Keeping Up With Exterior Maintenance- Year-Round Tips for Homeowners
As a homeowner, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of life and forget about the essential maintenance tasks needed to keep your home’s exterior in top condition. While it’s understandable that some tasks may slip through the cracks, neglecting basic maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the road.
Let’s discuss a year-round maintenance guide for your home’s exterior to help you stay on top of things and preserve the beauty and functionality of your property.
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Spring Maintenance
As the flowers start to bloom and the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to tackle some essential maintenance tasks for your home’s exterior. Most notably, this includes cleaning up from the debris and harsh weather conditions of the winter.
For example, you’ll want to make a habit of cleaning your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and water damage. You might find leaves, twigs, and even nests from critters who have tried to find refuge from the cold. You’ll also want to inspect the roof for any damage or missing shingles while you’re already on a ladder. Removal of debris is also a large part of this process, as damage can be hiding underneath.
Power wash the siding, deck, and patio to remove dirt and grime. However, remember to alter the pressure according to the strength that is safe for each type of material.
Related Article: Spring Maintenance: Getting Windows Summer-Ready
Summer Maintenance
With the sun shining and the days getting longer, summer is a great time to focus on maintaining your home’s exterior. Remember, safety is just as important, so keep sunscreen and protective clothes close at hand, especially when you are handling materials that can get hot in the sun or are walking around areas that might have summer pests.
First, inspect and repair the exterior paint or siding. You’ll want to take note of any warping, cracking, and fading. Some damage can be easily repaired, but others might warrant replacement. As you’re walking around your home, you’ll also want to take note of any cracks in your driveways, walkways, and other cement elements like your foundation. Seal minor cracks on your own for your driveways and walkways, but call a professional if you notice any vulnerabilities in your home’s foundation.
Finally, remember that you’ll want to maintain your trees and shrubs’ shape and size as they grow significantly in the warmer weather. Trim them back to avoid them growing too close to your foundation and siding, as this can introduce pests and mold and fungus growth.
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Fall Maintenance
As the leaves start to change color and the temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. The key to fall maintenance is to keep in mind that winter is coming, so you’ll want to prepare your home and yard for the cold temperatures and harsher weather.
Clean and store outdoor furniture, and inspect and clean the fireplace and chimney. Pick up any items laying around and store them away.Check all windows and doors for drafts and seal as needed. Finally, winterize outdoor faucets and irrigation systems.
Related Article: Fall Is Time For A Home Maintenance Check-Up
Winter Maintenance
While winter may not seem like the ideal time for exterior maintenance, there are still tasks you can tackle to help protect your home from the elements. Remove snow and ice from walkways and driveways promptly, and check for ice dams on the roof and remove if necessary. You’ll also want to inspect and clean gutters regularly to prevent ice dams and water damage, and trim tree branches that may be weighed down by snow and pose a risk to your home.
Remember, any maintenance tasks that you do not perform during the winter will need to be done in the spring.
Keep Your Home In Top Shape
By following this year-round maintenance guide for your home’s exterior, you can ensure that your property stays in top condition throughout the seasons. Remember, regular maintenance is key to preventing costly repairs and preserving the beauty and value of your home. So, take the time to schedule these tasks on your calendar and make exterior maintenance a priority for your home. Your future self will thank you for it!
If you need more advice about home exterior maintenance, or you’ve noticed damage that needs to be assessed, contact Advance Inc.