Home Exterior Maintenance, Inspection, Repair, Cleaning

Here are some tips for maintaining the exterior of your home:

Check for punctures and cracks in your siding and replace it if necessary. Clean your siding every couple of years. If you have vinyl siding, choose a power-wash that will kill algae, mildew and mold and clean it at least once a year.

Every three years, wash and waterseal limestone and cinder-block exteriors.

Damaged or clogged waterspouts and gutters can lead to ice dams during the wintertime and wood rot damage. Water trapping also attracts unwanted insects. Be sure to clean and repair your gutters twice a year. Learn more in this Lowe’s video:

Inspect your roof every spring and fall. All flashing around gutters, valleys and chimneys, along with the shingles, should be in good repair. Areas of intersection of different materials should be properly sealed with silicone caulk. Check for moss (this needs to be eradicated immediately) and for water damage around fascia and soffits. If you live in an area with snowy winters, look for spotty melting after snowfalls which is a sign of heat escaping through the attic; this can be fixed with extra insulation.

Seal cracks around doors, pipes and windows and in the exterior with caulk or other sealants. Stuff large openings with wire mesh or steel wool before you seal them. You should plan on re-caulking every three years.

Check for cracks in your driveway and sidewalks. Using an appropriate crack filler will help you avoid additional damage and keep surfaces more intact.

Look at the condition of your home’s exterior paint annually. The surface should be cleaned and repainted every five to ten years.