Summer and fall are generally the best times to spruce up your home’s exterior (with spring rainstorms and pesky pollen no longer an issue). Kriss Swint, director of marketing communications and design lead at Westlake Royal Building Products, shares below ways to maintain your home’s exterior. By prioritizing regular cleaning, landscaping and repairs seasonally, you’ll not only enhance curb appeal but also help to protect your home from the elements, keeping your home’s structural integrity and value.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining the appearance and longevity of your home’s exterior. Even when using weather-resistant materials such as Royal Vinyl Siding, Exterior Portfolio Siding or Celect Cellular Composite Siding, dirt, grime and mildew can still accumulate on various surfaces, which may lead to wear and tear and costly repairs down the road. 

  • Siding: Use a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent to clean vinyl, wood, PVC or fiber cement siding. For stubborn stains or algae, consider using a pressure washer on a low setting. Be sure to angle the spray downward to prevent water infiltration behind the siding. For mold, use a mixture of bleach and water to remove mold spores that can damage your house over time.
  • Windows: Clean both the interior and exterior sides of windows with a squeegee or soft cloth and a mixture of water and mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges as they can scratch the glass. 
  • Shutters: If you have shutters on your home, be sure to remove all shutters for a thorough cleaning. Use a mild detergent and a soft brush for the best results. Rinse and let dry completely before reattaching them.
  • Deck and Porch: The key to maintaining a deck or porch is to sweep your deck regularly to avoid accumulation of materials. For deeper cleaning, use a specialized deck cleaner to remove dirt and mildew. Zuri Premium Decking, which is made from composite PVC, is moisture and UV resistant, making it a longer-lasting and more-affordable option. If you have porch columns, you can also maintain these with routine cleaning. PVC porch column wraps last longer and require less maintenance.
  • Roof: Remove debris and moss using a soft-bristle brush or a roof cleaning attachment for your pressure washer. If you are in a shaded or wet area, consider applying a moss and algae treatment to prevent regrowth. Be cautious when working on the roof to avoid falls and damage to shingles.
  • When choosing cleaning products, opt for eco-friendly and non-toxic solutions that are safe for your family and the environment, improving your home’s indoor air quality.

Landscaping

Proper landscaping maintenance is also crucial to enhancing your home’s curb appeal and protecting your home from nature’s wear and tear. 

  • Mow your lawn regularly to maintain a neat appearance and promote healthy grass growth. Adjust the mower’s height according to the grass type and season. Tall or unkempt grass can attract unwanted pests that may damage your home in the long run while also posing a health risk.
  • Trim hedges, shrubs and trees to prevent overgrowth and damage to your home’s exterior. Prune dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Overgrown trees and shrubs can damage the structural integrity of your home and its exterior, including its foundation and roof. Trim trees and shrubs so they are a good distance away from your siding to prevent moss growth, decay and damage to siding.
  • Remove weeds and dead plants from your garden beds and refresh mulch as needed. Proper mulching can help retain moisture, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature. Overgrown gardens can be inviting for pests and insects that may choose to make themselves at home in the structure of your house.
  • Landscaping can increase your home’s curb appeal while creating a welcoming sentiment. Add colorful, low-maintenance plants. Choose native plants and perennials that are well-adapted to your region for easier care, less maintenance and a positive impact on the local ecosystem.
  • Maintain a consistent watering schedule for your lawn and garden to promote growth and prevent drought stress. If water conservation is an issue, consider installing a drip irrigation system for efficient watering.

Repairs

Addressing exterior repairs promptly is essential to maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Waiting too long can mean damage that is more expensive and time consuming. Common exterior repairs include:

  • Roof leaks: Inspect your roof regularly for signs of damage. Fix leaks promptly to prevent water damage to your home’s interior. Replace missing or damaged shingles and ensure all flashing and vents are secure.
  • Cracks in siding: Repair cracks in your siding to prevent water infiltration and potential damage to your home’s structure. Inspect caulking around windows to ensure they are sealed. This can also help reduce heating or cooling costs and keep unwanted pests out.
  • Peeling paint: Scrape and repaint peeling paint to protect surfaces from moisture and maintain a polished appearance.

About Westlake Royal Building Products

Westlake Royal Building Products USA Inc., a Westlake company, is a leader throughout North America in the innovation, design, and production of a broad and diverse range of exterior and interior building products, including Siding and Accessories, Trim and Mouldings, Roofing, Stone, Windows and Outdoor Living. Westlake Royal Building Products manufactures high quality, low maintenance products to meet the specifications and needs of building professionals, homeowners, architects, engineers and distributors, while providing stunning curb appeal with an unmatched array of colors, styles, and accessories.

For more information, please visit WestlakeRoyalBuildingProducts.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.