Homeowner’s Essential Guide to Preventative Exterior Maintenance
Save Time, Money, and Stress by Planning Ahead in 2023
Keeping up with home maintenance can be overwhelming, so we created this simple guide to walk you through each step. You’ll learn why preventative exterior maintenance is important and get tips on keeping your home looking its best.
We’ll cover the following:
Why is Home Maintenance Important?
When you own a home, it can be easy to overlook the importance of regular exterior maintenance.
Too often, we forget about our external spaces until something goes wrong and needs fixing - but this 'reactive' approach can mean costly repairs or replacements down the line. Taking proactive steps today can save time and money while keeping your property in tip-top shape.
Our handy home maintenance tips can help you:
- Avoid costly repairs.
- Increase your property value.
- Extend the life of your home’s systems.
- Keep you and your family safe.
- Prepare you for upcoming seasons.
- Take pride in a well-maintained home.
Your Home’s Exterior
Siding
Your home’s siding is a big part of what makes it unique. It was probably even a deciding factor when you bought your home. Siding comes in various colors and can be made of wood, vinyl, stone, fiber cement, composite materials, stucco, brick, or even aluminum.
Siding protects the exterior of your home from damage due to the elements and pests, but dirt, grime, and algae can quickly make your exterior look dingy and dated. Poorly maintained siding can lower your home’s value and even compromise the integrity of the exterior.
Top tips for Siding Maintenance:
- Carefully inspect all siding for damage.
- Visually inspect siding for mold.
- Learn about the right tools for the job.
- Pressure-washing or use a soft brush and a mild detergent
- Schedule regular exterior cleaning or DIY.
When it comes to your home’s exterior, regular cleaning is key.
Inspecting the siding for loose spots, cracks, gaps, or oxidation will help you spot any areas that need repairs to prevent further damage.
You can opt to do it yourself once a year or choose a professional service to get the job done.
Windows
Keeping your windows clean goes a long way in giving your home the curb appeal it deserves. Windows are an important part of your home and can have a significant effect on your home’s value.
Regularly removing dirt and debris can help extend your windows’ life by removing harmful acid rain residue, pollen, and grime. Over time, these seemingly harmless elements can cause damage and scratches that affect the quality and longevity of your investment.
Dirty windows can even affect your home’s energy usage, keeping heat trapped inside and causing your AC unit to work overtime!
Top Tips for Window Maintenance:
- Inspect all windows and frames regularly to check for damage.
- Inspect window screens for rips, tears, or screen burn.
- Check window seals for damage.
- Repair any minor screen, window, or frame issues.
- Clean using the best solution and equipment for your window type.
- Prioritize safety. Don’t attempt to clean high windows yourself.
Exterior window cleaning can be an intimidating and time-consuming task for homeowners. Some people choose to maintain their own windows, but for many, it is less stressful to hire a professional.
We recommend washing your exterior windows twice a year.
Find out how to choose the best exterior cleaning company for you.
Gutters
Gutters help channel rainwater away from your home, protecting the foundation from flooding and erosion. Traditional gutters accumulate debris and leaves, decreasing functionality and putting pressure on your roof. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, standing water in your gutters can also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
We recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year to prevent damage.
Top Tips for Gutter Maintenance
- Choose the proper gutters for your area’s rainfall.
- Inspect gutters regularly to ensure optimal functioning.
- Schedule gutter cleaning twice a year.
- Safety first! Gutter cleaning is one area of home maintenance where hiring a professional is your best bet.
- Install gutter guards for a low-maintenance solution.
Damage from poorly maintained gutters can be one of the most costly repairs in your home. Keep your gutters clean to improve your home’s appearance and prevent damage to your siding, roof, and foundation.
Vents
Keeping your dryer vent system clean is essential to home maintenance and should be done at least once a year.
Dryer Vent Maintenance Tips:
- Visually inspect outside vents.
- Clean exterior dryer vents annually.
- Use a shop vac, vent cleaning kit, wire brush, and mild detergent.
- Choose to DIY or find a local vent and duct cleaning service.
Your dryer runs more efficiently with proper airflow, so clothes dry faster. Cleaning dirty or blocked dryer vents helps prevent dryer fires and increases the lifespan of your dryer.
Don't wait until something goes wrong—protect your home and appliances.
Leaks
The thought of leaks or flooding in or around your home might cause instant panic, but keeping an eye out for potential problems can lower your risk.
Top Tips to Check for Leaks:
- Check your home’s exterior for discoloration or water damage on walls and foundation.
- Pay special attention to windows, doors, and outdoor faucets.
- Dry any areas with drips or condensation.
- Make sure to check after any intense storms.
