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How Important is Outdoor Home Maintenance?

Test your knowledge of simple but essential seasonal upkeep


Home inspector standing on a ladder examining a residential roof and gutter system during a home maintenance inspection
PHOTO CREDIT: Shutterstock

With summer winding down, September is the perfect time for homeowners to show their exterior space some TLC. As temperature and humidity drop, conditions are optimal for managing upkeep of gutters, HVAC units and siding before cold weather sets in. A little upkeep now goes a long way in helping to prevent costly damage later.  

Test your knowledge of outdoor home maintenance with this quick quiz.

Question 1 of 8

Why is exterior home maintenance especially important as seasons change, such as September’s summer-to-fall transition?

Seasonal outdoor maintenance may not refresh your indoor furnishings or lower your Wi-Fi bill, but it does help you spot and address weather-related damage before costly repairs are necessary.

Question 2 of 8

Which of the following is a not a warning sign of roof trouble?

A cool, dry attic is a promising indication that your roof is in good shape. Water stains on the attic ceiling, however, along with missing or curling shingles, and loose or rusted flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights all point to a roof needing professional attention.

Question 3 of 8

What’s one major risk of clogged gutters?

Clogged gutters trap overflowing rainwater under shingles and pool it around your home’s foundation. The result: a leaky roof and cracked foundation. Clogged gutters have no impact on a home's insulation, electricity use or indoor water pressure.

Question 4 of 8

Why should you inspect siding regularly?

House siding acts like your home’s skin, shielding the underlying structure from weather damage, rot and decay. While siding can contribute to a home’s curb appeal, its primary function is protection not decoration. Siding has no effect on indoor lighting and is not a substitute for roofing.

Question 5 of 8

Seasonal care of an outdoor AC compressor should include clearing debris around the outdoor unit, cleaning the condenser coils, checking coolant lines for wear, and scheduling a service call for annual maintenance.

Regular professional maintenance that includes inspecting condenser coils and coolant lines helps keep a compressor operating efficiently, and can prevent costly repairs. You can help by removing leaves, dirt, and other debris from around the unit.

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Question 6 of 8

What is a simple way to help extend the life of your driveway?

Driveway cracks can lead to structural problems as water seeps under the surface. Sealing small cracks early prevents this penetration. For asphalt driveways, a fresh seal coat every couple of years extends its life. Regular paint, annual asphalt replacement and spreading gravel over a solid driveway serve no protective function.

Question 7 of 8

Which of these exterior home issues are best for a professional to tackle? 

Some minor exterior repairs, like replacing a few missing shingles, are suited for a DIY weekend. However, a sagging roof, chimney cracks, and standing water near your home’s foundation indicate severe structural issues that require a professional.

Question 8 of 8

True or False: Regular exterior maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of expensive repairs later.

Regular exterior maintenance helps identify and address minor problems – like clogged gutters, leaks, and rot – before they affect major home systems and lead to costly repairs. A home warranty plan from American Home Shield® can help by providing coverage for eligible repairs to major home systems and appliances when unexpected, covered breakdowns occur.

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Crisp fall days are ideal for routine outdoor maintenance. But when breakdowns happen, as they inevitably will, an American Home Shield® home warranty plan protects your budget from sky-high bills. Plus, as an AARP member, you can save up to $225.

With coverage add-on options like roof leak repair, pool and built in spa equipment, and septic pumps, American Home Shield can protect more than just the key systems and appliances in your home. And with ShieldPlatinum, you get the benefit of one free HVAC tune-up* so that it’s even easier to help ensure the interior and exterior of your home are working in harmony year-round.

*Provided by a third party. Service dates are limited and may vary based on location.

Click here to find out how you can save up to $225 off an American Home Shield® home warranty when you use your AARP member discount.

*Offer valid for AARP members who are first time American Home Shield annual plan holders and includes (i) $175 off ShieldSilver, (ii) $225 off ShieldGold & ShieldPlatinum, or (iii) an extra $25 off the current promotional discount run by American Home Shield**. Discount above will be available to AARP members who are new American Home Shield members for the first year only, after which the discount reduces to $36 off each year. Discount cannot be applied to previous purchases.  Not valid in conjunction with a real estate transaction. Coverage available for single family residence under 10,000 sq. ft. generally, and under 5,000 sq. ft. for condos/townhomes. Coverage not available in all areas.

**If a current promotional discount run by American Home Shield to the general public provides greater savings than the AARP member offer, AARP members who call to enroll can identify themselves as an active AARP member to receive that promotion plus the additional $25 discount.

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