Professional Home Exterior Inspections
Welcome to our latest video! I’m Tom, and I’m Jim from Fort Sask Reno, your Fort Saskatchewan home renovation experts! Today, we’re here to talk about the requirements for an annual or biannual home inspection, specifically focusing on the exterior of your home. It’s a crucial aspect of home ownership that is often neglected.
Roof Inspection
One critical area to inspect is your roof. Roofs protect all aspects of your home, from the top down. Not only is the roof is your primary defense against all weather-related issues, but if your roof is failing, eventually, your entire house will be at risk. It’s important to ensure your roof is in good shape to protect your investment.
Common Roof Issues
- Aging: Roofs can fail simply due to age. As roofs reach the end of their lifespan, they become less effective.
- Wind Damage: In Alberta, high winds can cause shingles to rip off or delaminate.
- Granule Loss: Over time, shingles lose granules, leaving only the fiber, which can lead to water breaches.
- Curling Shingles: This is a clear sign of an aging roof and can allow water to seep in.
- Missing Shingles: Often, missing shingles aren’t visible from the ground and require a closer inspection.
- Drip Edge Issues: Incorrect installation of drip edges can lead to significant water damage.
- Flashing Issues: Problems with kick-out flashing can cause water to flow down the side of your home, leading to rot and mold.
Inspection Tips
Inspect your roof at least twice a year. Check for missing or damaged shingles, inspect the drip edge, and look for any flashing issues. Addressing these problems early can save you from costly repairs, or a full Fort Saskatchewan home renovation due to the damage.
Siding Inspection
Your exterior siding is another important part of your home that requires regular inspection to keep the elements out.
Common Siding Issues
- Wind and Lawn Equipment Damage: Siding can be damaged by high winds, lawnmowers, and weed trimmers.
- Barbecue Damage: Heat from barbecues can melt siding.
- Fading and Brittle Siding: Vinyl siding can fade and become brittle over time.
- Rot Under Windows: Flashing and caulking issues can lead to rot beneath windows.
Inspection Tips
Inspect your siding for damage, fading, and proper caulking around windows and doors. Hold onto your warranty documents and a piece of new siding to compare for any color changes over time.
Eavestrough and Downpipe Inspection
Eavestroughs and downpipes are crucial for directing water away from your home. Regular inspection can prevent significant water damage, resulting in needing a Fort Saskatchewan home renovation.
Common Issues
- Nailed-on Hangers: Older eavestroughs may have nailed-on hangers that can work loose over time.
- Incorrect Slope: Eavestroughs need to be properly sloped to direct water away from the house.
- Insufficient Downpipes: Ensure you have enough downpipes to handle water flow during storms.
Inspection Tips
Check for loose hangers, correct slope, and ensure downpipes are sufficient. Addressing these issues can prevent water from backing up and causing rot or basement flooding.
Window and Door Inspection
Windows and doors are critical components of your home’s exterior envelope. Proper inspection can prevent heat loss and water damage. If you neglect this, you will need Fort Saskatchewan home renovation sooner rather than later!
Common Issues
- Bad Seals and Caulking: Light coming through the sides of doors and improper caulking around windows can lead to drafts and water penetration.
- Drip Edge Flashing: Missing or reused old flashing can cause water issues.
- Broken Panes and Seals: Cracked glass or failed seals in double or triple-pane windows reduce their effectiveness.
Inspection Tips
Inspect seals, caulking, and drip edge flashing around windows and doors. Look for any signs of condensation between panes, indicating a broken seal. Ensure brick mold is in good condition or consider capping to prevent rot.
Conclusion
Regular inspections of your roof, siding, eavestroughs, downpipes, windows, and doors are essential for maintaining your home’s integrity and value. Fort Sask Reno is here to help you with all your Fort Saskatchewan home renovation needs. Contact us for a thorough inspection to protect your investment and save on costly repairs in the long run. Thank you for joining us, and we’ll catch you on the next video!