As a homeowner, one of the most rewarding things you can do is keep your exterior in good condition. Not only does an aesthetically pleasing home instill a sense of pride, but it also keeps your investment protected, ensures high security, and reduces the need for unnecessary repairs that are caused by neglect. Owning a home is a major responsibility, but when you break up maintenance requirements it becomes far more manageable. Plus, the better shape your home’s exterior is in, the less maintenance it requires. To help you get the most out of homeownership, here’s more information on some important maintenance tips to keep your exterior in good shape.

Why is Exterior Maintenance Important?

Keeping your home’s exterior in good condition is important for several reasons. Not only will it improve the curb appeal of your property, but it also helps you save money on expensive, unnecessary repairs. Exterior maintenance will keep your home protected on the inside and out, so you can stay comfortable and feel secure while indoors. The better kept your home’s exterior is, the more it safeguards against unpredictable or harsh weather. Certain aspects of home maintenance can also protect your family from outdoor pollution and increase the indoor air quality, allowing you to breathe freely and easily. Caring for your home can seem like you’re working through a never-ending to-do list, but when you’re strategic about exterior maintenance, it pays off. To get the most out of your efforts, here 10 great tips to care for your home’s exterior that you can begin doing today. 

1. Revitalize Your Patio

Homeowners who have a patio should make sure it’s well maintained throughout the year. This helps ensure that you’ll actually be able to use it when the weather’s nice while simultaneously keeping your home’s overall aesthetics looking its best. Check your deck for any signs of rotting wood, loose nails, or peeling paint. If you find anything that needs to be repaired, try to take care of it early to avoid more intrusive repairs down the road. You should also follow the recommendations by your patio professionals on sealant to keep your deck protected. 

2. Keep Pests at Bay

Another important maintenance tip to perform is pest control. This will include having your home professionally treated if you live in an area that’s prone to certain pests, sealing all of the gaps that may occur around your windows, and regularly checking any susceptible areas of your home for rodent or vermin nests.

3. Clean Gutters Regularly

Your gutters and downspout are responsible for safely leading water off and away from your home. Due to their shape and location, they can easily collect an abundance of debris and get clogged. To reduce the risk of water damage and keep your foundation strong, it’s important to clean your gutters at least once a year. However, if you have a lot of trees on your property, you’ll want to clean your gutters more often. In this case, plan to clean your gutters twice a year, more if you experience blockages. This is especially important during the fall as trees begin shedding their leaves. 

4. Wash Your Siding

Your siding helps protect your home’s interior from the elements, so it’s bound to get dirty over time. Siding is exposed to dust, grime, mildew, and mold on a daily basis, which can slowly cause pollutants to build up. While it’s unlikely that you’ll notice this build up on a day-to-day basis, the gradual process can lead to a dingy, dirty looking exterior. One of the most important maintenance tips for your home’s siding is to have it professionally washed. This will ensure that it’s cleaned without excessive force, but still using an effective method. After washing your siding, your home will look like it’s received a fresh coat of paint and you’ll be able to notice any signs of damage much easier.  

5. Reseal Concrete

Concrete is a highly durable material, but it’s also quite porous. To help increase its longevity and reduce damage, it needs to be sealed periodically. This will help reduce the risk of cracks or impurities while simultaneously maintaining its curb appeal. When undergoing this maintenance tip, you may also want to add a concrete stain to enhance the aesthetics of your driveway or other concrete structures. 

6. Undergo Roof and Siding Inspections

While many people undergo roofing inspections after a severe storm, they’re also important for preventative maintenance. A great time to schedule inspections is during the summer when weather is mild. This gives you plenty of time to address any signs of damage without having to worry about impending water damage or heavy snowfall. Roof inspections need to be carried out by a professional to ensure minor signs of damage are detected safely and efficiently. 

Since many roofing contractors also specialize in siding, take advantage of their expertise. Your siding should be inspected for any signs of cracking, warping, buckling, chipping or holes. If any damage is present, it’s important to get it repaired quickly to reduce the risk of water exposure, which can seep behind the siding and lead to mold growth. 

7. Maintain Landscaping

Taking care of your landscaping will help you maintain your home’s exterior in several ways. First, it creates an aesthetically pleasing visual and can enhance your home’s curb appeal. Maintaining landscaping will also add a degree of protection to your home during storm season, as trimmed trees and shrubbery are less likely to cause damage to your roof and siding if there are strong winds. 

Landscaping care should include garden maintenance if you have one. During blooming months, this should be done weekly to help your garden flourish and remove any vegetables, herbs, or fruits that are ripe. A well-maintained garden not only helps with exterior maintenance, but it can also enhance your overall wellbeing and outlook. 

8. Add a Layer of Paint

Painting your siding is another great maintenance tip to help enhance your home’s exterior. The type of paint and application process will depend on the material of your siding, so it’s best to work with a professional to increase the likelihood of a uniform, long-lasting result. Painting your home’s siding will also give you a chance to revitalize the aesthetics and change your style. If you’re not sure what color would best complement your home, discuss your options with a painting professional. 

9. Utilize Seasonal Checklists

There are different home maintenance tasks that should be completed with each season. It’s recommended to complete an annual maintenance checklist as the seasons change to keep your home in great condition and reduce the risk of any unnecessary or unmitigated damage.  

10. Undergo Repairs

Finally, if you notice that anything’s damaged or showing signs of deterioration, try to schedule repairs or take care of them yourself sooner rather than later. The earlier that issues are addressed, the more affordable they’ll be to fix. Repairs left unattended will eventually lead to further problems that could even jeopardize the structural integrity of your home. Rather than waiting to deal with these types of problems, which will require both time and money, it’s recommended to address minor damage early. If you have any questions about repairs or are looking to upgrade any part of your home’s exterior, reach out to a professional for guidance.

Article By: www.firststarexteriors.com