Maintaining your property requires year-round attention, but the changing seasons bring different challenges for keeping exteriors clean. Pressure washing is a powerful tool to tackle these challenges, but it’s crucial to adapt your approach to suit the weather conditions and specific needs of each season. Here’s a seasonal guide to help you get the best results from pressure washing throughout the year.
Spring: Refresh and Renew
Why Spring? Spring cleaning isn’t just for interiors. After a long winter, exteriors are often coated in grime and salt residue, which can damage surfaces over time.
Best Practices:
- Check for damage: Winter can be harsh on your exteriors. Before you start washing, inspect for any damage that may need repair.
- Focus on gutters and downspouts: Clear out the debris accumulated over the fall and winter to prevent water damage.
- Mildew treatment: Spring’s moist conditions can foster mildew growth, so use a mildew-specific cleaner where needed.
Summer: Preventative Maintenance
Why Summer? Summer offers the best weather conditions for pressure washing, with less chance of unpredictable storms and generally low humidity, which helps surfaces dry faster.
Best Practices:
- Wash decks and patios: Prepare your outdoor living spaces for summer use by removing dirt and stains.
- Apply sealants: Post-washing is a great time to apply sealants to wood and other porous surfaces, as they will dry more effectively in warm weather.
Fall: Preparation for Winter
Why Fall? Cleaning in the fall can prevent decay and damage from setting in over the winter months.
Best Practices:
- Clear leaves and debris: These can stain surfaces and promote mold growth if left unchecked.
- Wash siding: Remove the accumulation of dirt from summer storms to prevent long-term damage.
- Prepare surfaces for cold weather: Ensure that water features or hoses are drained and stored to prevent freezing.
Winter: Tactical Cleaning
Why Winter? While pressure washing is more challenging in winter, some maintenance is necessary to manage the buildup of salt and prevent slip hazards.
Best Practices:
- Use hot water pressure washing: This is effective at melting snow and ice quickly.
- Address salt and sand build-up: Particularly important for driveways and walkways to maintain safety.
- Check weather conditions: Only pressure wash on days when temperatures are above freezing to avoid ice formation.
Seasonal Cleaning With The Pros
Adapting your pressure washing techniques to fit the season not only enhances the appearance of your property but also protects it year-round. By following these seasonal best practices, you can ensure that your home or business is well-maintained and looking its best in any weather.