Fall pressure-wash prep: leaves, tannin stains, and gutter faces

By late October in Coffee County, the maples and oaks are dropping fast. Get through fall cleanup right and your house starts winter looking good — and stays easier to clean next spring.

### 1. Concrete tannin stains

Leaves sitting on concrete for even a week can leave brown or black stains from tannin. A fall wash removes them before winter rains and freezes lock them in.

### 2. Gutter face streaks

The black tiger stripes on white gutters are most visible when the leaves are off the trees. Fall is a great time to brighten them for the winter view.

### 3. Deck sweep and light wash

You don't want a wet deck freezing all winter with organic debris trapped on it — that traps moisture and rots boards. A quick fall wash and sweep prevents winter rot.

• Full deck staining — too cold, wood too damp, stain won't cure
• Roof soft-wash — better in warmer weather; algae is dormant now anyway
• Anything on a hard freeze forecast — water on cold concrete = micro-cracks

Aim for the first two weeks of November. Once we get consistent freezing nights, most exterior washing waits until spring.