How to Protect Your Home's Exterior and Help Keep Its Value

Although most people tend to overlook the exterior, both the interior and the exterior are important factors when it comes to having and keeping a beautiful home. Unlike the interior, the exterior part of the home is what makes the first impression – it's what people first see when they visit your home.

But the exterior elements of your home aren't only parts of something that offers aesthetic beauty; they are, in fact, what keeps your home functioning: they protect its structure from all the outside elements such as the weather, and they are also a big part that contributes to long-term property value.

Most people focus on decorating indoor spaces, but just as important as that is keeping the outside in good condition; it might even be more important.

The good thing about that is that maintaining, fixing, and generally protecting the exterior isn't something that requires, or at least most of the time, a lot of major renovations. Consistent maintenance and repairs done on time and when needed, alongside a few smart repairs here and there, are all that it takes to help your home stay both functioning and aesthetically pleasing for years and years to come.

So, the question is how to do it.

Here are a couple of practical tips:

Keep Your Roof in Excellent Condition

The critical part of any house is its roof. After all, it is the hardest-working part – in a manner of speaking.

The roof helps the rest of the structure by protecting it from rain, snow, wind, sunlight, and the ever-changing temperatures – especially the extreme lows and highs – in the climate. It does this every day, and it does it without rest.

Any problem with the roof, even if it is something that can be considered minor, eventually leads to much bigger problems; it is a matter of long-term perspective. Most of the repairs on the roof, such as water damage, mold growth, etc., can lead to repairs that require the whole roof to be fixed and, of course, that costs money.

The simple solution for this is to regularly check your roof (e.g., check for loose shingles, damaged flashing, clogged roof valleys, signs of leaks, etc.). Doing so can catch the problem before it becomes a bigger issue.

Homeowners who discover such issues can consult professionals who specialize in such matters. Because roofing is something you can't go without (it's basically mandatory for any type of shelter), they can be found in most places.

But instead of dealing with issues, preventing them can sometimes be the most cost-effective route, especially when it comes to avoiding headaches.

Here's a quick example:

If your house was located in an area where winters are harsh – let's say Allentown (Pennsylvania) – then it probably would be best to go with a company that does shingle roofing in Allentown PA, simply because shingle roofing has amazing freeze-thaw performance, and it sheds snow less suddenly due to higher friction, which is important for safety reasons. Also, if there are problems, the repairs on asphalt shingle roofs are easier to fix; plus, cherry on top – the upfront cost is lower compared to a regular roof.

But if you were to look at a house in Phoenix (Arizona), where summers can be unbearable, that same shingle roofing wouldn't be the best option simply because they get extremely hot during summer. They won't melt, but they're not far off. A clay or concrete roof would be better here, especially since they have excellent heat and UV radiation resistance.

But yeah, regardless of your roof choice, issues are bound to happen during its life cycle; that's not that uncommon.

Regular inspections can help identify those problems before they become serious issues. Keeping the roof in good condition not only protects the home but also enhances curb appeal and buyer confidence.

Don't Overlook Gutters & Drainage

Gutters don't receive a lot of attention from most people. But, like the roof, they too are essential in protecting a home.

Leaves, branches, and debris can block water flow, causing gutters to overflow during heavy rain. That same water, the one that isn't directed away, can cause damage to the siding, landscaping, foundations, or even basements.

To maintain gutters/drainage, all you have to do is clean the gutters on a regular basis, check downspouts for any type of blockages, check if there are any loose/sagging sections/parts, plus make sure the water is draining AWAY from the foundation (this one's most important).

Do this twice a year and you’ll be fine!

Improve Landscaping Without Overcomplicating It

Easier said than done, but it CAN be done.

Landscaping is a key factor when it comes to improving the appearance of the house.

Healthy trees, shrubs, and lawns all help to create an inviting environment.

It is important to note that plants should not interfere with the home, such as having tree branches hanging over the roof. That could damage the shingles during a storm. Also, any plants growing too close, such as shrubs near the wall, can trap moisture against the exterior.

When it comes to well-maintained landscaping that includes:

• Regular pruning
• Healthy lawn care
• Seasonal planting
• Mulching flower beds
• Keeping vegetation away from siding and roofing

Keeping watch on your home's exterior is the best way to keep your home's value, beauty, and structural integrity intact.

Activities all the way from roofing to landscaping and drainage all provide small improvements that help the bigger picture.

While most people do things retroactively, such as repairing stuff when it breaks, the better way is to take a proactive approach where regular checks and maintenance keep problems down and solve them before they can become bigger issues.

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