Are Home Maintenance Plans Worth The Cost?

Name: Custom Exteriors, LLC
Address: 404 Broadway, Eagle, CO, 81631, US
Telephone: 970-460-8714

Every homeowner knows that there are times when homeownership isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In addition to all the great things about owning your home, homeownership also comes with some hassles. Would you rather watch your favorite football team on a Sunday afternoon or clean your gutters? I suppose it depends on who your local football team is, but regardless, the tasks needed to keep you home in good, working condition aren’t typically the most fun.

Maintaining the exterior components of your home, such as the roof, siding, gutters, and windows, is important for preserving your property’s value and protecting it from weather-related damage. Home maintenance plans can offer a structured approach to keeping these vital parts of your home in good condition. Life is busy, and it is easy to overlook or neglect essential maintenance tasks.

These plans typically provide regular inspections, minor repairs, and preventive maintenance services, helping to identify and address issues before they develop into costly problems. Some homeowners can extend the life of their exterior features and avoid unexpected repair expenses. This proactive approach not only improves the condition of your home but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your property is well-cared for year-round. This brings to mind a few critical questions. Would having a maintenance plan in place for my home be worth it? Does it make sense for me to do my own maintenance? How hard is exterior maintenance? How do I prepare my home for winter weather? What should be included in an exterior home maintenance plan?

We will answer all of these questions and more. So, let’s take a thorough look at what it takes to maintain your home’s exterior. With this knowledge, you can confidently make an informed decision about whether or not you need an exterior maintenance plan.

In anticipation of that, let’s take a moment to remember that the most important part of exterior maintenance is safety. Many tasks involved in exterior maintenance are at heights, on a ladder, and involve complicated systems. Before attempting any exterior maintenance, ensure you can use a ladder safely, are comfortable at heights, and understand the requirements to keep the systems being inspected in working condition. Your safety is our top priority. If you have doubts about your ability to safely preform any of these tasks, call a professional roofing contractor to help you protect your home and your safety!

What should regular exterior maintenance include?

Depending on your location, the exterior of your home is often exposed to harsh elements, including the hot sun, snow, heavy rains, strong winds, and more. Unfortunately, mother nature can take a real toll on your home.

With this in mind, what should be regularly inspected and maintained on the exterior of your home?

Your roof plays a crucial role in protecting your home from the elements, yet it often goes unnoticed until there’s a problem. It shields your home from rain, hail, and wind, but it also takes on the wear and tear that comes with that duty. That’s why it’s important to have a detailed roof inspection twice a year to check for missing or damaged shingles, cracked caulking, and other signs of wear.

Your windows, siding, and paint are equally important. They not only protect your home but also contribute to its curb appeal. However, constant exposure to weather can lead to dirt buildup, cracks, and damage that need to be addressed regularly.

Lastly, don’t forget about your gutters. While it’s easy to spot issues like damaged siding or peeling paint, neglected gutters can cause serious problems like mold, wood rot, and even foundation damage. Regular maintenance of your gutters is essential to keep your home in good shape.

So, with the components of exterior maintenance identified, let’s take a brief look at what kind of maintenance each system requires, hazards to be aware of, and if exterior maintenance is something you can do yourself!

What maintenance does a roof require?

Your roof is your first line of defense against whatever Mother Nature brings its way. Your roof makes up a large portion of the first impression of your home as well. With such an important task, let’s look at what maintenance means for your asphalt shingle roof. When conducting a roof inspection, the main points that should be assessed for damage include:

Shingles or metal panels
Roof flashings
Roof vents
Gutter system
Surrounding fascia, eaves, and rakes
Siding and trim accessible above the roofline

"A roof maintenance program can save up to 50 percent over the life of a 30-year roof compared to replacing it every 15-20 years." ~ Roofingcontractor.com

Does Roof Maintenance Help Save Money?

Maintaining your roof twice a year is an important part of keeping it in good shape, especially in Colorado, where maintenance during the shoulder seasons of severe weather is mandatory. Regular maintenance helps prevent small problems, like cracked caulking or a damaged shingle, from becoming bigger issues. Even minor roof damage can lead to interior water damage, mold, or wood rot. Regular upkeep also saves homeowners money in the long run, helping to extend the roof’s lifespan and avoid the cost of replacing it every 15 to 20 years.

The first step in roof maintenance is to perform visual inspections at least twice a year. These inspections are necessary because they help spot any signs of damage. Issues like cracked or hail-damaged shingles may only be visible during these checks. During the inspection, look for signs of curling, blistering, cracked or missing shingles, and any debris on the roof. It’s also good to inspect flashings, vents, skylights, and any siding or trim above the roofline.

Your gutter system should also be inspected and cleaned at least twice yearly. Clearing out debris, leaves, and sticks ensures proper drainage. It’s also important to check that your gutters are sloped correctly and that downspouts direct water away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling around your home.

