Your home’s exterior probably looked clean and vibrant when you first bought the house, but extreme weather conditions and Pennsylvania’s four seasons can wreak havoc over time. We have created this guide to help homeowners keep their exteriors looking great all year long.
Buy or Rent a Pressure Washer
Buy or rent a pressure washer to remove stubborn dirt and debris from the exterior of your Pennsylvania home. Pennsylvania is prone to all four seasons, and winters can be especially harsh. As the snow melts away in the spring, it can leave behind mud and dirt on your home’s siding. Summer rains can also lead to many pests and a dull, dirty exterior.
Choose the Right Materials
Choosing the right materials in the first place can help you keep your home’s exterior clean with minimal maintenance. Flagstone and natural stone materials are durable and slip-resistant, making them an excellent choice. You can also apply a water-based sealant to them to not only help them last longer but also boost your home’s design. Waterproofing your exterior walkways will also make them easier to clean.
Plant Low-Maintenance Plants and Flowers
Plants and flowers can do wonders for your home’s exterior. However, not everyone has the time or motivation to keep up with the required maintenance. Carefully planning your landscape design with abundant low-maintenance plants and flowers can help you keep a good-looking area without spending hours in the front or backyard.
A few of our favorite low-maintenance garden plants include Daylily, Coneflower, Hosta, and Lavender. Be careful about whether you plant annuals or perennials too. An annual flower is one that you have to replant each year. A perennial plant returns each year without having to add more seeds. Creating a garden with a mixture of both is one of the best ways to enjoy a low-maintenance outdoor garden. Choosing flowers and plants, you love is also an excellent way to make your backyard cozier.
Keep Your Gutters Clean and in Good Working Condition
Your home’s gutters may be more important than you realize. A gutter’s primary purpose is to redirect rain and melted snow to the ground. This helps avoid mold, mildew, and other sources of standing water that can make your home look less than desirable and potentially lead to damage. Try to make it a point to keep your gutters clean and in good condition.
Clean the Windows Each Spring
Adding cleaning of your home’s exterior windows to your spring cleaning list can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. Rinse the exterior windows with a hose and then scrub them down with a sponge or microfiber mop. You can attach the mop to a pole to reach higher, second-floor windows. Mix up a solution of white vinegar and dish detergent with warm water. Spray each window with the mop again to rinse it off before it dries.
Touch Up the Paint
Dull or chipped paint can also make your home’s exterior look less than attractive. Keep a gallon of the paint you use when painting your home’s exterior. If you hire a professional for exterior painting services, ask for a small can to make any necessary touch-ups. Get in the habit of touching up any minor chips or damaged areas each spring to avoid a larger project.
You could also use this time to give the front or back doors a fresh coat of paint. Paint these doors the same color as your home’s exterior, or go for a unique pop of color for something bolder. Wipe down or replace your home’s exterior hardware, including the door handles, and refresh your address numbers.
Upgrade or Repair Your Home’s Steps
Many homeowners don’t realize how easy of a DIY project it can be to upgrade their exterior steps. Repairing broken steps can make your home safer for your family and visitors. Replacing broken or unrepairable steps can also give your outdoor space a new design. Consider something easy and low-maintenance, like natural stone steps.
Improve Your Home’s Hardscaping
Landscaping tasks, like mowing and hedging, are on many homeowners’ to-do lists. Yet, many skip hardscaping, which is a longer, more permanent solution to boosting your curb appeal.
Hardscaping projects typically offer a longer-lasting result and can turn your dull yard into one of your favorite places to relax and unwind. Consider adding a patio to increase your entertaining space. Add a few large boulders to give your landscaping design a unique look while also creating barriers around gardens or play areas.
Pennsylvania boasts beautiful, warm summers and cozy falls. Spruce up your yard and give it the attention it deserves with a few DIY projects to minimize maintenance and upkeep. Make minor paint retouches as needed and choose easy-to-maintain materials in the first place to achieve a beautiful home without having to spend too much time or money.
