Spring Exterior Home MaintenanceThe best spring home maintenance tips generally all relate the same message: Do something. Preventive maintenance is essential because completing a relatively simple task now prevents you from having to undertake a complicated (and expensive) task later. When you proactively manage your home’s exterior maintenance, you increase the life span of every facet of your home while simultaneously improving your curb appeal. Here are some of the most crucial exterior aspects of your home to add to your spring home maintenance checklist:

☐ Roof

Most asphalt roofs will last 12 to 20 years. If your roof’s age falls into that range, you definitely need to pay extra attention when looking for signs of wear. If your roof is newer, you should still give it a good look each year to make sure nothing out of the ordinary has caused any damage. While the best way to give yourself complete peace of mind is to hire a licensed professional to thoroughly inspect your roof, there are a few warning signs you can look for yourself. The first sign is one that generally presents itself and is always unwelcome: Leaks. If you notice any water damage or signs of leaks on your ceiling or walls, you should immediately contact a pro. Cracked, curling, or missing shingles, if just a few, may not require more than a simple repair. However, if the problem is persistent throughout your roof, it could be a sign of bad attic ventilation or poor shingle installation, which are two problems you’ll want to fix sooner or later. If you see any balding shingles, you’re generally seeing the signs of an aging roof that will soon need to be repaired. Shingles losing granules over time is normal, but when they become completely bald, the roof is more susceptible to damage. Beyond the actual roof, take care to make sure there are no tree branches within five feet of the roof. Branches can scratch the shingles and decrease your roof’s life span. Beyond that, you don’t want any chance of a tree falling on your house for obvious reasons.

☐ Gutters

Cleaning your gutters can be one of the most disgusting homeowner tasks, but it’s also one of the most essential. Gutters exist to direct water safely off your roof and away from your home’s foundation. Not surprisingly, gutters work best when completely free of leaves, twigs, rodent nests (no, that’s not a typo), and other detritus. If you let debris sit in your gutters, you risk allowing standing water, which can overflow and drop straight down to your foundation, rendering the gutters useless. Plus, standing water attracts mosquitoes and other undesirable creatures. You don’t need to get on your roof to inspect your gutters. Climb a ladder and give your gutters a look. It’s a simple visual inspection that can prevent costly and irritating problems. If you see anything that shouldn’t be there, remove it or call a professional to clean your gutters for you.

☐ Windows and Doors

No home maintenance checklist is complete without taking a look at all your windows and doors to make sure the insulating seals are intact, there are no leaks, cracks, or other wear, and that everything is working as it should. Generally, you won’t find any huge problems during a spring inspection, but that’s because any huge problems would’ve presented themselves already. Still, devote your attention to the task. Small cracks can become big cracks with no notice. Poor insulation can lead to higher cooling bills in the summer and larger heating bills in the winter. After examining your windows and doors, clean them to prevent wear.

☐ Siding

While looking at your windows and doors, make sure your siding is holding up well, too. Check for dents, scratches, peeling paint, or even missing panels. In most cases, a good, thorough cleaning will be all you need to do to get your home ready for the summer. When you have a thorough home exterior maintenance checklist for spring, like the one we’ve outlined here, and give each task the proper time and attention, your life as a homeowner will be easier for years to come. Proactive maintenance prevents problems; and even when a problem does arise, catching it early usually costs less and is easier to fix. Contact us today to schedule a thorough roof inspection. Our experts know the symptoms, causes, and fixes for all roofing problems, and with a complete inspection, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your roof is in good shape.