Spring is here! And it’s great time to spruce up your exteriors. Below are a few action items that will increase your home’s curb appeal, save money on energy costs, as well as help you avoid future repairs.
1. Inspect your roof.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against water, so check for water damage or missing shingles. If you do need a new roof, make sure you get a lifetime warranty. Did you know that a new roof can increase your home value by seven percent and add $12,000 in value to your home? According to a cost versus value report, most mid-size roofing projects have 75 percent return on investment (ROI).
2. Clean your gutters.
Gutters channel water and debris away from your roof and home. Clogged gutters can open your house to water damage. Prevent damage by cleaning out soggy fall leaves.
3. Clean your windows and replace your screens.
Make a plan to reduce your energy bills this summer—keep your home cool by opening your windows in the evening and closing them during the heat of the day. And don’t foget to give them a good cleaning! Make an eco-friendly, natural cleaner by mixing ¼ cup of white vinegar with one gallon of water, and see the sun shine through!
4. Power wash your deck and house.
Use a pressure washer to clean off dirt, mold, and stains. Remember, curb appeal is 63 percent of why homes sell according to the National Association of Realtors.
5. Check seals around windows and doors.
First, clean the sills, and then inspect them by pouring water in to ensure weep holes are not clogged. Next, to prevent any water damage, check your seals and window glazing as winter weather can harden caulk and putty. You will need to replace the caulking if the gap is wider than quarter, with exterior caulk. If you can see daylight around your door, add new weatherstripping—this repair will help reduce your summer air conditioning costs. New replacement windows can keep you cooler in the summer and have an ROI of 78 percent (entry doors have a 109 percent ROI).
These preventative measures will help protect your home and save you money on your energy bills. If you have any questions on your exterior home improvement checklist, please contact Stephanie at svanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com or 888-812-2783.
Stephanie Vanderbilt is owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors, a service-focused exterior home improvement company dedicated to educating homeowners and beautifying homes with the highest quality products and services. All of their products— roofing, siding, windows, entry doors, and garage doors— are energy efficient, earth-friendly, lifetime warrantied, and installed by licensed and bonded professionals. Learn more about Stephanie and Coastal Windows & Exteriors at www.MyCoastalWindows.com.