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Exterior Maintenance Checklist
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Early Spring is the time to take a walk around the exterior of your home. Finding small problems now can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Below is a checklist that will help you during your inspection as you walk the perimeter of your home.
We also offer a complete inspection for the exterior of your home for $75.00. During this time we can walk around to help you find problems spots for the future and give you tips and an estimate for repairs if needed.
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Caulking- The most important.
A small gap in caulking can let water penetrate causing damage and mold to the structure. Inspect for small holes, gaps, shrinking or pulling away.
___All transitions (siding/brick/stone)
___Windows and Doors
___Top of horizontal boards
___Siding seams
___Nail holes
___Utility entrance
Windows
___Caulking
___Weep holes should be clean
Most water issues are caused by clogged weep holes
___Screen/Storm window condition
___Any foggy glass
Foggy glass can mean broken seal
___Any wood rot/soft spots
___Window operation
___Weatherstripping
___Signs of water penetration
Siding
___Caulking
___Nail Pops/Open seams
___Loose boards
___Any damage
___Wood rot/soft spots
___Overall condition
Decks
___Stability
___Splintering/Cracking
___Nails popping up
___Mold/Algae
___Evidence of pests
___Railing firm
___Stain/Sealer condition
___Overall condition
Fencing
___Posts firm
___Wood rot
___Any signs of pests
___Gates operate properly
___Overall condition
Gutters
___Clean and clear of debris
___Downspouts clear
___Attached properly
___Any signs of water getting behind
___Splash blocks
___Rust spots or holes
___Overall condition
Lighting
___Working properly
___No nests inside
___Any water penetration signs
___Sufficient lighting
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Paint- Second most important
Good paint coverage can extend your siding and trim and prevent deterioration.
___Paint peeling or flaking
___Paint Chalking
Run your hand over the paint if it makes your hand chalky-sign of paint breaking down
___Bare wood
___Mold/Black spots on paint
___Overall condition
Doors
___Caulking
___Weatherstripping
___Operates freely
___Wood rot
Stone/Brick
___Cracks/Shifting
___Any mortar missing
___Mold/Algae
___Any deterioration
Walkways/Patios
___Any cracks
___Dropping/Shifting/Unlevel
___Grade level with area
Landscaping
___Grade- sloped away from home
___No mulch touching siding/trim
___Shrubs/Trees at least 12in. from house
Having shrubs/trees at least 12in. away from house helps prevent early deterioration
___No Dead shrubs
___No sprinklers hitting home
Roof
___Clear of debris
___Loose/popped up shingles
___No algae present
___Trees at least 5 ft away
___Overall condition
Chimney
___Cap OK
___Overall condition
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