- Repair small drips or leaks to prevent more significant problems.
Exterior water leaks can damage your home’s structure and lead to expensive water bills. Fortunately, exterior leak maintenance and repair are relatively simple and straightforward if caught early.
Roof
Your roof protects you from the elements and adds value to your investment.
Shingles and roofing can vary widely depending on where you live and the weather your roof might have to withstand.
Whichever type you have, it’s essential to use the proper methods to keep them free from damaging moss, dirt, and especially algae. Algae can cause shingles to break down, making them less effective and shortening their life span.
Top Tips for Roof Maintenance
- Regularly inspect your roof for damage.
- Keep gutters clean and working correctly.
- Clean your roof annually to extend the life and function of your roof.
- Choose a company you trust.
While some brave homeowners may decide to clean their roofs themselves, we highly recommend a professional for this task. Not only do exterior cleaning companies have the right tools and equipment for the job, but they also know how to clean every type of shingle to prevent damage.
We recommend washing your roof once a year. Find out about our roof washing services.
Around Your Home
System Maintenance
Maintaining your home's HVAC system is essential if you want to keep it running in top condition for as long as possible.
Of course, your HVAC unit keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, but did you know that it also helps maintain air quality? A well-maintained system can even help keep your energy bills low.
With everything it does to keep you comfortable, your system deserves a little extra attention.
Top Tips for HVAC Maintenance
- Create a plan for annual checkups.
- Keep the area around unit clear of objects.
- Check for leaks, corrosion, and debris.
- Change air filters regularly.
- Choose an HVAC technician to handle additional maintenance.
These preventative maintenance tips will help keep your HVAC running efficiently. Find out about plans that will help you keep track of the health of your home.
Fences
A beautiful fence keeps your family and pets safe while adding that special touch to your home’s curb appeal. When it comes to fence maintenance, regular inspection and repair are key.
Homeowners have many options when it comes to fence styles and materials. Whether you have a wood, vinyl, or chain link fence, it’s important to make sure it is in good repair.
Top Tips for Fence Maintenance
- Inspect often for damage or wear and tear from pets and children.
- Check metal fences, gates, and posts for rust.
- Examine wood fences for weather damage and insects.
- Make minor repairs as needed.
- Stain wooden decks and fences often to extend life.
With a bit of time and attention now, your fence will last for many years. If it’s time for a new fence, contact the fence installation experts to find the best solution for your family.
Yard and trees
Staying on top of yard maintenance is key to ensuring your home's beauty, safety, and longevity.
Top Tips for Preventative Yard Maintenance:
- Inspect your entire property, noting any areas that need attention.
- Trim dead or falling tree branches.
- Look for patches of dead grass or flooding, especially along your foundation.
- Keep your lawn mowed and free of leaves.
- Consider pest control for grass, shrubs, and trees.
- Choose to tackle the job yourself or get help from a professional.
Lawn care is essential to keeping your yard healthy and beautiful; it can even help prevent erosion! For homeowners with large or uneven lawns, planting certain types of grass and maintaining the proper moisture levels can help keep your yard from flooding.
Trees should be checked for decay or signs of disease. Being proactive in trimming branches that may be dead or unhealthy can help protect your home against fallen limbs the next time a strong wind blows through your neighborhood.
Driveways, Walkways, Patios, and Pools
Most homeowners don’t give their driveways, walkways, or pool surrounds a second thought.
A well-maintained driveway increases curb appeal and ensures proper surface drainage, so water doesn't pool near your foundation. Regularly cleaning all concrete, asphalt, and pavers protects your family from slippery walkways caused by algae buildup.
It’s much easier and less expensive to repair damaged pavers, cracks, and potholes than to replace them, so check your entire driveway, sidewalks, and walkways at least once a year.
Driveway, Walkway, Pool, and Patio Maintenance Tips:
- Make a plan for regular maintenance of concrete, asphalt, or pavers.
- Inspect for cracks or damage.
- Check for flooding or runoff during storms.
- Clean you’re regularly or hire a professional.
- Create a budget for more extensive repairs or future repaving.
With just a little bit of effort and time spent cleaning up your driveway and walkways each month, you'll protect its value, keep your home looking great, and reduce the possibility of slip-and-fall accidents.
Summary
Home maintenance doesn’t have to be stressful.
Use this guide to stay on top of your to-do list and extend the life and value of your home. Knowing what is going on throughout your home will help you to plan ahead and budget for the expenses that come with home ownership.
Enjoy the satisfaction of a clean, beautiful home every day.
Too busy to stay on top of regular cleaning? Ask us about our stress-free routine maintenance plans.
