Your home’s exterior is (for most people coming to visit) their first experience of you and your house. As such, how your home appears plays a substantial role in making a positive impression on those visitors. Maintaining a clean, orderly, and appealing exterior is more than a matter of boosting curb appeal; there’s a practical side to it too. Going the extra mile for your home’s appearance also matters for protecting it from the elements and preventing minor issues from snowballing into larger (and more costly) ones. A little bit of seasonal effort (and some help from a professional exterior renovator service such as Valiant Exteriors Ltd) goes a long way toward preserving your property’s value, structural integrity, and all-around appearance.
Here are some essential exterior maintenance tips to add to your annual to-do list ASAP:
1. Inspect the Roof and Clean the Eavestroughs
Your roof is your home’s primary defence against rain, snow, and sun. Performing regular inspections of your roof (in addition to inspecting the rest of the house) helps you stay on top of maintenance and catch any issues before they get past that line of defence. Schedule your roof inspections in spring and autumn. Start with a visual inspection from the ground. Your most obvious sign of wear and tear is missing, cracked, or curling shingles; keep a particular eye out for those. Check for any damage around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as well as damage to these fixtures may allow snow and water inside. At the same time, clear out your eavestroughs and downspouts; clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and seep into your roof or foundation. These developments can contribute to significant water damage and mould growth. Finally, ensure your downspouts direct water at least a couple of metres away from the foundation to avoid water seeping into low-level areas.
2. Wash and Repair Siding
The exterior walls of your home accumulate a layer of dirt, pollen, and mildew over time, which can dull their colour and appearance. A gentle wash with a pressure washer on a low setting or a simple scrub with a soft-bristled brush and an appropriate cleaning solution can make a dramatic difference. While cleaning, take the opportunity to inspect your siding for any cracks, warping, or gaps. Not only is this damage a potential water entry, but as a Midland pest control service may advise, these cracks may also enable the entry of pests. For wood or fibre cement siding, touch up any chipped paint to prevent moisture from penetrating the material. For brick or stucco, look for cracks in the mortar that may need repointing.
3. Maintain Windows and Doors
Clean windows, both inside and out, aren’t just for letting you enjoy the view from inside the house. They also let in the sunlight to boost your mood (and to do this, it pays to keep them clean to let that light through). Beyond cleaning the glass, it also pays to inspect the seals around your windows and doors. On your visual inspection, check your windows’ caulking for any cracks or peeling to ensure there aren’t any leaks that might enable entry of water or pests, or the loss of heat. A fresh bead of caulk can prevent water infiltration and reduce energy-wasting drafts. Also, examine the weather stripping on all exterior doors to ensure it forms a tight seal when closed. A well-sealed home is more comfortable and energy-efficient.
4. Care for Decks, Patios, and Driveways
If you have them, wooden decks are a great addition for making your external spaces more interesting and welcoming, especially if you’ve contacted a Toronto outdoor lighting service to help give the area some character. However, they also require their fair share of attention to stay safe and attractive. Give your deck a thorough cleaning each year. Also, remember to re-stain or re-seal it every few years to protect the wood from moisture and sun damage. If any of the wooden planks appear damaged or worn out, replacing them with high-quality deck boards can help maintain both the safety and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. Check for any loose boards or popped nails that might represent hazards for you and any guests. For concrete or paver stone patios and walkways, a good power washing can remove built-up grime and weeds. For driveways, keep an eye out for cracks and get them sealed to prevent water from getting in them. Come winter, any water left in the cracks is liable to expand and cause more extensive damage, especially during freeze-thaw cycles.
5. Manage Landscaping and Grading
Your garden and lawn contribute significantly to your home’s overall look, and so demand an appropriate amount of care to maintain that appeal. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed, ensuring no branches are touching or hanging over your roof; this development can cause damage and provide a pathway for pests. When planting, choose locations that are a suitable distance from the house. Finally, take care that the soil or grade around your foundation slopes away from the home. This simple landscaping feature helps guide rainwater away, protecting your foundation from moisture issues.
Your home’s exterior often needs its fair share of TLC, just like your interior. With these tips, taking care of your home’s outdoor appearance and functionality can be a much easier chore, even if you have a few outdoor features that add some character (and take a little more effort to be presentable). It might take a little more work on your part, but the results for your home’s curb appeal, cleanliness, and maintenance will more than speak for themselves.
