Perform an Exterior Inspection
It doesn’t matter if your house is clad in wood, stucco, vinyl, masonry, or other siding: All exteriors must be cleaned and inspected for damage at least twice a year. I inspect mine in in the spring and fall so any damage can be corrected before very hot or cold weather sets in. Allowing problems to develop unchecked is detrimental to your home’s appearance and value.
How long will it take me? About an hour
How much will it cost? Nothing!
What do I need? Take a clipboard, paper, and a pen with you so you can record what you see – and make a note of any needed repairs. I also recommend wearing a pair of old jeans, a work shirt, and comfortable boots or shoes.
How do I do it? Start at the top and work your way down.
Roof: From the ground, check for missing or broken shingles and have them replaced immediately. I strongly advise against using a ladder to get on the roof – leave that exercise to a roofing expert. If your home is 25 or more years old, you may have to eventually replace the roof entirely, which can cost upward of $5,000 depending on the size of the roof and the type of shingles you use. It is also worth while to periodically hire a handyman or general or general landscape maintenance company to remove any branches and other debris from the roof. If you see an abundance of moss or other greenery growing on your roof, consult a roofing expert.
Gutters and downspouts: Look for debris on top of the gutter. This may indicate that the gutter contains leaves, sticks, and other obstructions that can restrict water flow away from the foundation. If the gutters appear to be clogged, have them cleaned out a specialist (look for “Gutters” in the phone book) and consider having them covered with a mesh gutter guard, which discourages leaves and twigs from setting in.
Cladding and Foundation: If you have wood siding, check it for warped or rotted areas. Look for peeling paint or exposed wood. If you have a brick, stone or stucco house, look for cracked or chipped masonry and mortar. You can make simple patches with patching compounds specifically made for masonry or stucco that are widely available at home improvement centers. Major cracks should be evaluated and repaired by an experienced Mason. Sweep or rake leaves and other debris away from the foundation of your house. These materials make appealing natural bedding for mice, insects, and other pests. Check the foundation for cracks and moisture (which attracts carpenter ants). Repair any damage to and then seal the foundation if a professional recommends it.
Windows and doors: Check the caulk around doors and windows and the glazing around windowpanes for gaps. Fill the gaps yourself with exterior-grade caulk.
Deck, stair, and balcony railings: Make sure they have not come loose and repair or replace any that have.
Paved driveways: Check for cracks or holes and have them repaired immediately. Cracks can become large crevices in very quickly, especially with the freezing and thawing that can occur in may parts of the country during the late winter and early spring.
Heating and cooling: Make sure any outside heating and cooling units, including propane gas tanks and air-conditioning systems, are unobstructed. Clean the tanks using a sprayer attachment on a garden hose.
Once this inspection is complete you will have a better of idea of what repairs need to be done and you did it yourself, Barbara’s Way!