Exterior maintenance for your home does not need to be complicated and can oftentimes be addressed when you are going through your seasonal maintenance checklist. Taking care of the exterior of your home is not something you should procrastinate about because repairs will oftentimes become progressively worse and possibly more costly.
Here are the things you should check and the chores you’ll need to add to your list:
- Wash the exterior of your home twice a year. Power washing your house is a great way to remove dirt and grime, while also eliminating possible mold and mildew. Washing the exterior will also help you discover any potential issues that need to be addressed by a professional. If you’ve never used a power washer before, here’s a great video to familiarize yourself with.
- Check for pest infestations and nests. At least twice a year—preferably around spring and fall—look for pests and nests that might be in the crevices, cracks, and gaps of your home. If there are issues, you may see: nests, droppings, dead bugs, rodents, or actual pests. Seal or repair pest entryways to prevent damage and the pests returning. If you don’t already have a preventative pest control plan, you should purchase environmentally friendly spray to create a barrier or hire a professional to maintain the preventative measures on a seasonal basis. Some regions may be highly susceptible to certain pests and it’s increasingly important to target those pets before they become an issue.
- Check the landscape. Look for areas where erosion on the ground might be an issue. Drainage issues are often the culprit to many erosion concerns.
- Touchup exterior chipping or peeling with paint and remove wood rot. Once a year touch up areas that are an issue. Wood signing needs regular maintenance so it’s important to identify signs of discoloration and/or swelling. Most exterior paints are supposed to last five to ten years. Keep in mind that paint can mask a wood rot issue; it is important to use a screwdriver to test your wood’s integrity if you discover a concerning area.
- Clean your gutters twice a year. If rainwater is constantly spilling over the side of your gutters, you may discover issues: damage to your foundation, structural problems, basement flooding, and mold and mildew.
- Perform regular maintenance on windows and skylights. Pay attention to caulk or sealant around your windows and skylights. If you find broken caulk or sealant, repair it immediately to prevent water damage and/or leaks.
- Inspect your front door. Use a gentle cleaner to wipe down your door. If you have a wooden door, consider using wood polish. Check the door’s hardware to ensure there is no damage. Repair any cracks or damage/missing weather stripping.
- Inspect the roof from the ground. Look for missing shingles and possible leaks (dark spots).
- Get rid of yard debris. Leaves, sticks, yard clippings, and pinecones are not great for curb appeal but, if left sitting for long periods of time, they can harbor pests and critters. It is important to regularly clean your yard.
- Maintain landscaping to keep your yard in proper condition. This means trimming shrubs and hedges, removing weeds, water flowers, removing leaves, and cutting grass appropriately. Remember to align yard debris disposal with your trash collection so debris isn’t left sitting.
Maintaining the exterior of your home does not have to be overwhelming. Break up the tasks amongst the household and set up a schedule that accommodates everyone. Not only will you enjoy walking into a beautifully maintained home but you will have peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of.