Owning a home in Teesside means dealing with a unique set of challenges. From the salty air near Hartlepool and Redcar to the industrial dust in Middlesbrough and the moss-loving dampness of the Tees Valley, our local climate can be tough on your property's exterior.
For many homeowners, exterior maintenance is a reactive task—something you deal with only when a gutter starts leaking or a window becomes too dirty to see through. But taking a proactive approach doesn't just make your home look better; it protects your biggest financial investment from costly long-term damage.
At Operation Clean, we've spent years restoring and maintaining homes across Stockton, Middlesbrough, and the wider Teesside area. We've seen exactly what happens when maintenance is neglected—and how simple, regular care can transform a property. This "Ultimate Guide" brings together all our expert advice into one place.
The "Big 4" of Exterior Maintenance
When we assess a property, we look at four key areas. These are the components that define your home's curb appeal and, more importantly, its weatherproofing integrity.
Windows & Frames
Role: Light entry, insulation, curb appeal.
Threats: Hard water stains, frame oxidation, seal failure.
Gutters & Downpipes
Role: Water management, structural protection.
Threats: Blockages, damp ingress, foundation erosion.
Soffits & Fascias
Role: Roof ventilation, pest barrier, aesthetics.
Threats: Green algae, black mould, rot (in timber).
Conservatories
Role: Living space, light.
Threats: Moss buildup on roofs, algae in seals, leaks.
1. Window Cleaning: More Than Just Glass
Clean windows are the single biggest factor in your home's appearance. But in Teesside, "clean" isn't always simple. Traditional methods often leave sticky soap residue that attracts fresh dirt within days.
The Pure Water Revolution
We use purified water—stripped of all minerals and impurities. When this water dries, it leaves zero residue, meaning your windows stay cleaner for significantly longer. It also allows us to clean frames and sills simultaneously without fear of chemical damage.
Recommended Frequency
- Residential (Busy Road/Coastal): Every 4 weeks
- Residential (Quiet Estate): Every 6-8 weeks
- Commercial: Monthly or bi-monthly
2. Gutter Cleaning: Your First Line of Defence
While windows are about aesthetics, gutters are about structural safety. Blocked gutters are a leading cause of penetrating damp in Teesside homes.
The Hidden Danger
Leaves, moss from roof tiles, and general debris accumulate in your gutters year-round. When it rains (and it rains a lot in the North East: approx 600mm/year), this blockage forces water over the edges and down your walls.
This constant saturation leads to:
- Damp patches on internal walls
- Rotting fascia boards
- Erosion of brickwork pointing
- Foundation subsidence (in extreme cases)
When to Clean?
We strongly recommend a yearly gutter clear, ideally in late Autumn (November/December) after the leaves have fallen but before the deep winter freeze sets in.
3. & 4. Plastics & Conservatories
Restoring uPVC (Soffits & Fascias)
Your white uPVC plastics shouldn't be grey or green. That's algae and traffic film. Over time, this grime "bites" into the plastic, causing permanent staining.
Our cleaning service doesn't just rinse them; we use safe, traffic-film removing solutions to lift the dirt and restore that "just installed" shine. It's the quickest way to give your whole house a facelift.
Check Soffit Cleaning Details →Conservatory Care
A conservatory should be a bright sanctuary, not a gloomy, moss-covered cave. Roof panels are notorious for gathering green slime, which blocks light and can damage seals, leading to expensive leaks.
We clean everything: the decorative finials, the roof panels (glass or polycarbonate), the gutters, and the frames. It brings the light back in.
See Conservatory Valeting →The Teesside Home Maintenance Calendar
Keep your home in perfect condition year-round with this simple schedule:
Spring (March - May)
Full "Spring Clean". Wash away winter grime. Clean windows, frames, and freshen up the conservatory ready for summer.
Summer (June - August)
Regular window cleaning to enjoy the sunshine. Check gutters for any grass/weeds growing.
Autumn (Sept - Nov)
CRITICAL: Gutter clearing. As leaves fall, get them cleared before the heavy rains of winter.
Winter (Dec - Feb)
Maintenance mode. Keep windows clean to maximise low light. Monitor gutters for overflowing during storms.
Don't Do It Yourself...
Ladders are dangerous, and professional equipment gives superior results. Why risk your safety or spend your weekends scrubbing?
Operation Clean offers a reliable, 5-star rated service across Teesside. We send text reminders before we arrive, you can pay online, and we guarantee our work.