We spend a lot of time and money perfecting the inside of our property, but what about the exterior? Discover why maintaining the outside is just as important.
Preventing structural damage
Structural problems can cause significant damage to your home, both inside and outside. These can render the property unstable and unsafe, and leave your rooms vulnerable to the elements. Warning signs include bulging or bowed walls, cracks in the walls or concrete above doors and windows, sticking doors and windows and gaps between an external wall and the floor.
Take regular tours around the outside of your property to assess the condition of the exterior. You should also request roof inspections occasionally to ensure your tiles are secure. When repairs are required, invest in quality bricks, stone or tiles which match your existing materials.
Boosting kerb appeal
As well as saving you the expense of costly repairs, maintaining the exterior can increase the value of your home by boosting kerb appeal. The outside of the property is the first impression for buyers and often one of the most important considerations when deciding whether to buy.
Secure, well-maintained windows and a roof in excellent condition are the most important kerb appeal features and should be your focus when upgrading the exterior. Other smaller changes can make a big difference too including cleaning gutters, painting doors and concealing bins.
Protect against the weather
Especially if ignored for a long time, weather damage can be devastating to the structural integrity of your house. Rain coming in through the roof can cause wood rot, strong winds can break gutters leading to window and wall water damage, and frozen pipes can flood rooms.
Resealing your windows by caulking or lining any gaps, or going the whole hog and having them refitted with uPVC frames, is the best way to prevent wind and water from seeping inside. It will also prevent cold air from coming in or heat escaping out helping you save on winter energy bills which are set to remain high this year.
Long-term cost savings
Even if you can’t spot any issues, don’t neglect exterior upkeep. Proper care and attention year-to-year will protect against serious problems and therefore ensure long-term cost savings.
Every spring, check the roof for winter damage such as loose tiles and unstable chimney stacks or moss growing in damp spaces. Clean windows inside and out – and your gutters at the same time, if needed – and look for scratches and flaking in exterior paintwork.
Towards the end of autumn, clear your gutters and drainage holes, ensure pipes are securely attached to the walls and well-insulated to prevent freezing in sub-zero temperatures.
Founder Dinis Guarda
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