Are Home Maintenance Plans A Smart Investment?

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.

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 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 are capable of using a ladder safely, are comfortable at heights, and understand the requirements to keep the systems being inspected in working condition.

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?

Let’s start with your roof—that underappreciated part of your home that protects everything that matters. It stops those “refreshing” showers in their tracks and takes an occasional beating from large hail or strong winds. As such, it is imperative that a thorough roof inspection be completed bi-annually, looking for missing or damaged shingles, cracked caulking, and other signs of damage.

Your windows, siding, and paint are as important as the roof. They are also part of the first round of protection on your home. More than this, they are everyone’s first impression of your home. Unfortunately, due to constant exposure to the elements, they tend to collect dirt, develop cracks, or become damaged.

Lastly, an often overlooked piece of home maintenance is your gutters. While you are much more likely to notice damage to your siding or peeling paint if your gutters are not maintained, they can cause real damage, including mold, wood rot, and foundation issues.

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 a roof bi-annually is essential to keeping this important system in good condition. Regular maintenance prevents minor issues like cracked caulking or a damaged shingle from turning into significant issues. Even a minor roof issue can cause interior water damage, mold, or wood rot. Additionally, regular maintenance helps homeowners save up to 50% over the life of their roof by maintaining and extending its life rather than replacing it every 15 to 20 years.

The first step in maintaining this essential system is performing visual inspections at least bi-annually. This inspection is imperative as it helps identify any signs of possible damage. Cracked shingles or shingles damaged by hail may only be noticeable during this inspection. During the inspection, shingles should be assessed for any signs of curling, blistering, cracked or missing shingles, or debris covering the roof. This is also a great opportunity to inspect flashings, vents, skylights, caulking, and any siding or trim above the roofline.

Another imperative system to address during regular inspections is your gutter system. Your gutters should be inspected and cleaned at least twice a year. At this time, gutters must be cleared of debris, leaves, and sticks to ensure proper drainage. Additionally, ensure that your gutters are properly sloped and all downspouts are directed away from the foundation to reduce the chances of pooling water around your foundation.

This is an opportune time to clear the roof of any organic growth or overgrown tree limbs. Look for moss, algae, or mold growth signs and remove them immediately if discovered. This is also a great time to trim any trees or bushes overhanging the roof. By being proactive, you can prevent damage from falling debris during windstorms.

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 properly? Are they causing pooling water along your home’s foundation? These are essential questions that should be revisited regularly to prevent what could be catastrophic damage to your home.

Gutters protect your home’s foundation and exterior walls by channeling rainwater away from the structure. But here’s the twist: when gutters get clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, they can cause major problems! Regular gutter maintenance is essential to ensure proper water flow and prevent clogs. By clearing debris and checking for any signs of damage or blockages, homeowners can maintain the efficiency of their gutter system and safeguard their property from costly water-related problems. Keeping gutters in optimal condition is a wise investment in your home’s long-term health and integrity. Because of this, gutter maintenance is the unsung hero behind a dry, happy home.

It is just as important to regularly ensure that your gutter system is adequately sloped and that downspouts have an adequate distance from the home’s foundation for drainage. These simple check-ins can prevent mildew or mold growth, damage to your foundation, and interior water leaks.

As an exterior contractor, we run into issues caused by improper gutter maintenance from time to time. We have seen interior water damage, mold, and even cracking concrete and structural issues. Gutter maintenance is one of the most important parts of keeping 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.