Florida's Climate Demands More Frequent Cleaning
If you moved to Florida from up north, you've probably noticed how fast things get dirty here. That green film on your driveway, the black streaks on your roof, the mildew creeping up your siding — it's not your imagination. Florida's combination of heat, humidity, and rainfall creates ideal conditions for mold, mildew, and algae to thrive year-round.
Up north, most homes can go 2-3 years between pressure washings. In Jacksonville — the timeline is much shorter.
Recommended Schedule for Florida
| Surface | Frequency | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| House Siding (Soft Wash) | Every 12 months | Spring (March-April) |
| Driveway & Sidewalks | Every 6-12 months | Spring or Fall |
| Roof (Soft Wash) | Every 12-24 months | Fall (Oct-Nov) |
| Deck or Patio | Every 6-12 months | Spring |
| Pool Deck | Every 6 months | Spring and Fall |
| Pavers | Every 12-18 months | Before resealing |
| Fence | Every 12-24 months | Any time |
Why Florida Homes Get Dirty Faster
Humidity
Jacksonville averages 75% relative humidity year-round. Mold and mildew need just 60% to grow. That means conditions for biological growth exist literally every day. Shaded north-facing walls and areas near landscaping are especially vulnerable.
Rain Patterns
Florida gets 50+ inches of rain annually, mostly in summer afternoon thunderstorms. This constant wet-dry cycle accelerates organic growth on every exterior surface.
Tree Coverage
Jacksonville is one of the most heavily treed urban areas in the country. Live oaks, pines, and palms provide beautiful shade — and a constant supply of pollen, sap, and organic debris that coats your home.
Warm Temperatures
With average temperatures above 65°F for 10 months of the year, biological organisms never go dormant. In northern states, freezing winters kill surface growth annually. In Florida, mold and algae grow continuously.
Signs Your Home Needs Cleaning Now
- Green or black streaks on siding, especially north-facing walls
- Dark streaks on roof — Gloeocapsa magma algae eating your shingles
- Slippery walkways or pool deck — a slip-and-fall hazard
- Visible mold around windows or under eaves
- Driveway stains that don't wash away with a garden hose
Best Time to Pressure Wash in Jacksonville
Spring (March-April) is ideal. You're cleaning off winter's grime before the heavy summer rain season feeds new growth.
Fall (October-November) is the second-best window — after hurricane season. Optimal for roof soft washing since cooler temperatures help cleaning solutions work effectively.
Avoid peak summer (June-August) — daily thunderstorms make scheduling unreliable, and heat causes cleaning solutions to dry too fast.
What Happens If You Skip Pressure Washing?
- Roof algae shortens shingle life by 5-10 years
- Mold penetrates siding — eventually requires replacement
- Concrete stains become permanent
- Property value drops — dirty exteriors signal neglect
- HOA violations — many Jacksonville communities require exterior maintenance
Build Your Annual Cleaning Plan
The most cost-effective approach:
- Spring: House soft wash + driveway pressure washing
- Fall: Roof soft wash + deck cleaning
This twice-yearly schedule keeps every surface clean year-round for a fraction of what emergency cleaning costs.
Get Your Florida Home Clean
Clean Gutter Protection provides professional pressure washing and soft washing throughout Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
Get a free estimate or call (888) 507-4854.