Exterior Maintenance Checklist For Michigan Homeowners

Michigan is one of the most beautiful states to live in. We have amazing beaches, forests, sand dunes, waterfalls, historic cities, and so much more, but we also have crazy weather. Nothing beats a Michigan summer, but let’s face it, Michigan winters can be brutal. The same way we like to take a little extra care of ourselves during the cold and wet months, our homes need to be taken care of as well. Every spring homeowners should be inspecting their exterior to maintain its beauty and functionality. Here’s a short checklist for Michigan homeowners to help keep the exterior of their home in excellent condition (our list focuses on paint surfaces, not roofs, walkways, landscaping). 

1. Check for damage

2. Check for mold & mildew

3. Clean the surface & gutters

4. Repairs & repaint

There are two main conditions we look for when determining the right time to inspect a home's exterior. First, has the temperature been consistently above 50 for at least one week. Spring is sort of a subjective season in Michigan, as it could be 60 degrees in March but snow again in April. Wait for a week of consistent warmer weather as this means the harsh winter weather is most likely done for the season. The second thing we want is a period of two or more dry days. It’s hard to tell what is damaged from moisture when the whole house is wet. Wait for nice dry conditions to really see the problem areas.

1. Check For Damage

The first thing you want to do is look for any damage. Some things to check for are scratches from debris during storms, holes from birds, pests, and bugs, bubbling paint from improper application, cracked caulk lines, and any other visible defects. Keeping your home's exterior top notch isn’t just about looks, it’s also about protection. Your home is like armor, it’s meant to protect you and your family from the elements. The last thing you want is unwelcome critters and allergens getting in.

2. Check For Mold & Mildew

The second thing you want to look for is mold and mildew. You may think that you're okay as long as the mold is on the outside of your home and not the inside, but mold can be extremely dangerous and spread quickly if not taken care of. The two main concerns with mold on the exterior is that it can spread to areas behind the interior walls, and it can cause structural damage. Between your exterior and interior walls are things like studs, insulation, and air vents. Mold getting into all these areas can lead to health problems if not removed properly, so it’s important to stop it from ever having the opportunity to get inside. 

3. Clean The Surface & Gutters

Unless there is damage every single year that needs repairs, this is really the final step for most homeowners. Cleaning your home each spring not only keeps your home looking its best, but it helps prevent mold and mildew from thriving. Depending on how recently your home has been painted and how dirty it is, you may choose between pressure washing, power washing, and soft washing. Power washing uses heated high pressure water, while pressure washing uses unheated high pressure water. These are good options for cleaning surfaces that will be repainted as the high pressure can remove paint, but for homes that aren’t going to be repainted, soft washing is the best option. Soft washing uses low pressure water with cleaning solutions, making it a gentler option for delicate surfaces. If you have a company soft washing your home, they can also use this method on your roof, and a clean roof means clean water runoff.

Not only do you want to clean the wall surfaces, you’ll want to clean your gutters as well. Removing debris from your gutters not only ensures proper water flow during rain, but prevents mold, mildew, and dirty water from pouring over onto your home. 

4. Repairs & Repaint

If you do discover damaged areas, or you’re just ready for a facelift on your home, this would be the final step. Some issues may not need to be resolved with a total repaint. Some years you may just need to recaulk around windows, trim, etc.. Or you may fix and fill small holes to get you through another year until you’re ready to repaint. When you are ready to repaint your home it’s important to hire a professional painter that will take the proper time and care to ensure that your home looks its best for years to come and provides the layer of protection your family needs.

If you are in the Metro Detroit area and are looking for a professional painter to help get your home's exterior in tip top shape, look no further than Shoreline Painting! With over 14 years of experience in the painting industry we have the proper tools and process for giving you the best result. We’re lead certified, fully insured, and comfortable moving up and down ladders. There is no other painting crew like Shoreline Painting, call us today for a free estimate!