The outside of your home serves as the barrier between you and the elements, and while it ideally functions fine, rough weather can cause damage and leave behind issues long after the rain and wind have passed. The heavy Illinois rains and cold winters can cause contaminants to hide in your home’s siding like mold, dirt, and mildew! This can grow over time if left unchecked, extending all the way from mold buildup to partial renovations and even foundation issues.

When water is left to evaporate on its own after a weather event, it can sometimes pool against your house’s foundation. Not only does this cause cracks and the eventual decay of your home’s infrastructure, but the excessive rain and moisture will affect your siding and cause dirt and grime buildup. This is the perfect situation for mold and mildew, who use moisture remnants like this to grow in and around your home.

All too easily mold wreaks havoc on your house’s exterior, eating away at the outside walls and causing massive amounts of expenses in renovations and repairs. Now, while the weather is something that is out of everyone’s control, with one or two simple yet important tips from us you can help protect your home from its effects and save money down the road!

The Art of Pressure Washing

When facing safety hazards such as mold or foundation cracks, it is always the little things that can save us time, money, and energy in the end. While mold is caused by leftover moisture that sits and festers on the siding, concrete foundation, wood and more, a simple solution is present.

Twice-annual pressure washing sessions are recommended for all homeowners for their driveways, exterior walls, gutters and more. When using a pressure washer we fight water with water, shooting water through a highly-pressured system; this clears away the old moisture and minimal debris that have settled around your house. Again, it is the little things like regular home upkeep that will ensure your home’s longevity and condition.

Additionally, pressure washing your home will decrease the chance of mildew build up and clear your driveway of all the weeds that ruin its pristine feel, keeping your curbside appeal at the top of the range.

Get Your Debris Out of the Gutter

The second tip we have for you draws attention to a feature of your home that is often forgotten about, looked over and it’s importance diminished. When the heavy rains melt away the Illinois Winter snow from your roof, where does it all go? Your gutter system is the main reason that your house is protected from a large amount of rainwater, and your landscape is protected for that matter. Your gutters do this by carrying away the water flow from your home and down the street drain, away from your property where it can’t cause damage.

When all is well, you never notice your gutters. However, if a section is broken, blocked, or has a leak, that is when you pay attention and recognize it needs repairs as soon as possible. This is why we recommend biannual inspections for your home gutters, to make sure they are working properly!

Simple things like annual inspections, pressure washing, and gutter maintenance can stop leaks and other issues before they even happen. General upkeep can also reduce the blemishes that are present on the exterior of your home while keeping it looking spotless. Maintaining the little things can and will help your home be there for you to build memories in the years to come!