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Neighbor News

6 Summer Cleaning Projects For Your Home's Exterior

The exterior of your home needs just as much love as the interior. Here are our top tips for keeping your home exterior in tip-top shape.

If you never got around to any spring cleaning when it comes to your home exterior, the summer is the perfect time to get your home prepped for the coming cold season. All the exterior components of your home have important jobs to do. Your roof and siding keep you protected from the elements and ensure the structural integrity of your home, while your gutters work to direct water away from your foundation. So, as you can imagine, keeping your home’s exterior in good shape should definitely be a priority.

Here are five summer cleaning projects to ensure your home’s exteriors is being well-maintained and any problems are spotted.

Roof

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Your roof should be inspected at least once a year for any damage, and summer is a great time to do this. If you’ve noticed high energy costs, found any mold or mildew on the roof or on the inside of your home, or you can see any missing or damaged shingles, get a professional out to inspect it. And while you’re up there, clean off any debris that has found a home there.

Gutters

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Gutters don’t get nearly enough attention with it comes to home exterior maintenance. Make sure you clean out any debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure water is flowing freely.

Windows

Pollen and dirt can really building up on your windows so they’re probably in need of a good cleaning. Many people recommend using newspaper and a spray mix of vinegar and warm water. Vinegar is a natural cleaner and using the newspaper helps prevent streaking.

Siding

This task seems like a no brainer, but it can definitely be the most daunting and time consuming. The easiest way to clean your siding is with a pressure washer. Start at the top and work your way down so the dirt and water runs down and doesn’t create more work for you. Also, make sure the pressure isn’t too much. You don’t want to damage your paint job.

Patio and Deck

While you have the pressure washer out take some time to clean your patio or deck. Pressure washers just use water to blast away dirt and grime, so no need for any harsh chemicals. If you don’t have a pressure washer, they can be rented at your local home improvement store for about $50 to $85 a day.

The “Other”

There are plenty of other exterior structures and areas that may need a little attention. Fences, birdfeeders, sheds or any other small structure could probably benefit from a little cleaning. These are probably some of the easiest exterior maintenance projects and they can instantly up your home’s curb appeal.

Your home’s exterior is super important to your home. Make sure you’re taking care of it!

Highmark Exteriors is your local home exteriors expert and, along with its partner companies Highmark Builders and Highmark Restoration, it serves homeowners and commercial properties all over Minnesota’s Twin Cities metro.

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