Water damage can take a homeowner by surprise. By the time mold appears on the roof or stains ruin the siding or gutters sag because of standing water, the harm has been done, resulting in costly repairs. Preventative measures go a long way to protect your home exterior from water damage.
Take care of the roof.
To help protect your home from common roofing problems such as damaged shingles, rotted soffit and fascia, and leaks, regular roof home maintenance should include:
- Periodic inspections for damaged tiles, flashings, missing shingles, “bald” spots on asphalt shingles where granules have worn away
- Ensuring all roof protrusions, including vents, chimneys, flues, skylights, and air conditioners are in good working order
- Checking for damp patches – typically a sign of leaks – that can result in mold growth and wood rot
- Checking soffit for damage and vented soffit for blockages
- Finding the source of leaks
- Making repairs a soon as possible
- Having a professional roofing inspection done every 2 to 5 years
- Knowing when to DIY or call a roofing contractor
Keep the gutter system working properly.
Prevent problems with the gutter system by:
- Cleaning the gutters at least twice a year – more often if you live in near a forest, next to a busy highway, or in an agricultural area
- Cleaning the downspouts
- Inspecting the downspouts for damage or dents (aluminum gutters) after a storm
- Checking hardware – tighten any loose brackets and screws; replacing missing hardware
- Checking seams for worn sealant
- Troubleshooting constantly overflowing when blockages aren’t the issue – gutter pitch or slope might need to be adjusted
Maintain doors and windows.
When doing home maintenance on doors and windows (and protecting your home’s exterior) look for the following:
- Loose, cracked, or missing window panes
- Windows and doors that don’t open and close easily
- Peeling paint, fading paint colour, swollen door or window frames and trim
- Worm weather stripping or damaged flashings
Inspect and repair siding.
Cracked, broken or missing siding panels can expose the sheathing that keeps moisture from getting inside. Repair or replace damaged siding to prevent leaks.
The siding around any opening to accommodate cables, wiring, plumbing, dryer vents, etc. should be painted, sealed properly, or repaired if damaged.
Regularly inspect the foundation for cracks, pinholes, and soil erosion that might lead to shifting.
Be on the lookout for pest infestations. Missing or damaged siding panels are an invitation to insects and animals wanting a warm home for winter.
Landscaping issues can harm your home’s exterior.
We might not think twice about tree branches tapping against the siding on or leaves that fall on to the roof and get plastered to shingles after a heavy rainfall. But these “innocent” landscaping issues can harm your home’s exterior.
Drainage: When runoff from the downspouts flows back toward your house instead of away from it, you might have to build up the area around the foundation by adding soil. Creating a slope will direct water away from exterior walls and improve drainage on your property.
Sprinklers: Overspray and constant exposure to water from sprinklers or residential irrigation systems can cause wood rot, mold growth, and paint damage. Adjust sprinklers so that water is watering the lawn and not the siding.
Trees: Tree limbs should be trimmed back to prevent leaves and branches from falling on the roof. If left hanging around, wet leaves and debris compromise the protective finish of roofing shingles. Trees on the property that grow near the house or within falling distance of the roof should be inspected with every change of season and after active storms for damage, sickness, and pest infestations.
Vegetation: When planting flowerbed, shrubs, and small trees, they should be at least three to five feet away from the house to protect it from overwatering, soil erosion, and abrasions.
