As a homeowner, you’re responsible for the upkeep of your property. While you’ll have chores like mowing the lawn and maintaining the backyard deck, it’s important that you don’t overlook these other outdoor home maintenance tasks.
Outdoor Home Maintenance: Inspect the Roof
Because the roof isn’t something we look at every day, it’s easy to neglect its maintenance. The average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is between 15 and 20 years. Pay attention to the condition of your roofing materials and make repairs as needed.
Keep the roof clear of tree branches, algae and moss, and other debris. Check the shingles for damage. If you notice any warping or curling, these are signs that it’s aging and it may be time for a roof replacement.
Clean the Gutters
The gutters are another important part of a home that is often overlooked. Gutters funnel water off the roof and away from your home. Water that pools in the gutters can seep under your roofing shingles and leak into your attic. Overflowing gutters dump water beside your house and this can lead to basement flooding and mold growth beneath your siding.
Clean the gutters at least twice every year. Remove all leaves, sticks, and other debris, and make sure the water can flow freely out of the downspouts.
Driveway Maintenance
Your driveway is exposed to sun, rain, wind, and ice. Over time this can cause shifting and cracks. In cooler weather when there is a freeze and thaw cycle, water in the cracks may freeze and expand, worsening the damage.
Summer is the perfect season to make repairs to your driveway. Pressure wash the surface and then fill in the cracks so the driveway will be ready for winter weather.
Fill Holes in the Yard as Part of Your Outdoor Home Maintenance
If you notice puddles in the lawn after a rainstorm, take the time to fill them in. Puddles sometimes form due to the ground shifting, however, water pooling near your home should be dealt with because it can lead to other issues.
Standing water can affect the health of your lawn, attracts mosquitoes, and may eventually back up into your house. In rainy weather, pay attention to your property to make sure water is flowing away from the home. If you notice water pooling, make adjustments to help it drain in the right direction.
District Home Inspection offers home inspections to customers in the Washington D.C. area. Contact us to request an appointment.