A How-To Guide to DIY Exterior Home Repairs

Do-it-yourself exterior home repairs can be an intimidating prospect for many homeowners. After all, there are a lot of factors to consider, from weather conditions to the tools and materials you will need. However, a successful DIY exterior home repair project can save money and make your home look better. With this how-to guide, you can tackle various exterior home repair projects, from painting the walls to repairing gutters. With a little preparation and the right tools, you can ensure your exterior home repairs are done properly and last for years.

This how-to guide will provide the information you need to complete various exterior home repair projects. Let’s get started.

1. Replace a Damaged Shingle

If one of your asphalt shingles has been damaged by something like a tree limb, quickly repair it to prevent further damage. Take appropriate safety precautions, as the roof can be slippery in the rain or hot outside. Carefully remove the damaged shingle and replace it with a new one. It should only take about ten minutes to complete the repair.

2. Fix a Patchy Lawn

To achieve a thick, green lawn, you don’t need to shell out much money for a lawn service. All it takes is understanding what and when to provide it for your lawn. Take this expert advice to get your lawn in perfect condition before summer arrives.

3. Apply New Weatherstripping

If you can spot light coming through your exterior doors, you know that air also escapes your home. To stop it, you can use self-adhesive, rubber-foam weatherstripping to seal all doors that lead outside. If the current weatherstripping isn’t doing the job, it may be time to replace it. 

4. Repair Leaky Metal Gutter Seams

If you have a metal gutter leaking, you can make a simple repair. Carefully inspect the joints, seams, and fittings for signs of leakage. Use a gutter sealant to fill the gap between the adjoining surfaces if you find any. Additionally, you may need to replace old, worn-out pop rivets with new ones that will snugly fit in the old holes and help cinch the joint together. This way, the water can securely remain in the gutters and flow down the downspouts.

5. Patch a Leaky Gutter

Fixing a leaky gutter is important to prevent water damage to the exterior of your home. Begin by removing debris and using a wire brush to clean off rust. Apply a layer of plastic roofing cement over the leaky area and six inches beyond in both directions. Place a piece of repair mesh or pre-bent metal flashing on top and press firmly. Re-coat with a second layer of cement and finish with a coat of aluminum paint.

6. Eliminate Weeds From Your Grass

Removing weeds from your lawn can be an ongoing battle, but there are ways to make it easier. Keeping your grass healthy, minimizing the use of weed killers, and timing treatments correctly are key to eliminating weeds and keeping them away. Here are six strategies to help you control weeds in your lawn, making it look its best.

Conclusion

DIY exterior home repairs can be done with minimal cost and effort if you have the tools and the patience to learn the basics. With a little bit of knowledge and the right supplies, you can tackle any minor repairs that come up. Always use safety measures and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when dealing with tools or materials. Taking the time to learn how to do small repairs can save you a lot of money in the long run and increase your home’s longevity.

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