5 Smart Exterior Cleaning Moves to Protect Your Georgia Home Before Winter

As the days grow shorter and the humidity in Middle Georgia begins its seasonal shift, now is the perfect time to take proactive steps to protect your home’s exterior. Whether you live in Griffin, Barnesville, Macon or anywhere in Middle GA, these five smart cleaning tasks will help you maintain curb appeal, prevent damage, and set yourself up for a smoother spring. At AEW, we see many homes after winter damage sets in — here’s how to stay ahead.

1. Clear the gutters and flush the downspouts

Leaves, pine straw, and debris build-up around your roof and gutters now can lead to overflow, ice or moss accumulation, and even foundation issues in spring.
Why it matters: Blocked gutters force water under fascia boards or shingles, and in Georgia’s humid climate, dampness + shade = moss, algae, and rot.
DIY tip: Wear non-slip shoes, use a stable ladder, scoop out debris, and then run a hose through the downspout on the ground to ensure proper flow.
Pro tip from AEW: After cleaning, inspect the gutter hangers and alignment. If they’re pulling away or sagging, schedule a fascia check during your next pressure wash service.

2. Wash the siding with a soft-wash method

Standard high-pressure washing is not always the best option for home walls — especially in humid climates where siding, trim, and soffits may be more delicate.
Why it matters: Dust, pollen, mildew and algae build up in the gaps around windows, eaves, and siding textures. Left un-washed they degrade paint, invite insects, and reduce home resilience.
DIY tip: Use a low-pressure spray (<1500 psi), a mild detergent designed for siding, and always rinse from top to bottom. Avoid pointing the nozzle straight at trim joints or window seals.
Pro tip from AEW: Consider scheduling a professional soft-wash in late autumn while foliage is still around — fewer leaves means easier access and better results.

3. Clean your driveway and walkways before salt or freeze-thaw

Concrete and paved surfaces take a beating when winter hits — freeze-thaw cycles, salt/ice melt residues, and shifting soils around them.
Why it matters: Dirty surfaces hold moisture longer, accelerate cracking, and the accumulated grime makes sealing (if you do it) less effective. Plus, clean concrete enhances curb appeal if you plan to sell in spring.
DIY tip: Sweep off loose debris, then use a pressure washer with a 25-degree nozzle about 12–18 inches away from surface. Work in strips to maintain a wet edge and avoid streaking.
Pro tip from AEW: After cleaning, seal your driveway if it’s older than 8-10 years or shows hairline cracks. A clean surface ensures better seal adhesion and longer protection.

4. Inspect and clean your roof (and consider soft wash)

Roofs in Georgia accumulate algae, black streaks, moss, and granule loss more quickly than in many drier regions. If unchecked, this reduces shingle lifespan and increases risk for leaks.
Why it matters: Clean roofs reflect more light, stay cooler, and last longer. Debris or shade on the roof accelerates shingle wear and invites moss/lichen.
DIY tip: From the ground, use binoculars to look for dark streaks, granule loss, curling shingles, and blocked gutters feeding into the roofline. Don’t climb up unless you’re trained and insured.
Pro tip from AEW: Ask about their soft-wash roof cleaning service — it uses appropriate chemicals and very low pressure to safely clean shingles and extend their life.

5. Tidy up your deck, fence & outdoor living areas

Winter preparation isn’t just about inside the home. Outdoor surfaces — decks, fences, patios — take on moisture and biological growth in Georgia’s climate. A clean surface going into cooler weather prevents bigger cleanup in spring.
Why it matters: Insects, mildew, algae and damp wood weaken outdoor structures and pose a slip hazard. Regular cleaning prolongs life and helps maintain value.
DIY tip: Remove furniture, sweep surface, then use a pressure washer or specialized deck cleaner. Use an 8–12 inch (20–30 cm) spray width, keep nozzle about 12–16 inches away to avoid damage. Stain or seal after cleaning if needed.
Pro tip from AEW: If your fence or deck has visible green algae, brown siding below it (which is common on north-facing surfaces in Georgia), ask about their “deck/fence cleaning + mold-kill” package to deeply clean and inhibit regrowth.

These five steps may seem minor individually, but together they build strong exterior resilience for homes in Middle Georgia — especially given our humidity, heat, and unique climate stresses. Whether you decide to tackle some of these yourself or call in the professionals at AEW, doing the prep now will save time, money, and headaches later.

Ready for a professional touch? Contact AEW for a free estimate on home exterior cleaning, roof soft wash, driveway revitalization or deck/fence cleaning in Griffin, Barnesville, Macon and beyond. Let’s get your home ready for winter — and set up for a spectacular spring.