If you are transforming the exterior of your house, renovating a home, or simply maintaining a property, consider these tips to keep it in good shape.
Identifying possible issues does not have to be tough. Some of the most evident issues can be revealed by a cursory glance. Nonetheless, it is critical that you make the effort to look closer into your home at least once a year.
The outside of your home is like its protective skin, being soaked by rain, beaten by wind, and cooked in the sun. It must be kept in good condition in order to accomplish its job of defending your home.
If there are any underlying issues, this could be a severe concern, and it may be worth hiring a professional service to address these. Although you may believe that maintaining the exterior of your home is an expensive option, failing to do it sooner rather than later may result in greater difficulties and costs later on.
Some of the things you should be adding to your to-do list include:
Checking Your Roof
Begin your inspection by inspecting your rooks and chimneys. Any broken slates or tiles on the ground could indicate that anything went wrong. It might help to see it from a distance; if you cannot do so from your garden, you might always ask a neighbor if you can stand in their garden.
If you have a loft, inspect the underside of the roof for signs of leaks or damage to the roof covering. You are more likely to encounter issues if the motor fillets at the connection and meta flashings with the chimney have deteriorated. Slipped tiles can cause leaks, so it’s worth inspecting your roof if you notice any.
Your roof is not usually something you would approach yourself so if you need a roofing tile repair make sure you contact a professional service.
Clearing The Gutters And Pipes
Although it is not the most glamorous chore and may smell a little, cleaning your gutter and drain system on a regular basis is one of the finest things you can do for it. Especially during the winter, when it might become clogged with fallen leaves from trees. If it is not removed you could be left with moss growing and it leading to dampness in the eaves of your home. If you are confident in your ability to do this yourself, it should not take more than a few hours, but if you are uncomfortable climbing a ladder and completing a task, seek the assistance of a professional service.
Look At Your External Walls
Check the foundation of your building, not any locations where pools are forming, soil levels are rising, or trees or plants may have caused damage. Clear all places and ensure that any areas that allow ventilation to your home are protected. Look for cracks, loose bricks, and masonry on your walls. Seek professional assistance if anything appears to be a concern.
Wash The Screens And Windows
Letting more natural light into the building through newly cleaned windows is an excellent place to begin your spring cleaning. To remove grime from the exterior of your windows, use dish soap, white vinegar, and water. Before cleaning the window with water, scrape it thoroughly to generate a lovely lather. For inside cleaning, use a window cleaning spray, either store-bought or homemade, to keep things tidy.
Cleaning window screens should be done as follows:
- Pour a moderate vinegar and water solution into a spray bottle.
- With a spray bottle, clean the screen of dirt and grime.
- To remove more tenacious stains, add a small amount of dish soap to the vinegar mix.
- Once the screen has been cleaned with a cleaner, rinse it well.
- Replace the screens on the windows after they have dried outside for several hours.
Look At Your Lawn
Rake the lawn to get rid of any fallen branches, dirt, or debris that may have smothered the grass underneath. Soil compaction, as well as chemical reactions that alter the PH of your soil, may have left your lawn vulnerable to weed growth and other issues over the winter. Even if you can’t see them, weeds are most likely waiting for optimum conditions to flourish. To prevent them from germinating, apply an organic herbicide; fertilizers are best applied in the fall.
Check the condition of any outdoor water systems, including pipes, faucets, and in-ground sprinkler systems. After the ground has completely thawed, start creating new garden beds for summertime plants. Take stock of your lawn-care tools and equipment, such as lawnmowers and trimmers.
Patios And Decking
Look for bent, loose, or fractured boards, then clean the area between them to remove any collected leaves or debris. A deck, whether built of wood, plastic, or composite, should be cleaned every year to extend its life. If your wood deck’s finish is faded or damaged, now is the time to clean, stain, and reseal it. Follow the manufacturer’s annual care instructions if you have a composite deck. Fencing made of wood or composite materials, pergolas, trellises, and other garden buildings is all affected in the same way.
Outdoor Furniture
Bring your garden furniture outside and rinse it with a hose or a mild detergent wash if it was stored over the winter. Examine metal furniture for signs of rust or paint erosion; a simple application of spray enamel will protect it from the sun, rain, and humid air in the coming months.
Look At Your Woodwork
Railings, fences, pergolas, and other wood structures also require maintenance. These structures will deteriorate and rot if left alone.
If you have a wooden fence, ensure that the panels are in good condition. Split or broken wood parts can be glued back together if the wood is dry. Tape the pieces together as the glue solidifies. Planks that cannot be mended should be replaced.
Power wash tired wood to rejuvenate it, then protect it with wood oils and preservatives. Decking oil is the best choice for fence maintenance since it keeps the wood flexible and water-resistant. Exterior wood oil helps to keep your wood in good condition and can help your fence last longer.
These are just a handful of the things you can do to care for your home’s exterior. Is there anything you do to ensure the safety and well-being of your home? Please leave them in the comments section below.
