The most important aspect of a home is its exterior. It’s the first thing people see when they visit your house, making the biggest impact on curb appeal. The exterior is also one of the most visible parts of your property, which means that upkeep needs to be taken seriously. About 80% of homes in the US are at least 20 years old and therefore require maintenance. To help you maintain your home’s exterior and keep it looking fresh and bright for years to come, we’ve compiled our top tips for keeping an eye on this vital aspect of homeownership.
Keep Your Guttering in Check
Maintaining your gutter system is an important part of maintaining the exterior of your house. Invented in the 1900s, rain gutters significantly impact the overall look of your property and its ability to sell. Clogged drains can cause water to leak into the roof, leading to mold growth and other issues that may harm or ruin your home’s interior walls.
To avoid this problem entirely, make sure that you keep all leaves and other debris out of them. You can use a leaf blower or vacuum cleaner for this purpose. If you’ve noticed some blockage in one gutter (or multiple ones), consider calling a plumber who specializes in unclogging blocked pipes like these.
Maintain Your Fascia Board
Maintaining the fascia board is important because it protects the exterior of your house. It is what holds the gutters in place, prevents leaks, and makes the roofline look aesthetic. A fascia board is a horizontal piece of wood that runs along the outer edge of a roof, attaching to the siding and gutter. The siding should be installed at least 1 inch away from the fascia so that moisture can’t get into cracks between them.
When inspecting bad areas, you may notice water stains on your walls or ceilings from rainwater that has seeped through cracks in your siding and made its way into your attic/attic space. A damaged fascia board can lead to serious structural issues down the road, so it’s best to fix it as soon as possible before further damage occurs.
Ensure the Paintwork Is in Good Condition
The most important thing you can do to protect the exterior of your home is to ensure that it’s painted properly. According to some reports, it is also one of the US’s most popular home improvement projects. Paint is the first line of defense against moisture, which can cause wood rot and other serious damage. It also helps prevent mold growth on walls and siding, which can be unsightly and hazardous to your health.
If you see paint peeling or cracking on your house, or if there are bare spots in areas where moisture collects (like over windows), it’s an indication that the coating has worn down over time and needs to be replaced immediately. As well as being an important safety feature for your property, painting is also a good indicator that you’re maintaining your house well overall; it shows care when someone else looks at it from the outside.
Clean Your Windows and Doors Regularly
Keeping your windows and doors clean is a good way to maintain the exterior of your home. Not only will this make it easier to see out of them, but it will also let the light shine on your house, which is always attractive and welcoming.
To keep your windows clean, take them down once or twice per year and wash them inside and out with soap and water (be sure to rinse off any residue). If you have windows that are painted shut, try using a hair dryer on high heat for about 10 minutes before opening them again. It should loosen up any paint that is stuck around the mechanism.
You should also regularly clean door frames if you live where they get dirty easily—and ensure they’re secure by inspecting every hinge for rust or damage. Finally, check all weatherstripping around doors, so they still seal tightly against rainwater when closed; this will prevent moisture from getting into cracks between interior walls and floors (a common source of mold growth).
Keep the Roof Well-Maintained
The roof is a key part of your home. It’s up in the sky, so you can’t see it as well as the other parts of your house. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to any signs that something could be wrong with your roof and ensure everything is going smoothly.
If your roof leaks or has damaged tiles, this could cause damage inside. Check for any leaks from rain or snowfall by walking around the perimeter of your house in different directions after heavy rainfall or during winter storms. Take action immediately if you find any water damage on interior walls or ceilings.
Conclusion
Maintaining your house’s exterior is important to keep it in good shape. Your home’s siding, roofing, and doors should be maintained regularly by a professional so that they stay functional and look their best. If you lack the time or patience to keep up with home maintenance yourself, you can hire a professional who will do it on your behalf.
