Keeping the exterior of your home well maintained is important for the lifespan of your roofing and siding systems and that starts with regular inspections. Both roofing and siding are susceptible to rot and wind damage which can be prevented if you look for signs of problems early. Finding potential problems and making repairs will prevent a small problem from becoming a big, expensive problem.

Roofing

Inspect

When inspecting your roof, look for broken, loose or missing shingles which will need to be replaced.. Check shingles for signs of wear. Shingles that curl or don’t lay flat are reaching the end of their lifespan.

Moss

Remove any moss you find. If left to grow, it will slowly degrade the structure of the shingle. Use a deck cleaning product with a soft brush to gently remove.

Gutters

Gutters and downspouts are designed to to channel water off your roof, down to the ground and away from your foundation. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up onto your roof during a storm and and pool around the base of your house resulting in roof and foundation leaks. Removing built up debris in gutters and downspouts will prevent water damage and mould growth.

Siding

Inspect

No matter the type of siding you have, look for changes like warping or cracking. These could be signs of water damage behind the siding. Wood siding will show surface damage like chipped and peeling paint.

Clean

It’s surprising how much grime and dirt accumulates on exterior siding. Clean regularly with a power washer and if you have the option, use a gentle setting. For tough dirt, use diluted TSP, mild detergent or a cleaner specifically made for siding.

Damage

Keep landscaping away from your siding. Moisture and constant friction from plants can cause damage over time. Heat sources like barbeques or heaters should be kept at a distance and don’t lean anything against it. Most exterior siding is durable but you want to avoid any unnecessary damage.