a full exterior cleaning is necessary to keep your house looking fresh and welcoming.
You may be tempted to simply pick up a pressure washer or buy off-the-shelf anti-moss chemicals to get the job done. However, there are a couple of factors that have to be considered before a full exterior cleaning can begin. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning on a full clean.
Moss
Some homeowners take particular pride in their home entrance, and brick sidewalks are a particularly popular design facet. Sadly, it’s very common to find mold and algae growing on bricks, especially during humid periods. Luckily, there’s a way to make your brick pavers or facade look brand new.
First, avoid moss removing products that include iron, as these will leave stains on the bricks. Instead, use a solution of water and vinegar to kill and later remove the moss. Afterward, treat the surface with powdered oxygen bleach, and moss growth won’t be a problem again.
Pressure Washing
As satisfying as it may look, when not done carefully pressure washing can be strong enough to damage strong materials, and cause unwanted leaks. While you don’t have to put away your pressure washer, you do have to keep some things in mind.
First, never pressure wash older wood and brick walls. The pressure can easily destroy them and send pieces flying. You also have to be careful with wood siding. As firm as it may look, it’s not uncommon for water to filter in behind the siding, which could lead to damaged electrical installations and mold growth.
Water Leakage
While checking the state of a house exterior, you may find a moisture stain, or even water dripping from a wall. This can be caused by clogged gutters, deteriorated caulking, and worn-out flashing in roofs. There’s also the possibility of badly designed grading, which could redirect part of the water flow towards the house.
In the case of clogged gutters, it’s better to manually remove the blockage and then rinse the system with a hose. Bad caulking and flashing, however, may need to be replaced. And for defective grading, it would be wise to hire a professional, as this tends to require more complex solutions and maybe even a special permit.
Unexpected Repairs
Weather and time have multiple ways to damage a house exterior, and not all of them are visible at first glance. Starting repairs may reveal cracked walls, weakened wood structures, and loose tiles. As a result, homeowners have to be prepared to spend a bit more in order to maintain their investment.
Some types of damage, like structural issues, have to be repaired immediately no matter the cost. In this case, seeing a lender might be your best alternative. For people with a good credit score, personal loans have lower interest rates and may allow good payers to skip a payment from time to time. This will make it easier to calculate the impact on your budget, so you can focus on making your house look its best.
Invest in Your Investment
Cleaning the exterior of a house can be a difficult but deeply rewarding experience. Sure, you might find multiple and sometimes unexpected challenges. But with careful research, the right tools, and enough funds, nothing can stop you to keep your most valuable investment looking good as new.
Thank you to Jessica Tania for her guest post to the Mulberry Maids Blog!