While inspecting the roof, clear any organic growth or overgrown tree limbs. Remove moss, algae, or mold if you see any, and trim any trees or bushes hanging over the roof. This proactive approach helps prevent damage from falling debris during storms, giving homeowners a sense of control and preparedness.

Next up, you should complete a thorough inspection of your roof flashings. Roof flashings are the metal edgings around your chimney, vents, and skylights. It is essential to check these flashings for signs of damage or rusting. Properly sealed flashing is crucial for preventing leaks. This is also a great time to inspect the caulking around vents, pipes, and other roof penetrations. Cracked and damaged caulking is a common source of roof leaks.

Lastly, a quick visual inspection of the attic to look for signs of water staining, condensation, mold, or mildew. Improper attic ventilation can create serious problems with mold, mildew, and spongy roof decking and even cause your HVAC system to work hard, resulting in a shorter lifespan for your HVAC components. In the end, you should inspect every component of your roof prior to each severe weather season.

Why is gutter maintenance important?

Are your gutters draining correctly, or are they causing water to pool around your home’s foundation? These are important questions to revisit regularly, as failing to do so could lead to serious damage to your home.

Gutters play an important role in protecting your home’s foundation and exterior walls by directing rainwater away from the structure. However, when gutters become clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, they can create major problems. Regular gutter maintenance is necessary to ensure water flows properly and to prevent clogs. By clearing out debris and checking for damage or blockages, you can keep your gutter system working efficiently and protect your home from costly water-related issues. Keeping your gutters in good condition is a smart investment in your home’s long-term health and stability.

It’s also important to check that your gutters are properly sloped and that downspouts direct water far enough away from your foundation. These simple checks can help prevent mildew, mold growth, foundation damage, and interior leaks.

As an exterior contractor, we often see problems caused by neglected gutters. Issues like interior water damage, mold, and even cracked concrete or structural damage can all stem from poor gutter maintenance. Regular gutter care is one of the most critical steps you can take to keep your home in top shape.

Windows, Siding, And Paint

Maintaining the windows, siding, and exterior paint of your home is crucial to preserving its beauty, structural integrity, and overall value. These exterior elements are essential for the visual appeal of your home and serve as protective barriers against the elements. Regular maintenance ensures they can perform their functions effectively, providing comfort and security for you and your family. Here’s why investing time and effort into window, siding, and paint maintenance is a wise decision:

One significant benefit of proper maintenance is enhancing your home’s curb appeal. A well-kept, updated exterior creates a positive first impression and increases the overall value of your property. It makes your home stand out in the neighborhood and even more appealing to potential buyers if you ever decide to sell.

Moreover, your home’s exterior faces constant exposure to harsh weather conditions, UV rays, rain, snow, and wind. Routine maintenance helps protect windows, siding, and paint from deterioration. By catching problems quickly, you prevent water intrusion, rot, mold growth, and fading due to sun exposure.

Additionally, maintenance contributes to the comfort and well-being of your family. When you maintain quality windows and siding, you help prevent drafts and air leaks, creating a cozy living environment. Properly maintained paint prevents moisture from seeping into walls and ceilings, preserving indoor air quality and safeguarding against potential health hazards like mold growth.

Taking care of your home’s exterior also ensures the longevity of materials. Let’s be honest: exterior repairs are not cheap. Regular inspections and touch-ups help extend the lifespan of windows, siding, and paint, maximizing your investment. By preserving the structural integrity of these elements, you can avoid premature replacements and save money in the long run.

Addressing maintenance proactively ensures you can take pride in your home without constant worries about exterior damage. Regularly scheduled maintenance means knowing your home is well-protected and taken care of. That kind of peace of mind is hard to beat.

Are Exterior Maintenance Plans Worth It?

Exterior maintenance is undeniably mandatory for homeowners. Protecting your investment and ensuring the longevity of your property requires regular care and attention to critical components like the roof, siding, windows, gutters, and paint. But the question remains: are maintenance plans worth it for everyone?

The answer lies in understanding your individual needs, abilities, and preferences. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether a maintenance plan is the right choice for you:

While exterior maintenance is essential for all homeowners, determining if a maintenance plan is worth it depends on your unique circumstances. Assessing factors like time availability, expertise, budget, approach to maintenance, and long-term investment goals can guide you in making an informed decision. Whether you choose a maintenance plan or DIY care, the ultimate goal remains the same: ensuring your home stays in optimal condition, reflecting your pride of ownership for years to come.

Custom Exteriors offers cost-effective exterior maintenance solutions to Colorado and Wyoming residents seeking professional services for their exterior maintenance needs. You can learn more about this service by contacting Custom Exteriors.