Northern Virginia homes go through a lot in a year: a heavy spring pollen season, humid summers, a big fall leaf drop and the occasional ice storm. Each season leaves something different on the outside of the house.
This exterior home maintenance checklist breaks the year into four seasons and tells you what to check and clean on your siding, roof, gutters, windows and concrete. Following it keeps algae, water damage and staining from building up between cleanings.
Use it as your yearly plan. When you want something handed off, our exterior cleaning services cover every item on the list.
Spring Checklist
- After the pollen peak, schedule a house washing to remove pollen, algae and winter grime.
- Get the inside and outside of the windows cleaned.
- Check the roof for black streaks or moss and book roof cleaning if needed.
- Clear seed pods and pollen from the gutters.
Summer Checklist
- Clean the patio, deck and pool area before peak entertaining.
- Clear green growth from shaded walkways and steps.
- Point sprinklers away from siding and windows.
- Trim branches touching the roof or siding.
Fall Checklist
- Book gutter cleaning after most leaves drop.
- Wash the house to clear a summer’s worth of algae before winter.
- Clean the driveway and walkways before leaves stain them.
- Check that downspouts drain away from the foundation.
Here is our full guide to how often to clean gutters.
Winter Checklist
- Watch for overflowing gutters during freezes and thaws.
- Keep walkways clear of leaves that turn slick.
- Note any streaks or growth to address in spring.
- Book spring services early, before the busy season.
Year-Round Problems to Watch For
- Green or black growth on the north side of the house.
- Black streaks on the roof.
- Overflowing gutters or water pooling at the foundation.
- Soft or peeling wood on trim and fascia.
- Slippery, green walkways and steps.
Each of these is easier and cheaper to fix early. Most come back to one cause: water staying where it should not.
Budgeting for Your Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist
Most homeowners budget for a house wash every year or two, gutter cleaning twice a year and windows twice a year, with roof cleaning every few years. Bundling services in one visit saves money. See what power washing costs for current prices.
How Often Each Surface Needs Cleaning
| Surface | How often | Best season |
|---|---|---|
| Siding | Every 12 to 24 months | Late spring or early fall |
| Roof | Every 2 to 5 years | Spring through fall |
| Gutters | Twice a year or more | Late spring and late fall |
| Windows | Twice a year | Spring and fall |
| Driveway and walkways | Every 12 to 24 months | Spring or fall |
| Pressure washing for decks and patios | Every 1 to 2 years | Late spring |
For more on timing, see the best time of year to pressure wash your house. For decks and patios, our pressure washing service matches the method to the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean the outside of my house?
Most Northern Virginia homes need a house wash every 12 to 24 months, gutters twice a year, windows twice a year and the roof every 2 to 5 years.
Can I schedule several exterior services in one visit?
Yes, and it usually saves money and time. Many homeowners combine house washing, windows, gutters and concrete in one visit.
What is the most important fall maintenance task?
Gutter cleaning after the leaves drop. Clear gutters keep water away from your fascia, siding and foundation through the winter.
Which areas do you serve?
We are based in Manassas and serve homeowners across Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Prince William County, Arlington and Alexandria.
What should be on an exterior home maintenance checklist?
At minimum: house washing, roof inspection and cleaning, gutter cleaning, window cleaning, and cleaning driveways, walkways and patios. Add checking downspouts, trimming trees and watching for wood rot on trim.
Exterior Maintenance in Northern Virginia, Done Right
A little each season beats a big, expensive fix later. Use the checklist, and hand off whatever you would rather not do yourself.
We serve homeowners across Northern Virginia, including Burke, Centreville, Clifton, Fairfax, Great Falls and Manassas. See every community we serve.
Get your free quote or call 571-364-4466. We answer calls and quote requests 24/7.
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