Owning a home is a thrilling accomplishment as well as a precious investment that you will most likely want to protect. However, with all of the time and knowledge that house maintenance needs, it can appear daunting. We’ve compiled a list of exterior home upkeep suggestions for new homeowners to help make the work a little easier expertsiding.us
1.Examine the Outside of Your House
Walk the perimeter of your new home on a quarterly basis to look for any areas that may need maintenance. A pre-season external home inspection is a great way to keep on track. You might be surprised how easy and quick it is to spot a problem before it becomes serious. To help you with maintenance advice and to keep your home’s exterior in good condition, contact a siding installation company in Kansas City.
2.Keep Exterior Paint in Good Condition and Remove Wood Rot
The exterior paint on your home does more than just offer curb appeal; it also acts as a moisture barrier. Keeping your paint in good condition will assist you in keeping your home dry. If you see any chipping or peeling, touch up the paint as quickly as possible.
Examine the wood siding on your new home for signs of yellowing or swelling. Because paint may hide wood decomposition, use a screwdriver to evaluate the wood’s soundness. If it is not solid and rigid, you may have wood rot. If the damage isn’t too severe, wood rot can be cured. The wood is normally repaired by drying it and treating it with a wood preservative.
3.Clean the Outside
You should wash the outside of your house once or twice a year. Power washing your siding may remove months or even years of dirt and grime, preserve it from mold and mildew, and give it a fresh, clean look.
After you’ve mastered the safe use of your power washer, begin by washing from the highest place you can reach, turning the hose from side to side and working your way down the house.
4.Locate and eliminate pest infestations
Pests use cracks, crevices, and gaps in the exterior of your property to nest and gain entry. If you detect any of these places, investigate them for evidence of pest infestation and eliminate any pests you find. Nests, droppings, dead bugs or rodents, or the pests themselves can all be signs. To prevent the pests from returning, seal or fix the opening. You can also hire an experienced pest control firm to keep pests at bay in your new home.
5.Clean Your Gutters at Home
Gutters are essential for limiting the flow of rainwater into your property and preserving the roof, siding, and foundation from moisture damage. When gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris, they are unable to effectively divert water away from your property. Instead, precipitation will overflow your gutters, potentially causing:
Foundation deterioration
structural issues
Mildew and mold
Flooding in the basement
Clear the debris from your gutters at least twice a year (or more frequently, depending on how many trees are near your home). This is also an excellent opportunity to check the condition of your gutters. Consider hiring a gutter cleaning service to handle your gutters for you.
6.Window and skylight maintenance
Regular maintenance is required to keep your windows and skylights in good working order. Inspect them yearly and after significant storms for flaws. Leaks, flaws in the materials or paint, weather-stripping damage, or difficulties turning the cranks or moving the sash are all possibilities.
Take extra care with the caulk or glue around your windows or skylights. This substance aids in the watertightness of windows. Water could leak into your property and cause further damage if the caulk or sealant is cracked, missing, or otherwise damaged.
7.Inspect and clean the front door
Your front door should be cleaned and inspected at least once a year. To clean it, use a gentle cleanser such as wood polish, dish soap, or baby shampoo. Take note of any damage to the door, hardware, and weather stripping while you clean. Damage might compromise the door’s integrity and ability to insulate your home.
8. Examine the Roof
Annually, use a ladder to inspect your roof for missing or broken shingles, stains, or sagging areas. You can also stay on the ground and utilize binoculars as a safer alternative. A gutter cleaning company or handyman may be able to repair or replace broken shingles, but for more significant damage, call a professional roofer.
Conclusion
One of the most rewarding activities you can do is keep your exterior in good condition. A beautiful home not only makes you proud, but it also preserves your investment, provides superb security, and prevents the need for costly repairs caused by neglect. Owning a home is a big burden, but when you divide up the upkeep, it becomes much more reasonable.