Rake the leaves. Trim the hedges. Paint the siding.
Kind of Exterior Maintenance 101.
However, these items are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to comprehensive exterior care. There are a whole host of under-the-radar tasks that, when neglected, can compromise far more than your home’s curb appeal.
With this in mind, keep reading as we explore some of the most overlooked exterior maintenance tasks every homeowner needs to know.
Gutter Inspection
Gutters are one of those things.
On nobody’s radar. Until a problem arises.
Old-fashioned tin gutters blowing around in the wind. Beaten-up gutters wired to the side of the house. Yeah, not ideal.
Aside from the aesthetics, clogged gutters are actually one of the leading causes of roof leaks. Ice dams. Leaves. Debris. Any of these factors can inhibit the flow of precipitation off the roof, causing it to back up and damage the roofing substrate. It’s an issue wholly preventable with simple due diligence. Inspect those gutters.
Check the Caulking
Caulking is crucial for eliminating the hard-to-see gaps in the frame-to-wall transitions. Caulk helps keep out:
- Pests
- Drafts
- Moisture
All in all, a vital component of an airtight and energy efficient building envelope. Be sure to peel away any cracked or weathered caulk before applying a new bead. Look for a silicone-based caulk for the best UV and moisture protection.
Clean Hardscaping
A major appeal of exterior hardscaping is lower maintenance. It’s easier to care for a gravel walkway than a rose garden.
However, low maintenance does not mean “no maintenance.” Hard exterior areas do need some love. Debris can catch in xeriscaped surfaces. Food and oil stains on driveways and sidewalks require a specialized concrete cleaner to lift them to the surface for complete removal.
While these periodic due diligence items are far easier than the day-to-day requirements of less durable exterior landscaping, staying ahead of them is essential for ensuring the ongoing health and beauty of these “hardscaped” areas.
Care for the Deck
Everybody loves the rustic charm of a wood deck. Sipping on an outdoor cup of coffee on a clear summer morning just spells “home.”
But too many wood decks quickly fall into disrepair. Fading and cracking from UV exposure. Rot from moisture absorption. Fire damage. Pests.
For this reason, many homeowners are turning to low maintenance composite and thermo-bamboo deck boards. These innovative products are more resistant to the forces of nature and maintain their structural stability and aesthetics in all seasons far better than standard cedar.
However, like hardscaping, it would be remiss to say that these durable decking options come completely “care free.” Standard bamboo deck maintenance is as important as it is straightforward:
- Sweep away debris as it accumulates
- Keep an eye out for standing water
- Apply maintenance oil (for those wanting to keep the deep dark finish)
- Address mold and algae formation promptly
- Inspect annually
While these basic care items for durable decking materials are not onerous, they go a long way toward ensuring the ongoing looks and performance of this key exterior hangout.
Tighten Fasteners
One of the key tenets of a functional exterior is that it keeps the outdoors, well, outdoors. This applies to more than just air and moisture. You want to keep trespassers and varmints off your premises as well.
This starts with well-functioning handles and latches. Tighten loose hinges on gate fencing. Assess the quality of your door knobs. Make sure the fasteners on deck and patio railings are secure. Fortify any fence posts that have become wobbly.
Inspect Garage Door
The automatic garage door is something modern homeowners take for granted. There was a time when homeowners had to get out their car to physically pry open the garage.
With that said, garage door accidents are quite common today. People open and close them without thinking many times per day, quickly wearing on the torsion springs that lift the door. This leads to some 35,000 garage door injuries each year.
Stay out of this statistic. Inspect the garage door from time to time. Lubricate hinges and rollers to limit noise and prevent wear.
Seasonal Checklist for Exterior Maintenance
Overlooked exterior maintenance tasks clearly fly under the radar. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be called “overlooked.” As such, it is helpful to keep a checklist on hand and tackle these items as the seasons permit:
- Spring – Clean gutters. Check for signs of winter damage (felled branches, roof leaks, cracked paint). Clean hardscaping.
- Summer – Inspect caulking. Care for the deck. Touch up exterior paint. Inspect garage door.
- Fall – Clean gutters again (falling leaves!). Trim branches. Inspect foundation.
- Winter – Keep vents clear of snow. Check for ice dams.
Obviously, this checklist will vary from household to household, depending on the type of exterior features you have. However, an itemized reminder is a great way to stay ahead of the insidious concerns that forgetting about these upkeep tasks can elicit.
Stay Ahead of the Small Details for Next-Level Exteriors
When it comes to exterior maintenance, go beyond the standard level of care. From gutter inspections to garage door maintenance, consider any of the small details listed above for exteriors that shine in all seasons. For more of the latest trends in home and lifestyle, explore the content at Bored Mom for ideas and inspiration today!
By Lisa Thompkins
Author Bio:
Lisa Thompkins is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. She works closely in the Home Improvement and Restoration fields and has a background in Real Estate. When not writing, Lisa enjoys spending her time traveling and seeing the world. Lisa’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
