As leaves fall to an end and we head into the early days of spring, many homeowners are surprised to see that their property looks worse off than it did through the coldest months. During winter, snow-covered lawns and frozen conditions play a role in hiding grime, which in turn makes things appear much cleaner than they are. But as March comes in, with it comes the break in of warmer weather, more sun, and also what is left from the winter, which in turn reveals the true state of your home’s exterior.
Understanding what causes these issues helps you to proactively deal with the maintenance, which in turn keeps your property looking its best.
The Illusion of Cleanliness During Winter
In the wintertime snow serves as a natural blanket that covers what would be your home’s siding, driveways, and walkways. Dust, dirt, and debris accumulate slowly, but they go unnoticed as they are covered by layers of frost and snow. Also, when the snow does melt out of season only for a temporary time, the weak sun and lack of consistent moisture cause these contaminants to not be as noticeable.
Also, at the same time, frozen conditions repel dirt from getting in or out. Mud and grime are actually locked in, which also gives the home a very clean and uniform look through the season.
Thaw Cycles Bring Hidden Dirt to the Surface
March has very changeable weather that goes between frosty nights and warmer days. That which is termed a “thaw cycle” is very much the reason your home appears to get messier.
Concrete, brick, and siding surfaces that see snow and ice loss during the day absorb that water, which then seeps into small cracks and voids. At night as temperatures fall, that which was absorbed refreezes and expands. This process, which is repeated, pushes out built-up dirt and grime to the surface, which in turn makes it more noticeable.
During the winter these were not at all noticeable.
Moisture Release and Residue Buildup
Another issue is that which over the winter goes through the soil. Also, it is seen that which is in snow and ice—road salt, dirt, and organic material. As things melt out, these pollutants are left on your home’s exterior.
Driveways and sidewalks see the most salt residue, which leaves white marks and streaks. Also, it is in the shade that mildew and soot will collect, as moisture has a harder time evaporating there.
Once things start to dry out in March, that residue, which has been hidden before, becomes very noticeable, and your home takes on a less presentable appearance.
Increased Sunlight Highlights Imperfections
March sees the days lengthen and the light brighten. Which is a change that is looked forward to after winter but also a surprise that brings to notice all the issues with your home’s exterior.
Dust and algae stand out more in direct sun; also, in early spring you notice faded areas that had been missed before. The sun angle casts shadows, which in turn bring out imperfections in surfaces and small residues of grime.
This change in lighting also causes the appearance of sudden and unexplained dust, which in turn may cause the home to look much dirtier than it did before.
Wind and Early Spring Debris
In early spring weather, which is unpredictable, gusty winds carry dust, pollen, and debris. Damp surfaces left by melting snow are easy hosts for these particles.
Roofing materials, gutters, and siding are at greatest risk at this time. Also leaves and organic matter that had been pressed down by snow may reappear, which in turn adds to the mess.
Also out in the open is that with present winter debris this new layer of litter will quickly make your property look neglected if not addressed.
The Role of Mold and Mildew
As it is that temperatures are increasing and at the same time moisture levels are high, there is a development of mold and mildew on exterior surfaces. It is noted these growths are to be found in damp, shaded areas and at times present as dark streaks and green patches.
March brings in ideal growth, which is seen particularly on north-facing walls and out-of-the-way spots that don’t get much sun. What was at first unnoticeable spore growth over winter turns in no time into very visible colonies, which in turn gives a sense of a much dirtier home.
When Pressure Washing Becomes Effective
As soon as the weather warms up, it may be very easy to go ahead and clean the house, but that’s not the best approach. Surfaces have to fully defrost and dry out first before you begin cleaning.
Attempting at the start to clean surfaces may cause uneven results, which in some cases may also damage them, particularly when there is still moisture in the products. Once temperatures stay at a consistent level above freezing and the surfaces are dry, pressure washing is a very effective solution.
This is where professional services come into play. Hiring experts for professional pressure washing services in Chesapeake, which are guaranteed to clean your home safely and fully. The company knows what pressure levels, what cleaning solutions, and at what time of year will best remove winter residue without damaging your surfaces.
Preparing Your Home for Spring Cleaning
Before you set up a cleaning service, do a walk-through of your property. Look at which areas have the most buildup, stains, or mold. Also do a sweep for loose debris like leaves and branches, which in turn will improve the results of pressure washing.
Pay special attention to traffic ways such as driveways, walkways, and entryways, which tend to collect the most dirt in winter. By attending to these areas first you may see great improvement in your home’s appearance.
Final Thoughts
In March you may notice that your home has changed; that is normal. Freeze and thaw cycles, moisture release, longer days with more sunlight, and also the fact that some debris remains from winter all make the dirt and grime more noticeable.
Through awareness of these issues, you may put in place proactive measures to restore your home’s exterior. Once the time is right, a full cleaning will remove that which has built up over months and return your property to a fresh, well-maintained look.
Spring is a great time to refresh and revamp your home, which begins with the outer space.
