Your home’s curb appeal has a major impact on its value. A well-maintained home and yard can increase its value by 5-11%. A clean exterior can increase your home’s worth by $10,000-15,000.
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars and countless hours painting your home to achieve these results. Hiring a professional to power wash a house is a great way to improve its appearance. Whether you want to sell your home or want to refresh its appearance, pressure washing is a great way to revitalize your home’s exterior.
This guide will discuss the top six signs it’s time to pressure wash your house. Rid your home of unsightly grime while improving the way it looks.
1. Dull or Dirty Siding
One of the most obvious signs you might need to pressure wash your home is that the siding is dirty. Your house will naturally accumulate grime on its exterior over time. If left unattended, these substances can result in your house looking older than it is.
Some of the most common things that can build up on your home’s exterior include:
- Dirt
- Pollen
- Tree sap
- Algae
One of the downsides of dirt and tree sap, other than making your home look unsightly, is that they provide algae and mold with nutrients. You’ll start to notice black, brown, and green spots forming on your siding.
Safely removing algae from your siding and ensuring it doesn’t come back can be challenging. That’s why you need to hire a home power washing service company.
2. Your Roof Is Discolored
Your home’s siding isn’t the only place debris and algae can accumulate. It can happen on your roof as well.
One of the things you might notice on your roof is black streaks. These marks are caused by algae. Certain types of algae can damage and dissolve your roofing materials.
Low-pressure power washing with safe chemicals is the best way to get algae off of your roof. This method will also extend the lifespan of your roof without causing additional damage.
3. Increased Energy Bills
You might not associate a higher-than-normal energy bill with needing to pressure wash your home. Your home’s insulation can get compromised if it’s covered in algae and dirt. These foreign substances can result in temperature fluctuations.
Your heating and cooling system will work harder as the temperature inside your home work harder. As a result, your energy costs will increase. Removing the debris from your home will ensure your insulation functions properly.
4. Your Gutters Are Clogged
It can be challenging to clean out gutters. Not many people have ladders high enough to safely reach their roofs. Gutters can get clogged with leaves, branches, and other items.
If your gutters are clogged, they can’t drain as they should. Instead, water will get directed onto your lawn, roof, and other surfaces. You can experience water damage on your home’s roof, outer walls, and foundation.
Pressure washing can efficiently rid your gutters of all materials. Once the gutters have been cleaned, you can look into having gutter guards installed on top of them. These screens can prevent leaves and branches from accumulating inside your gutters.
5. There Are Webs and Nests
Insects and pests want to live in your home just as much as you do. You’ll know if you have a bug problem if you see webs in areas like your:
- Patio
- Deck
- Eaves
- Gutters
Unless you’re getting ready for the Halloween season, you need to get rid of webs and nests fast. The last thing you want to deal with is an infestation. Get rid of the unsightly materials while ensuring these creatures don’t try to make a home in your walls.
6. Your Deck Is a Mess
Your deck and patio deserve as much attention as the rest of your property does. Your deck gets exposed to harsh weather and elements throughout the year. The surface can accumulate mold and mud.
Additionally, old nails can result in rust stains on your deck. These stains can be challenging to remove. Dirt and other debris can also cause your deck to weaken over time.
Avoid costly repairs and replacements on your deck. Ensure you and your family can enjoy your outdoor space by having the area pressure washed.
7. You Think Your House Needs Fresh Paint
You might look at your house and think it needs a new paint job, not because you want to change the color but because it looks dingy. If this is the case, you should explore pressure washing your home first.
Your home can still benefit from pressure washing before a paint job. High-quality paint will have difficulties sticking to the dirty siding. The paint job might also look uneven if you don’t have it thoroughly cleaned beforehand.
Additionally, excessive grime and dirt can cause paint deterioration and discoloration. You might be looking into painting your house again sooner than you’d think if you don’t take the proper steps to prep the surface.
8. Your Driveway Is Weedy and Stained
Your driveway is another surface that can attract containments. These include:
- Car fluids, like oil and gas
- Mildew
- Mold
A stained driveway can be unsightly to your visitors and prospective buyers if you’re selling your home. These substances can also cause your driveway or walkways to be slippery.
Growing weeds can give people the impression that you don’t take care of your property. Their roots can also widen cracks in your driveway, resulting in safety hazards. Pressure washing can remove harmful substances and weeds, ensuring your driveway is safe and looks good.
Partner With an Experienced Company if You Need to Power Wash a House
You shouldn’t ignore the signs that you need to power wash a house. Doing so can result in damage to your siding and roof. A reputable pressure-washing company in Illinois can safely and effectively rid your home of dirt and grime.
Freeman Exteriors provides power washing services, roof repairs, and more. Get in touch with us to request a free estimate.