Spring season is approaching, and now is the ideal time to inspect your home’s exterior for home maintenance issues in order to avoid costly repairs and worsening problems. The hot weather in Florida varies dramatically from day to day, and extreme changes can cause your home’s exterior to need repairing or replacing.

When it comes to home inspections, where do you begin? When your siding, roof, and windows are in good repair, quality siding, high-performance windows, and a secure roof can seal your home from the elements and protect it from mold and moisture issues. Avoid discovering the hard way that you should have taken care of your home’s exterior sooner.

Your home’s exterior creates an ongoing first impression for visitors and protects your largest investment, so invest in preventative home maintenance to save money in the long run. Every spring season, conduct your own exterior home inspection.

Check the Following Items for Preventative Maintenance:

1. THE STATE OF YOUR ROOF
Most roofs have a lifespan of 13 to 18 years. Normal wear and tear necessitates the replacement of a roof in a timely manner. Your roof is critical to the structural integrity of your home, and it’s critical to recognize when it needs to be repaired or replaced. By inspecting your roof each spring, you can avoid interior water leaks and the risk of mold and mildew. Here are some things to look for:

>Check the top floor of your home’s interior ceiling for water spots or any indication of mold from inside.
>Examine your roof thoroughly to see if any of the roof tiles are cracked or damaged. Look for any missing shingles and replace them. Examine the area for signs of wind, hail, or other storm damage. Check to see if your roof is distorted or bulging.

2. THE STATE OF YOUR SIDING
Every year, whether your siding is stucco, stone, fiber cement, or vinyl, it should be inspected and cleaned.

>Examine your siding for signs of moisture damage such as rot, mold, or mildew.
>Examine your siding to see if any sections are warped, chipped, or dented.
>Examine your siding for any signs of pest damage. If you discover signs of pest activity, contact a professional immediately to treat the damage.

3. THE STATE OF YOUR WINDOWS
The condition of your windows protects your home from the elements while also creating beautiful spaces for natural light to be enjoyed inside.

>Examine the window caulking to ensure it is still intact. If the caulking shrinks, it could lead to a costly draft in your home. Heating and cooling bills rise as a result of insufficient insulation, poorly fitting windows, or windows with faulty caulking.
>If your windows are clouded, it’s difficult to enjoy the refreshing natural light that comes in.
>Are your windows cracked, broken, or otherwise damaged? Perhaps it’s time to upgrade to more energy-efficient windows. Window frames that are warped or rotten should be replaced. Do your windows feel drafty even when they are closed? Do you have trouble opening and closing your windows, or do they get stuck in one place? These are all indications that it is time to replace them.

4. THE STATE OF YOUR GUTTERS
Examine and clean your gutters for optimal performance.

>Examine your gutters for debris, leaks, and moisture damage in your home.
>Your gutters should be cleaned to prevent damage and allow water to drain away from your home.

5. THE STATE OF YOUR DECK AND PORCH
Beautiful backyard porches and decks should be inspected on an annual basis for repairs or replacement.

>Examine your deck for evidence of wood rot or other weather-related damage.
>Has your porch or backyard deck been treated with water-resistant treatments to protect and extend its life? >These treatments can help your deck or porch withstand the elements while still looking beautiful.

6. THE STATE OF YOUR EXTERIOR DOORS
Your home’s entry doors provide protection from intruders and the elements. Check them once a year for the following:

>Is the interior of your home drafty, indicating that a more insulated door that fits securely into place is needed?
>Have your heating or cooling bills risen as a result of poorly insulated or poorly fitting doors?
>Steel, wood, or fiberglass doors are available. Do you realize that hollow doors are easy for intruders to break through, putting you and your family at risk? Consider the increased security of today’s modern doors.
>Get a solid-core or metal-clad exterior door with the most recent locking mechanisms for your security.
>Check the paint color of your siding to see if it has faded or if it is still its original color.

7. THE STATE OF YOUR FOUNDATION
Wood is problematic because it is porous and allows water to enter. Even pressure-treated lumber with water-repellant chemicals has a lifespan of 30-40 years and is not intended to replace the need for a stone or concrete foundation. Concrete-block construction was common in the first half of the twentieth century.

This is more vulnerable to water than today’s reinforced concrete foundation. Reinforced concrete is a strong and stable material. Fieldstone, also known as “rubblestone,” is another popular material used in older homes. These irregularly shaped rocks are joined with mortar. They do not age well, leak frequently, and cannot be waterproofed.

8. CHECK YOUR STUCCO
Stucco inspections are not included in standard house inspections. Not all house inspectors have the necessary experience, equipment, or certification to assess stucco correctly. Without the proper technology to detect it, water penetration might go undetected.

Furthermore, building rules and construction processes evolve throughout time. As a result, accredited stucco inspectors are more equipped to check the property thoroughly.

9. CHECK YOUR EXTERIOR PAINT
Letting an exterior paint job go an extra couple of years can cause damage to your house. Paint is the first line of defense for your house against the elements. Exterior paint can support growth of mildew, particularly after they have weathered for more than a couple of years. Mildew will most likely occur on northern exposure and in shaded and damp areas.


Stucco, Drywall, Metal Framing and Painting Contractor in Naples, FL
For over 20 years, Smith Plastering, Inc. has been a contractors first choice for providing quality of service in stucco and drywall finishes as well as metal framing and painting services in Naples, Florida and its surrounding areas.

“Timely delivery and quality of service”. Smith Plastering, Inc. since 1997 has been locally managed and operated as a family owned business. We specialize in exterior and interior finishes of homes such as stucco, drywall, painting, and metal framing. When choosing the materials to cover your home, you need to consider the following:

>Weather in your area
>Your personal taste
>Your allotted budget
>A trusted company to get the job done

To learn more about our services, contact Smith Plastering at 239-594-7537, or message us online today!