Exterior Home Maintenance Tips
When thinking of home maintenance, don’t forget the exterior of your home. It may seem a bit boring to you, but it will be worth it. That’s because regular exterior home maintenance will help you stop problems before they become expensive repairs.
The best way to stay out of the “out of sight, out of mind” trap is to follow a maintenance schedule. If you perform preventative maintenance regularly, big issues are less likely to arise.
When thinking about exterior home maintenance, there are certain things to consider:
- Roof
- Gutters
- Sidewalks and patios
- Foundation
- Siding
Let’s look at each of these in turn.
Roof Maintenance
Having a solid roof is very important to your home. Without a good roof, you will not stay dry, nor will you be able to keep your home’s temperature even. By the time you notice water damage showing you have a roof leak, the damage could be severe.
Instead of waiting for problems, regular maintenance can keep you from having expensive repairs. At least monthly, you should look to see if there are any damaged or missing shingles. If you see a problem, repair them as quickly as possible.
Your roof should last a long time. However, to help your roof last, you should clean it yearly. This gets rid of dirt and moss that can damage your roof. Typically, a roof cleaning costs about $350, which is much cheaper than putting on a new roof.
Gutter Maintenance
Cleaning your gutters should happen at least twice a year. If it has been longer than that, you should get to it right away. Clean gutters allow the water to drain away from the house. If water stands in the gutters or flows toward the house, the water can cause roof and foundation damage.
While cleaning your gutters, be sure to look for other gutter issues. This includes:
- Clogs that lead to overflow
- Downspouts that are no longer connected
- Downspouts that do not divert water far enough away from the house
- Leaking gutter seems
If you see problems with your gutters, consider hiring a professional to help you make the needed repairs.
Sidewalk and Patio Maintenance
Sidewalks and patios age over time. Sometimes, weather events cause the materials to shift or crack. Fixing cracks quickly can keep you from having to replace an entire patio.
In addition to fixing problems, don’t forget to power wash your sidewalks and patios yearly. This makes them look brand new and helps with the curb appeal of your home.
Foundation Maintenance
Your roof keeps you dry and comfortable. Guess what? So does your foundation. Most homeowners take their foundations for granted and don’t notice problems until they see a leak. Leaks usually indicate potentially costly damage.
Instead, look at your foundation at least twice a year. Fill any small cracks to keep them from getting bigger. If you find a large crack, you’ll want to hire a professional mason to help you keep your foundation in good shape.
Siding Maintenance
Different siding requires different care. However, you should always check your siding for damage and cracks at least yearly. Vinyl and aluminum siding should be power washed yearly. Wood and wood shingle siding should be treated to protect it from the sun, rain, and insects about every four years.
Exterior home maintenance doesn’t have to take a lot of time. However, neglecting it can lead to high-cost damages. If you need help with exterior home maintenance or repairs, give us a call. We’d be happy to share a list of local preferred providers, as well as offer further tips for raising the value of your home.