What’s the Must-Do Fall Exterior Maintenance Checklist for Tarrant County Homes?
Why fall? Dallas–Fort Worth’s average first freeze is November 22, so October–early November is the sweet spot for washing and sealing projects before temps dip and leaves fully drop (NWS Fort Worth freeze climatology). For asphalt shingle roofs, avoid high pressure and use manufacturer-recommended low-pressure/chemical methods (ARMA Technical Bulletin, 2024).
What problems does fall exterior maintenance solve in Tarrant County?
- Concrete cracking & surface wear—proper sealing and avoiding deicing salts help reduce freeze–thaw scaling and cracking where it occurs (NRMCA CIP-2).
- Algae streaks on asphalt shingles that worsen with shade and fall moisture—treat with approved low-pressure methods; never high pressure on shingles (ARMA).
- Slippery concrete, stone, and pavers from biofilm and soil—cleaning plus optional sealing makes cleanup easier and helps resist staining (ICPI Tech Spec 5).
- Porous natural stone staining from leaves/tannins and outdoor cooking—use stone-safe cleaners; sealing is situational but can help with oil/water repellence (Natural Stone Institute care).
- Leaf debris & clogged gutters that overflow and wet fascia/siding—plan a pre-freeze cleanout to ensure drainage (InterNACHI gutter guidance).
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Is soft washing & surface cleaning safe for common materials?
Asphalt shingles: Do not use high pressure. Treat discoloration with approved solutions at low pressure per industry guidance (ARMA).
Fiber-cement siding (e.g., James Hardie): Clean with soft brushes, low-pressure water, and mild cleaners. Aggressive washing may void warranties (James Hardie TB #20).
Vinyl siding: Typically soap + water + soft brush is sufficient; avoid harsh solvents (VSI cleaning & maintenance).
Concrete, pavers & natural stone: Use substrate-appropriate cleaners; consider sealing after a thorough fall clean to simplify winter/spring maintenance (ICPI Tech Spec 5, NSI).
Soft washing vs. pressure washing: what’s the difference?
Soft washing relies on low pressure and chemistry to lift organic soils—ideal for roofs and most siding (ARMA, James Hardie).
Pressure washing / surface cleaning uses controlled mechanical action for durable flatwork like concrete and many pavers; always match psi, tips, and distance to the substrate (NRMCA, ICPI).
How much does fall exterior cleaning/sealing cost in Tarrant County in 2025?
| Service | Typical Fall Scope | Starting Price* |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway/Sidewalk Concrete Cleaning | Surface-clean + rinse | $475+ |
| House Wash (1-story) | Soft wash siding/soffits/fascia | $775+ |
| House Wash (2-story) | Soft wash siding/soffits/fascia | $1,275+ |
| Roof Wash (asphalt) | Low-pressure treatment per ARMA | $775+ (size/complexity dependent) |
| Paver Cleaning + Re-Sand | Wash, install ASTM C144 sand | $875+ (area dependent) |
| Paver/Stone Sealing | Joint-stabilizing or penetrating sealer | $975+ (after cleaning) |
| Gutter Cleanout & Exterior Whitening | Debris removal + brightener | $475+ |
| Larger/Complex/Commercial | Custom scope | Custom quote |
Schedule washing and sealing for late September–early November to beat the average first freeze on Nov 22 and allow proper dry times (NWS Fort Worth).
What does a professional fall maintenance program look like?
- Inspection & testing: Identify substrates, organic growth, stains, and drainage; spot test cleaners/sealers where needed (NSI).
- Debris management: Blow/rake leaves; clear gutters/downspouts for safe runoff (InterNACHI).
- Pre-wet & protect: Rinse adjacent vegetation and mask sensitive items; verify low-pressure for roofs/siding (James Hardie TB #20).
- Apply cleaners correctly: Match chemistry to soil (organic, rust, grease). Keep within manufacturer dwell times; agitate only as appropriate (F9 BARC data, Enviro Bio Cleaner bulletin).
