With Seattle weather being what it is, keeping the outside of your house looking good and working well is one of the best things you can do to preserve your home and its curb appeal.
The climate in Seattle, with its usual downpours, humidity and sunbursts, poses unique problems for homeowners wishing to maintain the lively appearance of their homes in every month of the year. With autumn here and winter on its way, it’s time to prep your home’s exterior for the rainy months ahead.
Here’s how to keep your home’s exterior looking great all year round and prepared to take on Seattle’s fluctuating weather.
Regular Cleaning is Key
Cleaning your home’s exterior regularly is one of the most important tasks to ensure that it looks good. Over time, dirt, moss, algae, and mildew buildup, especially in Seattle’s rainy environment. The Pacific Northwest’s climate predisposes it to moss and algae, particularly growing on roofs, sidings,g and sidewalks. These substances not only make your home look dirty but can damage surfaces.
Cleaning every few months will prevent these growths on your home’s exterior. Using a pressure washer or a soft garden hose to wash away dirt, debris and mildew. Just be sure you’re cleaning places such as the roof, gutters, siding and deck frequently, particularly shaded areas where moisture can stick around.
Keep Seattle’s Rain at Bay
Rain is a given in Seattle, and those conditions can take a toll on exterior surfaces, especially if they are not well maintained. Keeping your paint in an optimal state is one of the best ways to protect your home from the effects of rain. Faded, chipped, or peeling paint lets moisture permeate the materials below, which can lead to damage including rot (in wood) or rust (in metal).
High-quality, weather-resistant exterior paint will protect your home’s surfaces from the destructive effects of constant exposure to rain. If you see any areas where the paint is crumbling, you need to repaint them so that more destruction doesn’t occur. A professional painting company Seattle can advise you on which paint is best suited for Seattle’s wet climate that will look good year round.
Prune Back Overgrown Trees and Shrubs
Although greenery can contribute to the charm of your home, overgrown trees and foliage can be a problem. In winter, heavy snow and rain can cause branches to sag or break and do damage to your home’s exterior. In the summer, tall trees or bushes can cast too much shade, preventing moisture from evaporating off surfaces and encouraging moss or mold growth.
Frequent pruning of trees and shrubs around the perimeter of your house will help prevent them from brushing up against your outside surfaces. Be sure branches are at least several feet away from your home’s walls, roof, and windows. This also prevents leaves from building up in the gutter, which can lead to blockages and, if left unchecked, water damage.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Even small cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior can make a big mess during a rainstorm. Moisture can get in through these gaps, making wood swell or the foundation weak. This gap also provides entry to rodents or insects.
Examine your home’s outside at least once a year, with special attention to spots around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use high-quality caulk or weatherstripping to seal any cracks or gaps that you have found so that your home is well-protected from the elements. This company can also make repairs and seal any damage as part of their exterior painting services.
Repaint When Necessary
One of the best ways to preserve the outside of the home is through painting, but in Seattle, you must do so when needed. A fresh coat of paint not only enhances your home’s aesthetics but also adds a protective shield against moisture, UV rays, and the growth of mildew.
Seattle’s climate can take its toll on exterior paint, so you want to work with a professional painting company in Seattle. They will know which types of paints work best in the area’s humid atmosphere. Home is lively if paints are high quality and protect your home from sun and rain.
Perform Seasonal Inspections
Finally, check your home’s exterior for seasonal wear and tear to catch potential problems early before they become major issues. In the spring and the fall, check your gutters for debris, look for damage to your siding, and evaluate the state of your roof. Check for wear and tear, including peeling paint, cracked tiles, or damaged shingles.
These seasonal spring maintenance tips will help keep your home running smoothly all year long if you catch problems early on.
Conclusion
All this is rather a chore, but regular cleaning, protecting it against the rain, trimming the greenery, sealing any gaps, and repainting as necessary are all great ways to preserve the appeal of your home. A professional painting company in Seattle knows the right materials needed to paint your home’s exterior and properly maintain it to prevent the effects of the local climate. With a bit of care, your home will remain glowing 365 days a year, whatever Seattle’s weather can dish up.
