When it comes to cleaning, some people simply love the satisfaction of seeing it sparkle, and others try and put off the tedious task for as long as possible. Whether you love it or hate it, cleaning and maintaining your home is a must.
That being said, a lot of people neglect the care of the outside space of their property. This is easily done when you’re concentrating so much on the inside of your home needing to shine, or if cold weather means you’re avoiding the outdoors at all costs.
To get your outside space back in ship-shape condition, try the following tips.
Windows
If you’re looking for a streak-free shine, all the time, then you need to make sure you’re cleaning the outside of your windows, too – and not just the inside. Done incorrectly or using the wrong products means you can often exacerbate grime and streaks. For either Flush Casement windows or Georgian windows, you can easily use a homemade solution that will leave your glass looking as good as new.
You can use a solution made of part water and part white vinegar to wipe the windows in a circular motion, using a microfiber cloth. You can also easily use newspaper to buff away dirt and leave your windows streak-free.
Doors
Proper maintenance of outside doors depends on the material that your door is made from, but generally – no matter the material – you should aim to clean the external part of your doors a few times a year. This can be done with normal cleaning solution and warm water, or – if you have a wooden door – the relevant wood treatment.
Care of external doors also needs to take into account natural elements, such as exposure to different weather and temperatures. If your door is south-facing, you should also consider the possibility of color and paint fading once being exposed to extensive sunlight, so you should look to re-paint when applicable.
You can use sturdy sealant on your doors (in line with directions) and look to recoat in the same sealant every few years to keep your door in its best condition.
If you have glass doors leading onto a patio or decking, then you can use the same cleaning method as described for window-cleaning.
Exterior Wall
One great way to protect the outside of your property’s wall is by rendering it. Render is a plastered covering for the outer wall which results in a solid, smooth coating. Brickwork can be covered by render to better reinforce it against damage. The main benefits of render is protection against wind and rain and making your home more energy-efficient by maintaining heat which can usually be lost through the use of walls video of your home.
You can also take care of your exterior wall by using water-proofing or damp-proof paint and treatments to better protect against bad weather and limit any damage from seeping through into the inside of your property.
Or, if you’re looking for an aesthetic update, consider repainting your external walls in an attractive color, which can also improve your home’s curb appeal.
Roof
The state of your roof should be checked regularly, and at least once a year. This is especially important after periods of very bad weather, or if you’re looking to put your house on the market. Often, roof issues or general condition is hard to analyze due to not being able to see it properly, and also the roof often being the last thing on your mind when you’re rushing through the front door.
In order to best maintain your roof, you should always clean off any debris which might have collected, and check that your guttering is in working order. A build up of items such as leaves and dirt can cause blockages, which means that your guttering will not be filtering water away from your property effectively, which can lead to water damage.
You should also inspect your roof for any loose shingles or tiles, and ensure that they are replaced or secured. Take notice of any hanging branches or trees which are positioned very close to your roof, as heavy branches could knock into your roof during heavy wind and cause damage.
If you’re ever in doubt, hire the services of a roof contractor, or have a roof survey performed. Regular maintenance of your property exterior is a beneficial investment, as it may save you a whole lot of money down the line if neglect leads to serious property issues.