- Low-pressure rinse / roof treatment: Rinse siding/flatwork; treat shingles per ARMA guidance (no high pressure) (ARMA).
- Re-sand pavers (if applicable): Use clean, dry ASTM C144 joint sand; compact and top off (Trident TB7).
- Seal (optional but recommended on many hardscapes): Apply the appropriate joint-stabilizing or penetrating sealer with proper cure window before cold snaps (Trident sealers overview, ICPI Tech Spec 5).
Recommended Materials & Methods
| Material | Preferred Method / Product Class | Notes & Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingle Roofs | Soft wash, low pressure treatment | No high pressure; follow manufacturer bulletins (ARMA). |
| Fiber-Cement Siding | Soft brush + low pressure rinse | See Hardie TB #20 for cleaners/pressure limits (James Hardie). |
| Vinyl Siding | Mild soap + soft brush | Routine cleaning guidance (VSI). |
| Concrete Flatwork | Surface cleaning; optional penetrating/semi-film sealer | Helps resist moisture/deicers; mind freeze–thaw (NRMCA). |
| Concrete Pavers | Clean → ASTM C144 re-sand → joint-stabilizing sealer | Sealing simplifies maintenance; stabilize joints (ICPI, Trident). |
| Natural Stone (exterior) | Stone-safe cleaner; penetrating sealer where appropriate | Sealing is situational; match chemistry to stone type (NSI). |
| Rust/Fertilizer Stains | Specialty restorative cleaner | Use masonry-safe rust removers as directed (F9 BARC data). |
| Grease/Oil on Concrete | Professional degreaser | Follow mix ratios and dwell times (Enviro Bio Cleaner). |
Fall Checklist for Tarrant County Homeowners
- Gutters: Clear debris and flush downspouts before early November to handle fall rains and the first freeze (NWS Fort Worth, InterNACHI).
- Roof: Treat algae, check flashing, and keep valleys leaf-free. Use low-pressure methods on shingles (ARMA).
- Siding: Soft wash to remove mildew, pollen, and dirt film. Follow material-specific bulletins (Hardie TB #20, VSI).
- Concrete & Pavers: Wash traffic areas; re-sand pavers and consider sealing to deter stains and joint washout (ICPI, Trident TB7).
- Natural Stone: Clean leaf stains promptly; evaluate if penetrating sealer is warranted for your stone and use (NSI).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best window for sealing hardscapes in DFW? Aim for dry weather in late September–October so sealers can cure before the typical Nov 22 first freeze (NWS Fort Worth).
Is soft washing safe for Hardie board? Yes—when done per TB #20: low pressure, soft brush, and approved cleaners (James Hardie).
How often should I clean gutters? In most neighborhoods, twice a year—late spring and early fall—plus after major storms if you have heavy tree cover (InterNACHI).
Will sealing make my pavers or stone slippery? Finish and product matter. Joint-stabilizing sealers can be selected for natural look or sheen; always test a small area first and follow the product TDS (Trident overview).
Can pressure washing damage roofs? Yes—avoid high pressure on asphalt shingles; treat with low pressure chemistry per ARMA (ARMA).
References
- NWS Fort Worth: DFW average first & last freeze dates
- ARMA Technical Bulletin: Algae Discoloration of Roofs (2024)
- James Hardie Technical Bulletin #20: Cleaning & Maintenance
- Vinyl Siding Institute: Cleaning & Maintenance
- ICPI Tech Spec 5: Cleaning & Sealing Interlocking Concrete Pavement
- Trident: Joint-Stabilizing Sealers overview
- Trident TB7: Joint Stabilizing Sealer vs. Polymeric Sand
- F9 BARC: Product Data Sheet (rust/fertilizer stain remover)
- Enviro Bio Cleaner: Product Bulletin
- NRMCA CIP-2: Scaling Concrete Surfaces (freeze–thaw)
Ready to knock out your Fall Checklist?
Titan Pressure Washing matches chemistry to your surface and uses controlled low-pressure rinsing. We also offer protective coating options—plus pressure washing · roof washing · stone & concrete sealing.
