Maintaining your home’s exterior can overwhelm you at times. But it pays off in the long run. A well-kept exterior not only helps your house look better but can also help prevent small issues from snowballing and causing costly problems down the road – and if you ever want to sell, a great curb appeal can really boost your home’s value.
Weather, aging materials and wear and tear can take a slow but sure toll on the outside of your house. Here are some simple steps you can take to help the exterior of your home look nice and last a long time.
Start with the Gutters
Gutters can fill up with leaves, dirt, twigs—you name it. And when they’re clogged, the rainwater has nowhere to go, so it spills over the sides. That can cause problems such as roof leaks, mold or water damage.
Get your gutters cleaned out regularly. You can clean them once in spring and once in fall — or more frequently if you’ve recently had a big storm. It’s not a fun job, but it’s a worthy one. You can even install gutter guards to reduce the frequency of cleaning.
Take Care of Your Roof
Your roof is essentially your home’s first line of defense. If it’s not well, everything under it is in danger. A good, well-maintained roof can spare you a lot of anxiety — and a lot of money. That’s why it pays to have your roof set up properly and well.
You should also not wait until there’s a visible leak to start paying attention to your roof. Have it inspected every year. And if shingles are missing or the damage is evident, hire a local roof installation company. They can help you choose the right materials for your new roof.
Give the Exterior a Good Wash
Dust, grime, mold and mildew can accumulate on the siding of your home over time, leaving your house looking somewhat dull and dirty. Power washing offers a simple solution to this. It really helps freshen things up, and it can make your home look almost new without actually having to repaint anything.
If you decide to do it, select the correct settings. You don’t want holes in your siding. If unsure, hire a professional. Regular house washes once or twice each year assist greatly.
Take Care of Your Windows and Doors
Doors and windows boost your home’s energy efficiency. Leaks in seals allow air to enter or exit, which affects heating plus cooling costs.
To counter this issue, take time to check the seals and weatherstripping. Replace any worn parts. Moreover, wash the glass and the frames for a renewed appearance. Properly-maintained doors and windows provide aesthetic appeal and savings over time.
Maintain the Paint and the Caulking
At the same time, paint does more than just add color — it helps protect your home’s exterior surface from the elements. But it can wear away, flake or chip over time. Caulking around windows and doors in particular can dry out and crack, too. When that occurs, water can seep in, and that causes rotting and other damage.
Repainting and re-caulking every few years can help keep it all sealed up and looking nice. You don’t need to touch up the entire house every time — just focus on the problematic areas sometimes. And filling in any cracks with new caulk is quick but very effective.
Show Your Lawn Some Love
Your lawn and landscaping make a big first impression when people pull up to your house. So it’s worth spending a little time to keep it tidy. Mow the lawn regularly, prune any overgrown shrubs and keep the walkways looking sharp.
And, of course, trees and larger bushes as well. If they’re buffing against your siding or roof, they can cause damage. Branches may scrape paint or even break windows in a storm. Trimming them back not only makes things look better but also avoids accidents.
Small Cracks in Walkways or Driveways Should Not Be Ignored
Small cracks in concrete may not look that serious, but they can worsen over time, particularly if water gets inside and then freezes.
Making repairs to cracks can often be a simple solution if done early on. You can either buy a concrete patch at a hardware store or you can hire someone. Either way, it’s a quick job that helps keep your property safe and looking well-cared for.
Keep Up with the Small Stuff
Much of home maintenance is about monitoring and addressing small issues before they become big ones. Whether it’s a loose shutter or a broken light fixture— those little things add up when it comes to your home’s appearance and vibe.
Walk around your house once or twice a month. You’ll be amazed how much easier it is to keep things on track when you nip problems in the bud. And if you don’t have time to address something right away, just jot down a list so you can stay on top of it when you have enough time.
Taking care of the exterior of your home may not be the most exciting thing in the world — but honestly, it’s one of the best things you can do to protect your investment. Simple maintenance such as regular gutter cleaning, tree trimming, roof inspections, and prompt small repairs go a long way.
Also, it simply feels good to pull into your driveway and behold a house that appears to be well cared for. It’s not about having everything perfect — it’s about doing parts of things here and there so you’re not bombarded with repairs later. Whether you plan to remain in your home for decades or sell it eventually, maintaining its exterior will always pay off.