Spring exterior cleaning checklist for Central Texas homeowners

Spring is the right time to clean and inspect your Central Texas exterior before the heat of summer sets in. Work through this checklist in order, starting with gutters after the pollen and seed drop and ending with a walk-around that catches rot and leaning posts.

1. Gutters: clear them after pollen and seed drop

Cedar pollen peaks in mid-January and tapers off toward the beginning of March, just as oak pollen and spring seeds start. Once that drop is over, clear gutters and downspouts so water flows away from your foundation. Clogged gutters overflow and dump water against your siding and foundation, which is how small problems become expensive ones. Check for sagging sections, loose hangers and downspouts that have pulled away from the house. See our note on how often to clean gutters in Central Texas.

2. House wash: soft wash siding, brick and stucco

A soft wash uses low pressure and a cleaning solution that kills mildew and algae at the root, which is what siding, brick and stucco need. Spring is the ideal window because temperatures are mild and the cleaning solution has time to work before the heat of summer. Pay attention to the north side of the house and under eaves where shade keeps surfaces damp and mildew grows fastest. See our note on how often to wash a house in Central Texas.

3. Concrete and driveway: pressure wash for a deep clean

Concrete driveways, sidewalks and patios are hard surfaces that tolerate high water pressure. A pressure wash lifts embedded dirt, mildew and staining that a garden hose cannot touch. Spring cleaning gets the surface ready for summer and removes the grime that winter storms leave behind. Oil spots from the garage and rust stains from fertilizer need extra attention and the right cleaner to lift them out of the pores of the concrete.

4. Fence and deck: wash, then stain on a dry mild stretch

Wash fences and decks at low pressure, then let the wood dry fully before any stain or sealer goes on. Stain on a dry, mild stretch, not in the heat of a summer afternoon, so the finish cures properly. Check for loose boards, protruding nails and posts that have started to lean. See our note on how often to stain a fence in Central Texas.

5. Pavers: reseal if water stops beading

Sprinkle water on your pavers. If it beads up, the sealer is still working. If it soaks in and darkens the stone, the sealer has worn off and it is time to reseal. Spring is a good time to check because the pavers have been through a full winter of rain and temperature swings. Look for joint sand that has washed out and weeds pushing up between stones. See our note on when to seal pavers in Central Texas.

6. Screens and windows: clean and inspect for damage

Remove and clean window screens, then inspect them for tears and bent frames. Clean windows inside and out. Check caulking around doors and windows for cracks and replace it where needed. This is also the time to look for gaps where pests can get in and to make sure window wells are clear of debris.

7. Walk-around: catch rot and leaning posts

Walk the perimeter of your home and look for wood rot on decks, railings, windowsills and steps. Check fence posts for leaning or movement. Look for cracks in the foundation and gaps where water can enter. Catching these issues in spring means you can repair them before summer storms make them worse. Work through this checklist each spring and your exterior will hold up better through the heat, storms and pollen seasons that Central Texas throws at it. If you want help with any of these tasks, send a few photos and we will tell you honestly what needs doing and what can wait.

Common questions

Related: How often to clean gutters, How often to wash a house, When to seal pavers