### FAQs: Exterior Home Maintenance

Q: How often should I pressure wash my home's exterior?

A: Annually for most climates, twice yearly in humid or dusty environments. Use appropriate pressure (1,500-2,000 PSI) and proper technique to avoid damage.

Q: When is the best time to paint exterior surfaces?

A: Fall (September-October) provides ideal conditions in most climates: moderate temperatures, low humidity, and time for paint to cure before winter.

Q: Should I repair foundation cracks myself?

A: Only hairline cracks (less than 1/8 inch) are suitable for DIY repair. Larger cracks or any structural movement requires professional evaluation.

Q: How do I know if my siding needs replacement?

A: Replace when repair costs exceed 50% of replacement value, multiple panels are damaged, or underlying structure shows moisture damage.

Q: What's the most important exterior maintenance task?

A: Proper drainage management. Water is the #1 enemy of all building materials. Keep water moving away from your home's structure.

Q: Can I skip exterior maintenance in good weather years?

A: No. Maintenance prevents problems – it doesn't repair existing damage. Consistent care regardless of weather conditions provides the best protection.

Q: How much should I budget annually for exterior maintenance?

A: Plan 1-3% of home value annually for all maintenance, with 30-40% dedicated to exterior systems. A $300,000 home needs $900-$3,600 annually for exterior care.

Q: Should I hire professionals or do exterior maintenance myself?

A: Combine both approaches. Handle routine cleaning, caulking, and touch-ups yourself. Hire professionals for major painting, high work, and structural issues.

Your home's exterior works 24/7 to protect everything inside. The homeowners who maintain their property value and avoid expensive repairs are those who treat exterior maintenance as essential insurance rather than optional expense.

Remember: every dollar invested in preventive exterior maintenance saves $5-$10 in reactive repairs. Start your comprehensive exterior maintenance program today, and protect your largest investment for decades to come.# Chapter 11: Plumbing Maintenance by Season: Preventing Freezes and Leaks

SHOCKING FACT: Water damage ranks as the #2 insurance claim in America, costing homeowners over $13 billion annually, with the average water damage incident costing $4,000-$8,000 to remediate. Burst pipes alone cause $5,000 in average damage, yet 93% of frozen pipe incidents are completely preventable with proper seasonal maintenance costing less than $200 annually.

Your plumbing system carries thousands of gallons of water through your home daily under 40-80 PSI of pressure. When this system fails, the results are immediate and catastrophic. Unlike other home systems that degrade slowly, plumbing failures happen instantly and cause cascading damage to structure, contents, and health.

This chapter provides your complete seasonal plumbing maintenance system, teaching you to prevent the two most expensive plumbing disasters – freezing and leaks – while maintaining optimal system performance year-round.