If it’s been a while since you’ve carried out any external maintenance on your home, there will no doubt be a number of tasks that need attention. As a homeowner, taking care of your home’s exterior is one of the most important things you can do. It’s crucial to keep your home in prime condition to make sure it holds its value.
There are more concerns than just making your home look pretty. But, by carrying out a proper maintenance schedule, your home will naturally look much better. Keep on top of your external home maintenance with these tasks.
Keeping walls in good condition
Your external walls need to be able to stand up to whatever the weather conditions throw at it. So, keeping everything in good order will prevent problems inside your home, such as leaks and damp.
If you have exposed brick walls and have never given them a second glance, it may be worth checking them over. If the mortar between the bricks is in good condition (and in newer properties it should be) then you can tick this off your list. But if the mortar looks to be crumbling away in places, it’s a sign you may need the brickwork repointing. You may not need the whole property repointing but simply one section, such as the wall that is most exposed to the elements. This will reduce your potential repointing brick costs.
Your home may be clad with weatherboards or render. These can need more maintenance over time, but it’s worth making the effort to keep your cladding in good order. Good maintenance will ensure it lasts longer, saving you money on having to replace it.
Weatherboards are often treated to make them waterproof, usually with paint. So, to keep them from rotting away, you’ll need to make sure you repaint them as soon as you notice any flaking. It’s also a good idea to keep weatherboards clean of dirt and mildew.
Attending to the roof
Making sure you’re carrying out proper roof maintenance includes not just the roof itself, but the gutters, downpipes and chimneys.
Whether you have asphalt shingles, metal shingles, slate, clay tiles or concrete tiles, all need some kind of maintenance. Things you should look out for when carrying out maintenance on your roof include inspecting shingles or tiles for signs of movement or degradation. Also check the flashings on the edges of your roof are intact.
Gutters can easily become clogged with leaves, moss and debris throughout the year, not just during fall. Keeping these clear will prevent problems with rainwater developing.
Chimneys can cause a number of problems if they’re not maintained properly. There’s more to chimney maintenance than cleaning it when it’s not in use. Check for damage to the masonry as this is a common place for water to get in and cause damage to your house. You should also check the condition of your flue every so often, and consider getting a cap fitted if necessary.
Security
Your home’s security should also be high on your external maintenance checklist. Doors, windows and external lights are important to keep well-maintained, for safety and function. Keeping these in good order will also help keep your insurance and energy costs down.
Wooden doors should have their oil, varnish or paintwork redone as soon as it starts to wear. This will prevent the wood rotting and making the door weak. Door seals can also weaken over time, so these may need replacing. The door’s hardware, such as the hinges, lock and handle, should all be kept clean and oiled, with loose fittings repaired. You should also check that your current locks are up to the latest standards. Check with your insurance provider to see what locks they recommend houses are fitted with.
Your windows may also need locks fitting, to keep them secure. Keeping your windows clean will not only make your home look loved but will make it easier to spot problems with wear.
External lights are there for a reason, to help you get in and out of your house safely, to deter crime, and welcome guests. Make sure bulbs are replaced as soon as they stop working and keep your lighting clean so it shines bright enough to be useful. From time to time, check for signs of rust or water ingress into your lighting units.
