If you live in a neighborhood like ours, it’s super easy to overlook things on the exterior of your home that needs attention. We drive into our garage and hit the button, closing off our view to the outside of our home. Then we walk through the garage and never even reach the front door. Since spring is here, it’s the perfect time to get outside and inspect your home.
Here’s a checklist to help you get started. Be sure to pick a nice, bright day, so you aren’t rushed and do a good job. I also recommend doing one area at a time. To keep it nice and neat, I’m breaking the list into two parts, so check back for next week’s blog.
DIY Inspection
- Foundation. Look for cracks going through bricks. Cracked bricks are a severe sign of potential foundation damage. Even small cracks in mortar joints can indicate a problem early. If it hasn’t rained recently and you find yourself in a muddy mess, you may also want to check your ground drainage system for clogs.
- Siding and walls. Make sure the paint on your exterior walls and siding isn’t starting to blister. Peeling exterior paint or damaged siding affects how your home looks and exposes the materials underneath to the elements.
- Windows. The caulk around the windows should be flexible and not have any gaps or cracks. Depending on the quality of the caulk, it should last up to 10 years. You may need to re-caulk based on the age of your home. In severe cases, gaps can be a sign of foundation damage. In these instances, the caulk appears to be stressed or torn.
- Gutters. Ideally, you should clean and inspect your gutters twice a year or hire a professional service to do it for you. In addition to making sure they are clear of debris, double-check that they are fully attached to the fascia.
This should get you started. Again, be sure to check back next week when we finish our spring inspection by checking the upper portions of your home, including the roof, chimneys, and frieze boards. The Peak Roofing & Construction professionals are available to assist with inspecting paint, windows, gutters, roofing, and fences. Call and schedule your assessment today.
About Peak Roofing & Construction
Peak Roofing and Construction is family-owned, with 30 years of experience. Bonded, insured and accredited, we provide roofing, gutter, fence, window and exterior facelift services. Guaranteed. Call 972-335-7325 (Dallas-Fort Worth) or 281-290-7325 (Houston) today!
Jeff Riss
Jeff has 20 years of sales experience, a love of roofing, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. He leads Peak Roofing & Construction’s team but also is known for getting his hands (and knees) dirty on a job site. His passion for customer service, integrity, and quality craftsmanship drives his success. Peak Roofing & Construction is a family-owned, locally-operated business focused on doing things the right way. His deep understanding of roofing, gutters, windows, fences and exterior painting provide a strong foundation for running the business and serving his customers.