Tips to Refresh and Protect Your Exterior

With summer in full swing, now is a great time to take a closer look at the exterior of your home. Taking a proactive approach to identify and tackle minor weather and age-related issues now can save you from larger headaches down the road. Whether you are a seasoned homeowner or new to the responsibility, we have curated a guide of our top four tips to help you assess, refresh, and maintain your home’s exterior throughout the season and beyond.

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Iossi Construction’s top four tips for summer home maintenance:

1. Clean your siding to spruce up your home

One of the easiest and most cost-effective tips to help brighten up your home is to give your siding a good cleaning. Before cleaning, you should thoroughly inspect your siding to check for any broken, warped, cracked, moved, or partially detached pieces. Loose or damaged siding can trap moisture underneath, putting your home at risk for mildew and mold growth. We recommend homeowners with vinyl siding plan to clean it once a year. Typically, vinyl siding can be effectively cleaned with a garden hose; however, you may find tougher stains on your home’s siding. For tougher spots that a garden hose cannot clean, it's best to use a mild detergent and a soft brush. Regular maintenance like this not only improves curb appeal but also helps protect your home from potential water damage in the long term.

2. Essential roof inspections and repairs

As severe weather patterns become more frequent, many homes in our region are at increasing risk from high winds and hail damage. Whether you inspect your roof yourself or hire a professional, it is crucial to have your roof checked for cracked, dented, or missing shingles. Regular inspections and promptly addressing damages can prevent more significant structural issues that may develop underneath and save you both time and money in the long term.

3. Regularly cleaning out your gutters

Cleaning your gutters is crucial in ensuring proper maintenance of your home’s roof, siding, and foundation. It is recommended that you clean your gutters thoroughly at least twice annually. Removing any debris and clearing clogs from gutters and downspouts allows rainwater and melted snow to drain effectively. If not kept clean, overflowing rainwater can be forced under the edges of the roof causing damage or overflow into your siding. It may even overwhelm your foundation causing flooding to your home or damage to the structure.

4. Check your windows to ensure they are in optimal condition

Regular maintenance on windows not only keeps them looking new but ensures they will continue to function properly over time. While many of us already clean the glass, it is equally important to conduct inspections for signs of moisture and leaks. Look out for cracked caulking or sealant, damaged materials, paint issues, or imperfections in the finish and address these issues promptly. Additionally, it is important to clear the tracks in your home’s windows of any debris or dirt and to lubricate them as needed. Most stubborn dirt and grime can be removed with the use of plain soap and water. If you’re noticing your windows have become difficult to open, whether you have a track window or a crank window, you may need to have them inspected by an expert to determine whether repairs are required. These steps are necessary for your windows to be in optimal condition, both maintaining aesthetics as well as ensuring the efficiency of windows in your home.

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Now is the ideal time to give your home’s exterior the attention it deserves. These simple and effective tips will help maintain your home for years to come. If upon completion of your inspection and maintenance, you find you need a professional to repair or replace any damaged materials, Iossi Construction is here to help. You can get in touch by visiting our contact page or call our office at 563-344-0053.