It's what inside that counts
is a good mantra for dealing with people, but
when it comes to houses, the outside is just as
important. Routine exterior maintenance makes a
world of difference to a home's look and
quality, not to mention the homeowner's wallet.
Severe weather, sun exposure and moisture
buildup wreaks havoc on a home's exterior.
Pinpointing and repairing damaged areas before
they escalate into major problems preserves the
home’s value and saves the homeowners from much
more costly repairs down the road.
Annual spring or summer “checkups,” are a great
way to preserve the beauty and value of your
home. These are ideal times to identify weather
damage and complete any needed repairs before
cooler weather sets in.
You can also follow these simple steps to
assess the health of your home:
1) Walk around your home’s
exterior and look for any paint or caulk that
has cracked, peeled or blistered. Properly
painted areas not only look better, they also
protect the home as exposed wood is especially
prone to weather damage. Any break in the
exterior finish of the house is an opening for
moisture to enter, eventually leading to mildew
and rot.
2) Examine your gutters and clear out any
debris. Roof damage occurs when water gets
backed up and leaks in, so clearing out any
leaves and dirt will help prevent internal wall
and ceiling damage.
3) Check all flat surfaces, such as window
sills, thresholds, steps and decks for wear.
Identify vulnerable areas and watch for water
pooling up on the surface.
4) Pay particular attention to areas of intense
sun or shade. Harsh sun can fade sections of
paint finish, while portions of a home that are
in deep shade may be subject to mildew and mold.
5) Be sure to protect all painted or stained
outside furniture by covering or storing it
before winter hits. The minimal effort involved
in covering patio furniture will reward you many
times over.
Routine, preventative maintenance keeps your
home looking its best while dramatically
reducing the cost of repairs. Whether you do it
yourself or schedule an inspection with your
local painting contractor, give your home’s
exterior an annual checkup and identify any
minor issues before they develop into major
problems. You’ll preserve the value and beauty
of your home – one of your largest assets, and
you’ll save money by avoiding extensive repairs
that could have been easily resolved by early
detection.
This article is provided courtesy
of www.hesterdecorating.com and may be reprinted
provided this courtesy notice with the author
name and URL remain intact. Jeff Hester, a.k.a.
Professor Paint, is an expert on high-end
painting, faux finishing and wall covering. He
has 28 years experience in the field and is vice
president of Hester Painting & Decorating. Visit
http://www.hesterdecorating.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Hester
Tips For Preserving Your Home's Exterior And Preventing
Costly Repairs
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