Common Exterior Home Repairs Made Simple
Repairing common home exterior issues can not only enhance your home’s curb appeal but also help prevent more serious and costly damage in the future. This article will guide you through diagnosing and repairing chipped or broken concrete, rotted wood, and rotted siding. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!
1. Repairing Chipped or Broken Concrete
Chipped or broken concrete can be an eyesore and a tripping hazard. Here’s how to repair it:
Tools & Supplies: Concrete mix, trowel, bucket, water.
Steps:
- Clean the area around the damaged concrete to remove any loose debris.
- Prepare the concrete mix in the bucket as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply the mix onto the damaged area using the trowel, and smooth it out evenly.
- Allow it to dry for the time specified on the packaging.
2. Rotted Wood
Wood rot is a common exterior home repair problem, often caused by excess moisture. Here’s how to tackle it:
Tools & Supplies: Wood hardener, polyester filler, putty knife, sandpaper, primer, paint.
Steps:
- Remove the rotted section of wood carefully to avoid causing further damage.
- Apply a liberal amount of wood hardener to the remaining wood.
- Once the hardener has dried, apply the polyester filler using the putty knife.
- After the filler has hardened, sand it smooth and finish with primer and paint.
3.Rotted Siding
Rotted siding can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Here’s how to replace it:
Tools & Supplies: Pry bar, utility knife, replacement siding, nails, hammer, paint.
Steps:
- Use the pry bar to remove the rotted siding.
- Cut the replacement siding to match the size of the removed piece.
- Position the new siding and secure it with nails.
- Finish with a coat of paint to match the rest of the siding.
Exterior Home Repair Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance can prevent many common exterior issues. Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for signs of damage, keep your gutters clean to prevent water damage, and promptly fix any cracks or chips in your concrete or siding.
However, if a repair seems too challenging or if the damage appears extensive, it’s best to hire a professional. A botched DIY repair can end up costing more in the long run.
Remember, maintaining your home’s exterior doesn’t just improve its appearance—it also helps preserve its value. Happy DIY-ing!
(Note: Also, always remember to wear appropriate safety gear when performing these repairs.)
