Maintenance Checklist for Your Home’s Problem Areas

It’s important to have your home inspected on a regular basis. Are you aware of your home’s problem areas? You should be checking up on them before they have the chance to cause big trouble later on. Use this three-part checklist to make sure your home is in tip-top shape all year.

Step 1: Check your roofing and gutters.

Because they’re your home’s first line of defense against the elements, you ought to put your roof and gutters at the top of your priority list. Inspection should be done at least twice a year, as suggested by the National Roofing Contractors Association.

However, don’t check your roof by yourself! It’s better to hire an expert roofer for this task. Here are several things your roofer will look for during the inspection:

• Damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Leaks frequently occur on roofs that have cracks, holes, and empty spaces. Loose-fitting shingles are a risk since they can easily be lifted and blown away by the wind. These need to be dealt with promptly in order to avoid further damage.
• Granule loss from shingles. These often end up accumulated inside the gutters. They often indicate that the shingle tab is past its prime and needs to be replaced.
• Misaligned gutters and downspouts. In order for water to be directed away from the rest of the home, these components must be positioned properly on the roof.
• Rotted decking. This is one of those less obvious issues we mentioned. You’ll never really know if a deck is rotted unless you lift the shingles over it, but doing so runs the risk of you damaging the roof further. You should leave this task to the experts.

Step 2: Mind your siding.

The elements can damage your home’s exterior cladding too. Check for cracks, rotted boards, and mossy areas. When checking your siding, make sure to get the help of an expert siding contractor in Hockessin DE. Not only will this aid in identifying issues—it will also make deciding on solutions easier for you.

After inspection and fixes, take some time to clean your siding. Give it a good scrubbing to get rid of algae, dirt, and other unsightly stains. This should refresh your exteriors and restore curb appeal.

If you’re tired of frequent cleaning, how about getting a replacement that requires minimal maintenance? We suggest looking into vinyl siding in Wilmington DE. Unlike other materials, it won’t peel, blister, rust, or rot. In other words, you get the same stylish covering at a fraction of the work.

Step 3: Assess window and door conditions.

Other potential sources of trouble are inefficient windows and doors. If they’re drafty or damaged, they can let ventilated air out of your home. That’s more work for your HVAC systems. If your window and door units are not doing a good job of keeping indoor air where it should remain, you’re better off replacing them. Turn to window experts for suggestions concerning the best units for your home.

Here at Homecraft® Inc., we can help you tick off all the items in this checklist. We’ll work with you to get your home back in shape. Talk to us at (302) 798-0302 for information on getting started.