Many of us tend to focus mainly on the interior aspects of our homes when we think of maintenance and improvement. It’s not hard to grasp why that happens. Whether we like it or not, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “out of sight, out of mind” regarding home-related issues.
Of course, we cannot afford to approach home ownership with that kind of mindset. The exterior dimension of our home matters just as much as what’s inside of it so we must recognize and address the issues plaguing it.
Why does the exterior of your home matter so much? Various valid responses to that question are detailed in this article.
Exterior Elements of Your Home Offer Protection
The first reason why the exterior elements of your home need more attention is that they keep you and your family safe from the elements.
Rain and debris pound homes throughout the year, but a sturdy roof and siding can keep them at bay. Or at least they will if they are still in good condition. Once those exterior elements of your home fall into a state of disrepair, your family’s protection will be compromised.
As a homeowner, you are tasked with keeping those elements in good condition. Watch out for any signs of damage on your roof and siding. Repair those elements of your home if necessary.
According to Forbes, the commonly used asphalt roofing shingles usually last for up to 30 years. Shingles that have passed that point may no longer be capable of providing adequate protection. Strongly consider replacing them.
The Longevity of Your Home Can Be Affected by Its Exterior Elements
Neglecting the exterior elements of your home doesn’t just compromise your family’s protection. The longevity of your home will also be adversely affected by your bad habits.
It’s easy to understand how a damaged roof or siding could negatively affect your home, so let’s highlight less obvious elements. For instance, poorly maintained gutters can also spell plenty of trouble for your household.
Gutters are tasked with directing rainwater away from your home. They specifically prevent rainwater from penetrating your home’s foundation or entering rooms like your basement. When gutters are improperly maintained, they will not divert the rainwater as intended and your home will suffer as a result.
Make sure you adopt a proper maintenance routine for your gutters. According to Home Advisor, gutters must be cleaned at least once per year, but the ideal number of cleanings should be closer to three. Bringing in professionals to handle the cleaning is also a good idea if you lack the necessary experience.
Taking Care of Your Home Exterior Saves You from Costly Repair Bills
What happens when you forget or simply neglect the exterior elements of your home? In all likelihood, your inaction will pave the way for more serious problems emerging in the future.
Instead of roof repair, you may now have to pay for complete replacement. Cleaning your gutters may no longer work so replacing them will be necessary too. Your chimney may also have to be rebuilt if it is now posing a threat to your household.
No one wants to end up saddled with hefty repair bills. To prevent that from happening, you should take more time caring for your home exterior.
Updating Your Home’s Exterior Positively Impacts Its Property Value
According to Comfy Living, more than 50% of homes currently standing in the U.S. were built before the year 1980. That statistic brings up the possibility that many homes in the country are woefully outdated.
We’re not just talking about structural integrity either. Even the design of those older homes could already be quite unappealing.
Selling an outdated home will be tough. If you want to maximize your profit from selling your home, you should consider updating its exterior first.
The exterior of your home matters a great deal. Do not forget to maintain its exterior elements unless you want to deal with major headaches down the line.
