Every part of the home requires care, but over time, it’s easy for you to overlook parts of the home that you don’t see quite as often. We more quickly notice what needs a little work on the interior simply because we spend so much time inside, but there could be issues building up on the exterior of the home, as well. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most common issues affecting home exteriors and what you can do about them, before they become much more expensive repairs.
Your Exterior Flooring
Whether you have concrete, tiles, or pavers, you need to make sure that you’re taking care to keep your exterior flooring clean and safe. With your outdoor pavers, you mostly want to keep an eye out for when they show signs of damage or unevenness, as they can easily become a tripping hazard. Damage can become worse due to freeze-thaw cycles, opening up cracks and causing them to sink even further. Inspecting them, replacing cracked pieces, and re-leveling sunken areas can make sure that they remain safe for the long haul. For smoother flooring like pavement, you should keep an eye out for algae, moss, and dirt, using a pressure washer to keep it from becoming slippery over time.
Your Gutters And Downspouts
It’s easy to underestimate how much trouble neglected gutters and downspouts can cause, but they are one of the biggest protectors against water damage in the home. They redirect rainfall away from the home and into drains, so when they become clogged with leaves, debris, or dirt, they can begin to overflow. This water can run down the side of the home, infiltrating any weakpoints such as cracks in the wall, along the way, and pooling around the foundation. Eventually, this can lead to cracks, basement leaks, and even soil erosion. Take the time to simply clean your gutters once a year, or after a storm, and you should be mostly trouble-free
Your Roof
As important as your gutters may be, your roof is truly the main line of defense your home has against the elements. It’s also the part of the home most often exposed to them, so any small issue left to linger can easily become a large and expensive problem over time. Missing or cracked shingles can allow water to infiltrate, damaging the insulation and wooden structure of the attic, eventually causing leaks to appear through the ceilings. It’s not just the tiles that are susceptible to damage, as the flashing is another common failure point. Regular inspections with the help of roofing specialists can help you catch these issues early. They can also identify how much time your roof has left before it needs a replacement.
Your Siding And Exterior Walls
Although not quite as exposed to the elements as the roof, the side and exterior walls of the home do still protect it from weather, as well as pests and other causes of trouble. Over time, cracks, gaps, and warped panels can open up cracks in this armor, which allows a way in for pests, as well as rot and mold. Routine cleaning is important not only for maintaining the home’s appearance but also for preserving the material of its exterior and being better able to spot when it might be in need of some repairs. If the surface looks worn, repainting and refinishing the exterior can also help it maintain its barrier against moisture for longer, safeguarding the home.
Your Windows And Doors
Although as much a part of the interior as the exterior, you should take the time to inspect your doors and windows from the perspective of outside the home, as well. Issues like worn weatherstripping, cracked seals, and gaps around the frames can sometimes be easier to spot from the outside, affecting the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. Often, water damage to the surrounding exterior walls can cause mold to grow around windows and doors, which can steadily spread inside the home, as well. Regularly check the surroundings of the windows, replacing damaged seals and applying new caulking as necessary. Addressing these minor issues early prevents expensive repairs down the line, not to mention excessive energy bills.
Although the exterior of the home might seem like a lot of work, most of the jobs above don’t have to be done more than once a year, if that. However, a little time spent on each can save you a lot of money and stress down the line.
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