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Common issues with the exterior of homes include excess moisture penetration, algae and mildew growth on vinyl siding, inadequate caulking, and/or weather-stripping around windows, doors, and wall surfaces.  These items need to be corrected or repaired, so they do not become worse, which could eventually damage the structure.

One area that can be the most destructive to a home is water damage.  This is evidenced by excessive discoloration, and/or wood rot around doors, windows, or other areas.

The exterior material of your house, whether siding (framed construction) or masonry (brick veneer construction) needs care and maintenance to ensure its beauty and functional integrity. Your house has many options for its siding material such as vinyl siding, wood siding, cement fiber siding, aluminum siding and brick veneer being some of the most common.

WOOD: There are several types of wood siding. Whether installed vertically, horizontally or in sheets, all are prone to the same maintenance problem - moisture and decay. Paint or stain should be applied every three to five years. Wood sided homes generally have wood trim. A part of your regular maintenance program should include ensuring all appropriate areas are well sealed with a quality exterior caulk. Wood/soil contact should be avoided to prevent rotting and possible insect infestation.

METAL: The most common material used for metal siding is aluminum. A baked on enamel finish is usually applied to the siding and tends to hold up well. Improperly secured siding and the lack of trim and molding pieces are two common problems. If nailed too tightly, the siding will not be able to expand and contract and buckling may occur. Metal sidings are prone to denting, especially aluminum. Damaged sections can be replaced on an individual basis.

VINYL: Vinyl sidings and metal sidings are very similar in that the majority of the problems are associated with installation as opposed to the material itself. A lack of proper securing and improper detailing at the corners and edges are the most common deficiencies. The color of some vinyl siding may fade with age, although the products have improved in the past 5-10 years and fading is not a significant an issue.  As with metal siding, individual pieces can be replaced.

HARDBOARD/PLYWOOD: There are a variety of sheet type materials on the market today. The two most common are simulated wood siding and stucco panels.

Water penetration behind the trim pieces tends to deteriorate the trim and the siding. It is essential to keep all horizontal joints well sealed with caulk. The buckling of hardboard siding can be eliminated with proper nailing to the building studs.

Siding Maintenance

• Paint or stain wood siding every three to five years.
• Keep all horizontal and vertical trim pieces well caulked.
• Inspect wood siding for splitting, looseness and decay.
• Make sure that aluminum and vinyl sidings are properly secured.
• Check sheet type siding for buckling and secure as necessary.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed away from siding

Check for Softening Wood

Roof eaves and soffits, wooden fencing and lattice work over a crawl space can all be affected by piles of snow, ice, leaves,or excess water. Over time, paint may begin to crack or peel and the wood may begin to soften or rot.

Check these areas for signs of water damage. Scrape and repaint cracked and peeling paint to protect the wood beneath, and replace any rotting or softened areas before the damage continues.

Gutters

Gutters and downspouts are necessary for two major reasons: 1) They prevent rain water from running down the side of the building causing possible water damage to its components, and 2) this also prevents erosion of the ground at grade level.

The most important reason to have a gutter system is to divert water away from the building’s foundation. Regardless of the type of foundation wall that is present, the possibility for moisture penetration still exists. Therefore, the less water there is around the foundation wall, the less likelihood for water penetration.

Gutters are responsible for collecting all water run-off from the roof, and downspouts should discharge the water into proper drains or on to the ground surface well away from the foundation.

Gutter Maintenance

• Keep debris cleared from gutters and downspouts.
• Check gutters for damage, looseness, leakage, and misalignment.
• Be sure downspout extensions are diverting water well away from the foundation.
• Check for peeling or blistering paint.
• Periodically inspect for cracked or spalled brick.
• Check for missing, loose or deteriorated mortar and patch as required.
• Keep all trees and shrubbery trimmed back from masonry.

Proper maintenance, as well as preventative maintenance, will add to the enjoyment of your home, protect your investment, and assure the highest possible resale value when the time comes to sell your home.