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What should you know first?
After a Cleveland winter, begin with high-traffic concrete, entries, curb lines, and lower building walls where salt and road film collect. Inspect siding and shaded elevations for algae, then clean exterior windows after surrounding surfaces. Schedule when temperatures remain above freezing and drainage will not create an icing risk.
Start low, where winter residue collects
Salt and road film concentrate on driveways, walks, loading areas, curbs, and the lower portion of walls near traffic. These surfaces usually show the biggest early-season change after cleaning.
Inspect before washing
Freeze-thaw cycles can reveal cracked concrete, loose mortar, failed caulk, and shifted pavers. Cleaning does not repair those conditions. Identifying them first helps the crew adjust the method and helps the owner separate maintenance from repair.
Finish from walls to glass
Building or house washing should happen before exterior window cleaning. That order keeps runoff from spotting finished glass and makes the final result more consistent.
- Concrete and entrances
- Lower walls and curb lines
- Shaded siding or roof growth
- Exterior windows last