Using some mulch in your garden can help protect plants and cover patchy areas, but piling it too close to your home can cause serious damage over time. Mulch retains moisture, which can cause rot and give termites easy access to the home.
Curb-Appeal Mistakes That Can Damage Your Home
Curb appeal is all about the little details on the outside of your house that make it look like a home. It takes a bit of work, but a well-maintained exterior does more than make your house look good, it keeps much more serious problems from occurring. Here are a few issues worth not ignoring.
Piling Mulch Against the Side of Your House
Removing Your Downspout Extensions
Downspout extensions, the long piece of gutter that runs along the ground, may not be the most attractive feature, but removing them can lead to much bigger problems down the line. They keep water away from your home's foundation; without them, water can pool right at the foundation, increasing the risk of water penetrating into the basement.
Letting Vines Grow on Your Home
Vines may make your home look stately, but they can cause serious damage to your structure before you know it. They trap moisture and give vermin and insects an easy way in, which is never a friend to your home.
Not Trimming Your Trees
Looking for an easy way to protect your house in a hurry? Start by trimming your trees. When branches grow too close to your home, they can cause significant damage to the roof or siding, along with rot from the branches' moisture.
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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive — 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →