Whilst the interior of your home should ideally keep you protected, warm and dry, you need to keep in mind the effort that the exterior of your home is doing to make sure that this is the case.
The exterior of your property is constantly exposed to the elements, making it vulnerable to wear and tear over time.
Regular maintenance will not only address this wear and tear, but prevent the risk of emergencies and costly repairs.
In this article, we’ll list the essential exterior property maintenance issues to focus on, so that both the outside and the inside of your home (or business) remains the haven of comfort that it should be.
Why Is Exterior Maintenance So Important?
If there are problems outside, they’ll soon leak (maybe even literally) through towards the interior of your home.
This could mean your heating isn’t as effective due to gaps and cracks in your walls, windows, or doors. It could also mean things such as leaks, flooding, and water damage to property which will then lead to the growth of mould and the creation of a damp environment. It’ll leave you in fear every time it rains.
Not only is it functionally important to invest in a good maintenance level for the outside of your property, but it will also enhance curb appeal and possibly value if you plan on selling up one day.
Even small tasks can ensure that your property remains in top condition throughout the year.
Check Your Exterior Drains
Keeping an eye on, and maintaining your exterior drains is an essential part of exterior property management.
If you need drain repairs, you’ll soon notice during wetter times of the year. As water will pool around your property, covering your drive or pathway (depending on the design).
Try to keep your drains clear and prevent debris such as falling autumn leaves from falling down the drains, as they could eventually cause a blockage.
If blockages become particularly severe, you may need to contact a professional to perform drain jetting in order to clear the drain and get it functioning properly again.
Inspect Your Roof
The top of your property takes a battering, mostly from rain, but also sometimes from harsh sunlight and heat. Occasionally birds can also pose as a menace, making a mess, causing damage to roof tiles or even gaining entry in gaps and building nests inside the property.
Take a step back or get a good vantage point where you can see and inspect your roof from afar, do you notice any obvious signs of issues?
You may also be able to identify problems by inspecting things from the inside, via your loft. Issues such as gaps, cracks, and general wear and tear damage may be obvious when it rains. If you do have a bird infestation, you’ll probably be able to hear them here too. Especially in the early hours of the morning.
Not afraid of heights? Set a ladder up and take a closer look, but be careful. If you’re not sure, hire a professional to assess and do any required work to your roof instead. Don’t risk an injury.
Clear Your Gutters
If you aren’t worried about getting up a ladder, you can use your time up there to inspect your roof, walls and windows on the upper floor, as well as gutters.
Clearing debris from your gutters regularly is important, especially in the autumn time, as just like with drains, falling leaves (if you have trees near your property) or leaves blown by the wind can pile up and cause a blockage.
Preventing your gutters from becoming blocked or flowing properly is important, as they work in combination with your exterior drains to keep water away from your property. Blocked gutters could lead to excess water leaking and flooding back towards your property and eventually wearing down areas of your property due to water damage.
Trim Back Your Trees
Speaking of gutters and leaves, if you do have trees nearby make sure to trim them back regularly too. Making this part of your gardening routine will keep things tidy and prevent the likelihood of both blockages and pests like birds and wasps building nests.
By focusing on these key areas above, you can keep your home free from a range of problems and save yourself some stress.
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