Pre-Summer Home Maintenance — Madison, WI

Removes winter salt haze, mildew, and pollen before summer humidity bakes it in. Always soft wash — high pressure damages siding and voids manufacturer warranties. Typical Madison budget: $275–$650 one-story, $450–$900 two-story.

Post-winter gutter cleaning flushes debris, inspects for ice dam damage, and verifies downspout drainage before summer thunderstorms. Typical Madison budget: $199–$425. Bundle inspection free with cleaning.

Soft wash treatment is the only ARMA-approved method for asphalt shingles. Pressure washing destroys granules and voids warranties. Spring timing kills winter spore load before summer heat accelerates regrowth. Typical budget: $350–$1,200.

Cleaner, brightener, and correct dry-down time are the three determinants of how long your stain lasts. Skipping brightener is why most DIY stain jobs look blotchy by August. Typical budget: $175–$550 for prep only.

Avoid the 2–3 week peak oak and maple pollen window in late April and early May — windows cleaned during peak show pollen film within 24 hours. Combined interior + exterior is 20–30% cheaper than two separate visits.

Removes de-icer stains, oil drips, and winter moss before summer heat bakes contamination deeper into concrete pores. Typical budget: $125–$325 single-car driveway, $250–$850 patio. Surface cleaner attachment required for pro results.

Wood fence cleaning extends life by 5–10 years in Wisconsin climate and reads as 'new' at the property line. Runs $2–5 per linear foot for wood privacy fence. DIY works on chain link but rarely looks professional on wood.

Two surfaces most homeowners forget: the garage door face and the foundation bottom 18 inches, both of which collect winter salt splash. Almost always bundled free into a full exterior package — marginal cost is minimal when crews are already on-site.