Maintaining a home is an essential but often overlooked aspect of homeownership that serves to protect your investment and ensure the safety of all who dwell within. On average, homeowners spend between 1% and 4% of their home’s value on maintenance each year. For first-time homeowners, this expense can be particularly daunting as they navigate the complexities of what exactly needs regular attention and how often. Without proper maintenance, minor issues can quickly escalate into costly repairs, adversely affecting the property’s value and livability. This guide aims to provide first-time homeowners with a comprehensive checklist for exterior maintenance, helping you understand not only what needs to be done but also how to budget for and implement these critical tasks effectively.
Roof and Drainage Maintenance
Inspect the Roof: Regular roof inspections are crucial to ensure the longevity of your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Start by checking for missing, damaged, or aging shingles. If you find that shingles are curled, cracked, or absent, they need to be replaced promptly to avoid leaks. Typically, roof inspections should be conducted twice a year, in spring and fall, and might cost around $200 to $500, depending on the size of your home and roof accessibility. Compass Exteriors provides FREE roof inspections any time of the year.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Gutters and downspouts play a vital role in directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation, walls, and landscaping. Cleaning these should be a biannual task to prevent blockages that can lead to water damage or ice dams. The required tools include a ladder, gloves, a garden hose, and potentially a gutter scoop, all of which can make the task easier and safer. The frequency of this maintenance can increase if your home is under numerous trees which shed leaves.
Examine Flashing: The flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights ensures that the intersections between your roof and these protrusions are watertight. Check for any signs of cracking, rusting, or loosening, which could allow water to enter your home. This examination should be part of your regular roof inspection, as failure to maintain proper sealing can lead to serious water damage inside your attic or along walls. Repairing or replacing flashing can vary in cost, depending on the extent of damage and accessibility, but catching issues early can prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
Structural Integrity
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Vegetation that touches or leans against your house can cause physical damage and foster areas of moisture accumulation that lead to mold and mildew growth. Regularly trimming trees and shrubs not only protects the structural integrity of your home but also ensures that air circulates freely around the property, reducing the risk of moisture-related issues. This task can be done annually or biannually, with costs depending on whether you require professional services or decide to do it yourself.
Seal Cracks: Over time, your home’s foundation, walls, and driveways can develop cracks. These not only diminish your home’s aesthetic and structural integrity but can also become entry points for water and pests. Use a suitable sealant for your home’s materials to fill these cracks, ideally before the wet season to prevent water damage and freezing issues. This maintenance is relatively inexpensive if done early and can save thousands in future repairs.
Inspect and Clean Siding: Siding should be kept clean to prevent build-up of dirt and grime, which can degrade the material over time. Annually inspecting and cleaning your siding can help spot early signs of damage like warping or rotting. Pressure washing is an effective method to clean siding, though it should be done carefully to avoid damaging the material. Expect this task to be needed at least once every two to three years, with professional cleaning costs varying by house size and siding type.
Aesthetic and Functional Upkeep
Repaint and Touch Up: Maintaining the exterior paint of your home not only boosts curb appeal but also serves as a critical barrier against moisture and pests. Look for areas where the paint is peeling, blistering, or fading and address these spots promptly. Repainting or touching up these areas every few years can prevent more extensive and expensive damage. Costs will vary based on the quality of paint and the surface area covered but expect to refresh the paint every 5 to 7 years.
Window and Door Maintenance: Inspect the caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors annually to ensure they remain airtight and watertight. Cracked or damaged sealing can lead to energy losses and water ingress, which in turn can cause structural damage. Replacing these materials is generally inexpensive and can significantly enhance energy efficiency and comfort in your home.
Deck and Porch Inspection: Wooden decks and porches are susceptible to weather-related wear and tear such as rot, warping, and splintering. Conduct an annual inspection to check for any signs of deterioration, which could compromise safety and aesthetics. Depending on the condition, you may need to clean, reseal, or refinish the wood to extend its life and maintain its beauty. Refinishing should generally be done every 2 to 3 years, and while it can be a DIY project, professional services are available to ensure a high-quality finish.
Additional Maintenance Areas
Check Fences and Gates: Regular inspections and maintenance of fences and gates not only enhance security but also contribute to your property’s overall curb appeal. Check for signs of rust, rot, or general wear, and address these issues promptly. Repairing or replacing parts of your fence can prevent more costly replacements in the future. Depending on the material, this maintenance is generally required annually to ensure longevity and functionality.
Clean and Inspect Chimney: For homes with fireplaces, the chimney is a critical component that must be kept clear to avoid fire hazards and improve efficiency. It’s recommended to have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year, typically before the burning season begins. This helps to remove soot and creosote buildup, which are common causes of chimney fires.
Power Washing: Power washing driveways, walkways, and patios not only improves the look of these areas but also prevents the growth of mold and mildew that can make surfaces slippery and degrade materials over time. Power washing should be done as needed, but typically every one to two years is sufficient to keep surfaces clean and safe.
Examine Exterior Drainage: Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling around your foundation, which can lead to structural damage. Ensure that your home’s drainage systems, including gutters, downspouts, and landscape grading, effectively direct water away from your home. This examination should be part of your regular annual maintenance, especially before the rainy season, to ensure that all systems are functioning properly.
Seasonal and Safety Checks
Yard Debris Clearance: Keeping your yard free of debris not only maintains its aesthetic appeal but also helps prevent pest infestations. Leaves, branches, and other organic materials can attract insects and rodents seeking shelter and food. Regularly clearing your yard, especially before and after storm seasons, can greatly reduce this risk. This task should be done seasonally, particularly in fall and spring when debris accumulation is highest.
Outdoor Faucets and Irrigation Systems: Before the start of each watering season, check outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for leaks or damage. A simple check can save substantial amounts of water and prevent damage to your home’s foundation and landscape. Ensure all systems are functioning efficiently and make repairs as needed. This annual check-up helps maintain water efficiency and reduces the risk of water damage.
Inspect Vents and Exhausts: Vents and exhausts should be checked to ensure they are clear of obstructions like nests, leaves, or accumulated dirt. Blocked vents can lead to poor indoor air quality and increase the risk of fire. Cleaning these should be part of your annual maintenance routine, particularly in late fall.
Garage Door Maintenance: Regularly lubricate the moving parts of your garage door to ensure smooth operation and extend its lifespan. Check the springs, cables, rollers, and tracks for wear and tear. This not only ensures the functionality of your garage door but also enhances safety by preventing unexpected malfunctions.
Attic and Sump Pump Inspections: Inspect your attic for signs of leaks, insulation damage, or pest invasion. Ensuring your attic is dry and well-insulated can prevent costly repairs and energy loss. Additionally, test and clean your sump pump, if applicable, to ensure it is ready to handle any incoming water, particularly in areas prone to flooding. These inspections should be conducted annually to prevent moisture-related issues and flooding damage.
Conclusion and How Compass Exteriors Can Help
Maintaining the exterior of your home is essential to preserving both its value and your comfort. From roof inspections to sealing driveways, each element of exterior maintenance plays a crucial role in protecting your investment. Compass Exteriors is here to assist you with all these tasks, whether you need a simple inspection or are looking for a full-scale project. Our expertise and commitment to quality ensure that your home maintenance is handled professionally and efficiently. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Compass Exteriors to ensure your home remains in the best possible condition, safeguarding your peace of mind throughout the seasons.
