The majority of homes that CenterBeam Construction works on were built pre-war and made with natural materials like masonry, stone and wood. All of which will last indefinitely if properly cared for and maintained. That is why a regularly scheduled preventative checklist is what we suggest.

What is on that checklist? Funny you should ask. Here is a list that will start you off right with maintaining your older home:

Annually, be sure to check:

• All of your masonry whether it’s painted or unpainted. Look for loose bricks, brittle mortar or foundation cracks. Inspect all of the mortar joints – but not just the ones around the foundation or the outside of your home. Many of the pillars under the home are built from brick as well. It very well might be time to get the bricks repointed.
• Walk around and inspect all of your windows and doors. Check for any air leaks, water damage, broken or loose panes or cracked glazing putty. If you have single or double hung wooden framed windows, pay close attention to the window sills and wood frame around the glass. Clean and paint the windows and doors that are faded or exposed to prevent future damage from the wind sun or rain.
• If you have siding, it would be well worth it to inspect all of the lap boards for peeling paint and sun damage as well. Cupping, loose nails and splitting are all signs that your siding might need some professional handy work.
• **Taking Care of your home is important but assessing the risks involved with climbing ladders or crawling underneath your home can be a serious undertaking. Calling a professional might be the best solution to this problem. Just make sure who you hire is always properly insured with liability and workman’s comp insurance. Do not take their word for it- ask for proof. The day you don’t is the day you might get sued.

Every Six-Month’s we suggest you review:

• Most important, be sure to check any and all painted wood. Fading and sun damaged paint on wood should be touched up before it is hurt by the natural elements. This is the most common problem with the easier solution but often it is overlooked and ignored.
• Should you have closed soffits, you might actually have gutters or down spouts. If so, be sure to clean out all of the debris from the gutters at least twice a year.  Better yet, you might even think about purchasing and installing gutter guards.
• Be sure to blow all of the leaves and debris off of your roof on a regular basis. Check for any cracks, loose mortar or damaged bricks around the chimney and look for any rusty or damaged flashings.

If you live in an older home, and you are reading this right now, chances are you love what they stand for and what to ensure that they survive another generation or two. If so, then take my advise and make sure that the exterior is taken care of on a regular basis.

The most effective way to manage the routine maintenance tasks on your older home is to first develop your maintenance plan and then establish a commitment to stick with it. It’ll be one of the best things you ever did.