It can sneak up on you. The roof is getting older. It's hard to say when the siding was installed, and the peeling paint tells the story of when it was last tended to. Then there are the things that are hard to notice because you need to know what you're looking for. Most homeowners do not have enough experience with building and construction to make a list and take care of every preventative maintenance project on their own. When homeowners delay exterior maintenance, the cost of repairs ballooned compared with spotting potential problems and taking care of them early.
For the same reasons you would only purchase a home with a home inspection, homeowners should schedule regular inspections by a trusted home builder with knowledge in building science. This is the best way to tackle home exterior maintenance.
Why Many Homeowners Underestimate the Importance of Home Maintenance
Minor Issues Become Big Issues
Small cracks, peeling paint, pest infiltration, or loose shingles might be considered insignificant. Still, if left unaddressed, they can worsen over time, causing bigger problems.
For example, a layer of paint adds color to your home exterior. It is a barrier to protect the siding from moisture. Once this layer is compromised, the siding becomes water-saturated and loses its structural integrity. When this happens, paint cannot adhere properly. A smaller repainting project turns into a larger, more expensive residence project.
Similarly, window trim is a common area where water infiltration happens. If a corner section starts to rot—say, on a second-floor window that is hard to get to—left unrepaired, water will start rotting the sheathing beneath the siding, eventually working its way right into the drywall. Again, a small repair becomes a larger issue.
Concerns About Cost
Another big reason homeowners put off home maintenance is that it's outside the budget. You have a mortgage, monthly utility bills, and the annual spruce-up with landscaping and gardening. It is hard to consider adding an exterior maintenance line item to the ledger.
Regular seasonal inspections by a home building and repair expert can prevent costly repairs and distribute the maintenance investment, making it more cost-effective for homeowners.
Why Exterior Maintenance is Important for Every New England Home
Paying attention to exterior home maintenance pays off—it's that simple. Here are just some of the benefits of regularly maintaining the exterior of your home.
- Structural Integrity – Structural damage can be the center of the most costly repairs in a home. Water infiltration has a significant impact on structural integrity. If you have a leaking window on the third floor, water can get into the walls and create a lot of damage. Water can get into the rafters and interior walls if you have failed exterior trim. Insects and other pests can also be the foe of structural integrity.
- Energy Efficiency—Along with keeping the bones of the home in good repair, maintenance helps with energy efficiency. Failure of cooling systems in the summer can cause health risks and water damage. Failure of heating systems can be problematic, especially during bitter cold times in the winter, which risks burst pipes and other issues. If possible, it is best to get your HVAC equipment in a climate-controlled space. Exterior or attic units have to work twice as hard when they are not insulated well.
Another way to maintain the home and save energy is to consider having new construction windows installed. They are better insulated and provide protection against UV rays.
- Curb Appeal—Regular exterior maintenance can increase curb appeal and pride of ownership. For instance, when you replace wood siding with a more durable material like stone veneer or fiber/cement composite material such as HardiePlank, you have an exterior material that will look great for years to come.
- Home Value and Pride of Ownership—Your home is often the largest investment you will make in your lifetime. Maintaining it is important to its longevity and represents the pride you have in living there. It also reflects your relationship with your neighbors and ensures you have an enjoyable living experience. Homes that are not well maintained tend to sell at a lower value.
Staying on Track with Exterior Home Maintenance
Exterior home maintenance is essential for many reasons, but how does one stay on top of it? It's not that you want your home exterior to fall into disrepair. We're all busy, and keeping track of everything on your to-do list is hard, much less adding to it. For many homeowners, exterior home maintenance to protect from rain, snow, wind, pest, and sun damage is not top of mind.
For example, many people don't know the age of their roof. Knowing the age and signs of wear to look for can help you get your roof redone before the leaks start. Roofs in New England tend to tie into chimneys, often with lead flashing. You might think a little dab of silicone will take care of it, but there are usually larger issues that need to be addressed.
The point is to avoid waiting until the damage is done as much as possible. Being proactive is better than dealing with emergencies. A major cause of water infiltration in the winter is ice dams at the roof edge. Rather than waiting for this to happen when all the contractors are busy fixing other people's roofs, have a professional make sure the roofing is in good repair, and the attic area is well insulated.
Getting the Best Help with Exterior Home Maintenance
The good news is that there is no reason to go it alone regarding exterior home maintenance. A team of experts who understand all of the home's systems can help plan and schedule regular maintenance to keep your home in top condition year-round. Professionals who understand all the systems that impact the home exterior can help spot problems before they get out of control.
To learn more about home maintenance, please download our FREE eBook - Home Maintenance: This is How Professionals Do It. And if you are ready to speak about your next home renovation, please schedule a home renovation discovery session. Looking to replace your front door? Reach out to our Exteriors and Maintenance division for that and other upgrade jobs you have for your home.
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