Spring Exterior Home Maintenance For Weybridge Residents

Surrey’s just had one of its ten wettest winters on record, with rainfall across England 42% above the seasonal average. Fingers crossed for brighter days ahead, but before you put winter completely behind you, it’s worth taking a look at what all that rain and wind has done to your home’s exterior. Blocked gutters, damaged roofs and windows are all common problems, but the good news is spring’s the perfect time to tackle them. Any damage will still be fresh and easy to spot, and milder weather makes outdoor work simpler. On top of that, exterior home maintenance can add up to 10% to your property’s value, a significant return, given that the average Weybridge home is worth north of £600,000.

Clear your gutters

Your gutters may be clogged with leaves and debris that has built up over winter, so you’ll want to set aside some time to clear them. Blockages can cause rainwater to spill over and run down your walls, which results in expensive damp problems. If you’re happy to climb up on a ladder, you can easily do this job yourself, but, if not, a local Weybridge tradesperson can take care of it. This is also a good time to check your gutters are still firmly attached to the fascia boards. It’s not unusual for brackets to come loose over winter, and the gutter won’t drain properly if it’s left to sag. Don’t forget to inspect your downpipes too. Simply pour a bucket of water down the top and check it flows down freely. If it backs up or leaks out somewhere, there’s a blockage that needs sorted.

Check your roof for winter damage

Roofs can be hit hard by winter weather, so grab a pair of binoculars and check for any issues from the ground. Regular checks and timely repairs will help your roof stay in good condition and extend its lifespan by around 10-15 years, which makes it well worth the effort. Scan for any cracked or missing tiles, as well as moss and lichen, which can cause wood rot over time. If you do spot any problems, contact a local roofer. As a rough guide, roofer hourly rates average £30, so it’s wise to get a few quotes before you commit.

Also, don’t forget to check for leaks, as you can save a significant amount of money if you catch them early. Just head up to your loft and look for damp patches or discolouration on the rafters. If you find something, don’t panic. The fix may be fairly simple. In most cases, a roofer only needs to replace a few tiles, reapply caulking, or renew the flashing. Often, small repairs can keep your roof watertight for years to come, which is far cheaper than leaving it until a full replacement’s needed.

Inspect your windows

Spring’s also a great time to care for your windows. A new single timber sash window can cost between £1,500-£3,500, so it’s almost always cheaper to address winter damage now than face a full replacement later. To start, look for condensation inside your double glazed panes. If the glass is misty and streaky and you can’t wipe it clean, the seal’s broken. At that point, you’ll either need to get the window re-sealed or replace it entirely. If you have single-glazed panes, which is the case for homes in conservation areas, check the surrounding putty for cracks or shrinkage. You can reapply now while the weather’s dry enough for it to set properly. If draughts are a persistent problem, secondary glazing may be worth considering. This is an extra pane of glass fitted on the inside that helps keep heat in and doesn’t change the external appearance, which is why it’s often approved in conservation areas.

Next, check your windows open and close properly. If they’ve been shut all winter, the mechanisms have probably seized up. A bit of wood primer or sash window wax on the runners can help loosen them. Don’t forget to check the seals around the frame too. These wear out over time, and can be replaced cheaply from any DIY store.

Spring maintenance doesn’t have to be a massive job. A few simple checks now, and your Weybridge home will be in great shape for the year ahead.