Keeping An Eye On The Exterior (NAPSA)—A quick walk around your property could help you catch a number of maintenance problems before they have a chanceto become expensive repairs. Here are a few things to keep an eyeoutfor: =— An outdoor homeinspection could save you money downthe road. Take a look at your landscaping. Prune back any dense plant growth that could restrict air movement— contributing to moisture or insects—or that might thicken and scrape siding. Also, check for hang- ing tree branches that could damage roofing or windows. Next, inspect outdoor wooden elements for decay. The most vulnerable areas are surfaces subject to frequent moisture, such as wooden siding in contact with the ground and horizontal surfaces that can collect water. Finally, check the outside of the house for cracks. Use a caulking gun to seal cracks or joints that might let water infiltrate or warm air escape. Start with the joint between the foundation and the house. Then inspect outer window edges and door casings. The above tips were offered by home inspection experts at HouseMaster. For more tips, visit www.housemaster.com/homedefects.
