Construction

Outside Structure Maintenance

One of the most important facets of home maintenance is the outside of the structure, and there are a host of issues that can arise when it is not done on a regular basis. Many people consider only the structure as being important to maintain, but the surrounding area also needs attention to keep it from having a negative impact. Taking the time to do outside maintenance is a sure way to keep a structure sound so it will protect occupants for many decades into the future.

One of the largest impacts on home maintenance is the greenery that surrounds the structure, so it is important to ensure it is kept in check. A small tree growing near the house can become an issue if the roots invade the foundation, so keeping it trimmed will help prevent this issue. Removing it if the roots interfere with the foundation or septic system can avoid a lot of headaches in the future.

There are other issues pertaining to trees, and keeping them topped and trimmed on a regular basis is important. If a tree grows too tall, the root system may not be able to hold it in place. A severe weather event could send it toppling into the roof of the house, causing damage and injury to those inside. Regular trimming of tree branches is part of the solution, but having an arborist check the trees every few years for health is well worth the expense.

Cleaning out the roof gutters has long been an outside maintenance job that is unwelcome, but it is necessary to maintain the structure. When the gutters become clogged with leaves and small branches, the rain water can back up under the roofing and into the walls. Water damage from lack of maintenance in this area can add up to a huge expense when walls and wiring need to be replaced. While it is never a pleasant task, there are now covered gutters that can make it easy for modern homeowners to maintain this part of their home.