Exterior Cleaning Maintenance Checklist in Montecito, CA

Exterior cleaning maintenance checklist

Siding

Every month

• Look over shaded walls for green or black growth and spot-clean small patches early

Every season

• Rinse pollen and dust off with a garden hose after the heaviest pollen season
• Check that sprinklers aren't spraying the walls
• Trim shrubs and branches so walls can dry

Every year

• Plan a house wash (soft wash) every 1-2 years, or yearly on damp, shaded or coastal homes
• Check caulk around windows and doors before washing

Roof

Every season

• Look at the roof from the ground for new black streaks, moss or lichen
• Clear branches and leaf piles off the roof

Every year

• Trim trees that shade the roof
• Plan a roof soft wash every 3-5 years, or when streaks come back

Deck

Every month

• Sweep leaves and debris off the deck and out of the gaps between boards

Every season

• Move planters and mats so wet spots can dry
• Do the water-drop test on wood: if water soaks in instead of beading, the finish is wearing out

Every year

• Clean the deck with a wood or composite cleaner at low pressure
• Check for loose boards, popped nails and soft spots
• Restain or reseal wood every 2-3 years, or when the water-drop test fails

Fence

Every season

• Pull plants and vines away from the fence
• Adjust sprinklers that hit the fence

Every year

• Clean the fence every 1-2 years (yearly for white vinyl)
• Check posts and rails for rot, rust or looseness

Driveway and walkways

Every month

• Sweep or blow off leaves, dirt and grass clippings
• Blot fresh oil drips with cat litter or an absorbent right away

Every season

• Sweep fertilizer granules off concrete right after spreading so they don't leave rust spots
• In freezing climates, rinse off deicing salt residue once winter ends

Every year

• Pressure wash concrete once a year, or more often in shade
• Reseal concrete every few years, depending on the sealer

Pavers

Every month

• Sweep and pull weeds from the joints before they spread

Every season

• Top up joint sand where it has washed out

Every year

• Clean pavers every 1-2 years
• Reseal every 2-4 years, after re-sanding the joints

Pool deck

Every month

• Rinse and sweep the deck, especially around drains and the coping

Every season

• Check for slippery green or black growth in shaded corners

Every year

• Clean the pool deck once or twice a year
• Reseal pavers, stamped concrete or travertine as the sealer requires

Gutters

Every season

• Clean gutters out in late fall after leaves drop, and again in spring
• Check that downspouts drain away from the foundation

Every year

• Brighten the outside of the gutters (tiger stripes) with a house wash every 1-2 years
• Check for sagging sections and leaking seams

A few minutes a month keeps growth and stains from setting in, and makes the professional cleanings easier and cheaper. Intervals are general; homes in humid, shaded or coastal spots need attention more often. The cleaning frequency tool adjusts them for your climate.

Want it all handled in one visit in Montecito, CA? Call (555) 010-0000 or book a visit online.