Be a know-it-all for home exterior maintenance
Protect your home from Father Time and the effects of weather while helping maintain its value. Here are some things to look for and simple tips to keep your home, and its exterior, in good shape for years to come:
- Siding is the key to street appeal.
No matter what kind of siding you have (vinyl, aluminum, wood, shingle or brick), you should inspect it at least once a year for signs of pieces coming lose, rotting or cracking. Paint, repair or replace those trouble areas. Plus cleaning the exterior twice a year is a good rule of thumb. You can use a bucket of soapy water and a stiff brush. Clean one area at a time with soap and rinse with a hose or pressure washer (set at a low setting). If mildew is a problem, clean the area with a mixture of one part household bleach and four parts water. - Keep that roof over your head.
The roof protects your home, but you may need to make updates, like adding a water shield, to ensure it stays in top shape. Identifying issues right away will help prevent moisture, rot and even pests inside of your home causing even bigger problems. Make sure to look for things like damaged, broken or missing shingles, worn vent and chimney flashing, skylight seals and transition areas. Early detection will help maximize the life or your roof. If it’s time to replace your roof, you can count on Eagle Siding for a risk-free estimate. - Your gutters shouldn’t look like planter boxes.
Gutters often get clogged with leaves, seeds and other debris. This can lead to problems including overflow, mold, rot, pest infestations, ice dams and even flooding. While gutter cleaning is especially important in late fall, they should be inspected for any needed repairs and maintained year-round. - Ensure your windows and doors stay the gateways to the world.
Inspect them regularly for: cracked glass, moisture buildup, damaged caulk/weather-stripping or hardware, broken screens, any potential rot or excessive wear. Keeping them clean will also help you spot any sneaky problems. Making necessary repairs early and adding a fresh coat of paint will ensure security as well as maximize the lifespan and renew beauty to your home. - Camping isn’t the only summer outdoor retreat.
There aren’t many months in Minnesota to fully enjoy the relaxation of warm weather so make sure you can enjoy every second. Clean/pressure wash your deck/patio and regularly reapply stain or sealant. Inspect the deck for cracks and signs of wear and repair/replace as needed. This should also include railings, steps, footings and trellises. Discourage pests by repairing any fence damage, eliminating mosquito pools and removing loose branches, leaf piles and debris. - Prevent small things from turning into big investments:
- Annual chimney inspection.
- Trim shrubs and hedges.
- Test outside water drains and spigots.
- Clean and repair sidewalk and driveway.
- Maintain landscaping and proper drainage.
- Inspect irrigation and sump pump systems.
- Monthly smoke/carbon monoxide detector test.
Top 5 home maintenance tips for cold weather
- Look for the leaks.
Unsealed areas around windows, doors and exterior wall outlets can put a dent in your wallet. There are temporary remedies, but having Eagle Siding replace your problem windows, doors or siding will provide a lasting solution. Proper Eagle Siding installation not only adds beauty and value to your home but can save money on your utility bills too. - Protect your pipes.
As water freezes, it expands so attending to exposed or uninsulated pipes can prevent disaster. - Check your heat.
Clogged filters, old thermostats and improper boiler pressure can cause uneven and inefficient heating. A simple annual tuneup is a great start. - Prevent ice dams.
When melted snow can’t drain properly because of clogged gutters and poor insulation, ice buildup can force a good roof into a needed roof replacement prematurely. - Avoid blocked vents.
Proper airflow and exhaust is essential in keeping warm air and fumes moving when and where they need to be. Regularly check and clear those areas in and around all chimneys and ventilation pipes.
Ideal indoor humidity levels by outdoor temperature.
The most comfortable indoor humidity level will vary from one household to the next, depending on personal preferences. In general, this temperature guide will show you where to keep your indoor relative humidity levels to ensure comfort and prevent unnecessary wear inside your home.
- Outdoor temperature over 50˚F – levels shouldn’t exceed 50%
- Outdoor temperature over 20˚F – levels shouldn’t exceed 40%
- Outdoor temperature between 10˚F and 20˚F – levels shouldn’t exceed 35%
- Outdoor temperature between 0˚F and 10˚F – levels shouldn’t exceed 30%
- Outdoor temperature between -10˚F and 0˚F – levels shouldn’t exceed 25%
- Outdoor temperature between -20˚F and -10˚F – levels shouldn’t exceed 20%
- Outdoor temperature at -20˚F or lower – levels shouldn’t exceed 15%
Courtesy of your friends at Eagle Siding
