Preventing Exterior Home Damage

Weather Stripping

We love our pets, but they can be destructive to our home. Pets are a major cause of damage to door weather stripping. To prevent damage, the first thing to do is make sure your current weather stripping is in like-new shape. You will want to add a piece of vinyl lattice that matches the color of your door and cut it to fit just right. Place it over the weather stripping and make sure the door closes, using finishing nails to secure it. For a clean finish, you can also add caulking to the nail heads to hide them. Damaged weather stripping and flashing can lead to water damage, so fixing these right away is key to a healthy home. Check out this how-to video on replacing your weather stripping.

Roof

Homeowners have insurance for a reason, but why not avoid major problems if you can? For your roof, you can check for missing or damaged shingles. If you aren’t comfortable getting on your roof, a pair of binoculars from standing on the ground does the trick. Observe your ceilings from the inside, especially if you have an attic that you don’t look at frequently. Inspect for holes, air leaks, insulation damage or water stains. Catch them as soon as possible, frequent inspections are vital to keeping repair costs low. Along with that, make sure your gutters stay clean and downspouts drain 10 feet away from the home to prevent damage elsewhere.

Siding

Anywhere were piping or wiring extends through the outside walls should be properly sealed. Adding caulking, paint, or another sealant is a super easy fix here. In fact, your exteriors should all be well painted and sealed for best preventing outside damage.

Woodpeckers

In Colorado there are several types of damaging woodpeckers. Pecking on loud surfaces is a mating tactic for woodpeckers and can lead to some serious holes forming in your home. These holes can lead to rotting, water seepage, mold, and termites. Having a hard guard coating applied to your home isn’t a bad idea if you live in a woodsy area.

Landscaping

Although it is often seen as an organic and lovely décor option, try to avoid letting plants grow up the side of your house. Opt for a wooden or wire growing rack for your outdoor vine décor to grow up instead. Vegetation encourages cracks in siding by holding water against the home for to long. Also avoid landscaping that has large soil mounds or bedding up against your home. Keep trees trimmed and at least 7 feet from your home.

Fixing the Damage

For your siding, windows, doors, and more, ZBB can help you if you are in need of home repairs. We offer free consultations and can answer any questions you might have about your home exterior projects. Contact Z Double B, Inc. at (303) 997-8168, info@zdoubleb.com. Or stop in our show room at 12860 W Cedar Dr #110B, Lakewood, CO 80228.