3 Exterior Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Know

When it comes to homes, water is enemy number one, and these 3 exterior home maintenance tasks will help prevent water damage. Water damage is one of the most costly and frustrating problems any homeowner can face. Over the years, I’ve seen so many homes with preventable water damage that could’ve been avoided with just a bit of attention. Whether it’s from a heavy rainstorm, melting snow, or blocked gutters, water intrusion can lead to rot, mold, foundation cracks, and expensive repairs down the road. 

 

The good news is, with some simple exterior maintenance, you can protect your home and save yourself time, money, and stress. Here are the top 3 exterior home maintenance tasks every homeowner should prioritize to keep water out from where it doesn’t belong.

 

#1. Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clean 

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Next to your roof, your gutters are your home’s first line of defense against water damage. Look, I get it. Cleaning gutters isn’t anyone’s favorite chore but when gutters are clogged with leaves, dirt, and debris, rainwater can overflow, damaging your roofline, siding, and even the foundation.

 

I’ve seen too many houses with gutters that need some serious maintenance – stuffed full of leaves and debris – causing water to overflow. If not addressed, this can rot the fascia boards or cause basement leaks. 

 

That’s why regular gutter cleaning is a must — at least twice a year in spring and fall. But that’s not enough. I recommend installing a gutter protection system, and a good one. You want it to catch leaves, twigs and debris.

 

Here’s my advice: If you want to get this right, install a LeafFilter gutter guard system. I’ve installed them personally, and the surgical stainless steel micro-mesh technology really works. It keeps out a lot of the debris but lets water flow through freely. That means your gutters stay clog-free — helping protect your home from roof rot and water damage year-round.

 

Also, make sure your downspouts discharge water at least six feet away from your foundation. Water pooling near your home and foundation is a big problem that can cause cracks and basement flooding, and it’s totally preventable.

 

#2. Inspect Your Roof and Flashing Regularly

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Your roof is your home’s ultimate shield against water. But even the toughest roofs need regular inspections. Missing or damaged shingles, cracked flashing, or worn seals around chimneys and vents are prime spots where water can sneak in – because water finds the weakest spot.

 

Every season, make it a habit to do a walk-around and look for damaged shingles or rusted flashing. If you’re not comfortable getting on the roof, hire a pro to do an inspection every couple of years and especially after periods of severe storms. I’ve seen so many costly repairs come from ignoring these warning signs — and the worst part is, they’re completely avoidable.\

 

Remember, small roof repairs done early are much cheaper than fixing leaks that cause mold and structural damage. Homeowners that do regular inspections can catch hidden issues before they become major headaches.

 

RELATED: The Best Gutter Guard Protection: LeafFilter Gutter Guard

 

 

#3. Get Your Yard Grading and Drainage Right — So Water Flows Away From Your Foundation

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Here’s something most homeowners overlook: the soil and slope around your house. If your yard doesn’t slope AWAY from your foundation, water will pool there, soaking into the ground and eventually seeping through cracks or causing basement flooding.

 

Check your yard regularly and make sure it slopes at least six inches away from your foundation over a 10-foot distance. Fill in any low spots where water collects, and keep window wells clean so water can drain properly.

 

For homes with drainage problems, consider investing in French drains or sump pumps to channel water away safely.

 

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And don’t forget to check for foundation cracks. Not all foundation cracks are serious, but you do want to keep an eye on them.

 

Avoiding drainage problems will lead to serious issues, costly repairs and even compromising your home’s structural integrity. Plus, external waterproofing is very costly and labour intensive. Addressing these issues at an early stage will prevent a lot of headaches and costs!

 

RELATED: How To Repair a Leaky Basement

Who To Hire?

 

Remember to hire the right professionals for your these exterior home maintenance projects:
 

• For installing high-quality gutter protection, contact a LeafFilter installer. Every LeafFilter installer cleans out your gutters and repairs and replaces any damaged gutters before installing LeafFilter gutter protection onto your home.
• For a roof inspection including the flashing around chimney and vents, repair or replace flashing or missing shingles contact a roofing professional
• For re-grading soil around the foundation, or water management on your property contact a waterproofing specialist or landscaper

 

Help Protect Your Biggest Investment

Water damage is the silent home killer. It creeps in quietly, but the damage can be quite extensive — from rotted wood to mold growth to cracked foundations.

Here’s what I want you to take away:

• Keep your gutters clean or better yet, get a LeafFilter gutter guard system installed to keep debris out and water flowing.
• Inspect your roof and flashing regularly — catch the little issues before they turn into major leaks.
• Make sure your yard slopes away from your foundation and your drainage is working right.

 

These 3-exterior-home-maintenance-tasks aren’t complicated. They don’t require a huge budget, just a bit of attention and the right products and tools. Doing these home maintenance projects right will protect your home for years to come.

 

If you do one thing today, start with your gutters — it’s the easiest way to stop water damage before it starts.

 

READ NEXT: 

How Much Does Gutter Guard Installation Cost Today?

Basement Flooded? Here are 12 Steps To Follow

 

 

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