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| Damaged hardboard siding |
Continuing our series on What
Projects First?, today we’re going to look at protecting your home from
future damage. This will not only help you retain the value of your home (or
even increase it, depending on what repairs you make), but will also ensure
your family’s safety in the long run.
Siding
Take the time to examine the siding on your home. Find out
how old it is and how long that particular type of siding is supposed to last.
For example, hardboard siding (a.k.a. masonite siding) can last several years,
as long as it’s properly cared for, such as painted with a sealant regularly.
But it’s quite susceptible to water damage. Alternatively, vinyl siding can
last from 20-40 years, with many manufacturers now offering lifetime
warranties. Our Evolution
of Siding article will give you more insight into the wear life of the
various siding options.
The most important thing here is to purposefully take care
of the siding you have – repair or replace any worn or broken pieces and be
diligent with the rest. Cleaning the siding once a year will help you to
examine each piece for damage. With painted or stained siding, annual touch ups
will keep you from having to address all of it at once (that is, unless you
want to change the color). HA Construction can certainly help you with any
major overhaul to your siding.
Roof
The most common type of roof in our area, asphalt shingles,
lasts approximately 20 years. However, it could be less in consideration of the
extreme weather that sometimes hits us in Missouri (such as hail storms, strong
winds or ice in the winter). As such, it’s also important to have it examined
by a professional annually to check for roof
damage and repair loose or missing shingles. Otherwise you’ll have to deal
with leaks and the damage they can cause as well.
Landscaping
No, we’re not talking about curb appeal here. The grade of
your yard is a valuable way for directing runoff and water drainage away from
your home. A slope of the landscape that causes rain water to pool around your
home can – you guessed it – be a source for water damage and flooding.
The next time we have a heavy rain, watch the way the water
flows around your home. Does it pool in areas or drain? Does it steer clear of
your home entirely, or flow next to it? Does the ground stay wet for a long
period of time near your home, or dry out quickly? Do you have a sub-pump in
your basement or crawl space and is it working properly to drain water
(basically, that area should always be dry, even in a heavy rain)?
If water sticks around, then you likely need to address the
landscaping around your home. This may require bringing in gravel or dirt to
change the grade of the landscape and redirect water flow. You may need to
replace or upgrade guttering to direct water off the roof more effectively so
it doesn’t create a moat around your home. HA Construction can help you
determine what options are best.
Speaking of Water
Damage
The most common issue when dealing with siding or roof
damage is a water leak. Leaving these elements under-protected and worn means
water damage to the rest of your home, compromising structural integrity, and
makes your home susceptible to bugs (and we’re not talking a few marching ants
here).
The water damage really is of the biggest concern, because
that can lead to the growth of
mold, a fungus that can cause severe health problems in those exposed. This
is not something you want to endure, both physically and financially. The costs
for the removal of mold in your home can be devastating to your check book.
If you suspect that you have water damage – or problem areas
that can lead to water damage – contact HA Construction for an assessment as
soon as possible. The longer you wait to address it, the more expense you will
likely incur.
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