Annual Home Exterior Inspection Checklist for West Virginia & Pennsylvania Homes

Your home's exterior stands between your family and everything nature throws at it, blazing summer sun, pounding rain, heavy snow, and bitter cold. In West Virginia and Pennsylvania, where weather extremes test every component of your home, regular exterior inspections catch small problems before they become expensive disasters. This comprehensive checklist guides you through a thorough annual inspection, helping you protect your investment and avoid costly emergency repairs.

Why Annual Exterior Inspections Matter in WV & PA

West Virginia and Pennsylvania experience some of the country's most demanding weather conditions. From the Appalachian mountains to the Allegheny Plateau, homes face heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, intense summer storms, and humidity that promotes deterioration. These conditions accelerate wear on roofing, siding, and other exterior components.

Small problems escalate quickly in our climate. A minor roof leak discovered in spring becomes rotted decking and water-damaged ceilings by fall. Cracked siding that seems insignificant in June allows moisture behind your walls during winter, causing hidden structural damage and mold growth you won't see until it's extensive and expensive.

Annual inspections save money by catching issues early when repairs cost hundreds instead of thousands. Replacing a few damaged shingles costs far less than replacing an entire section of roof damaged by water infiltration. Recaulking around a window takes minutes and costs almost nothing compared to repairing water-damaged framing and interior walls.

Regular inspections also help you budget for eventual replacement. Understanding your roof's condition lets you plan for replacement in 3-5 years rather than facing an emergency when it fails unexpectedly. This planning allows you to research contractors, compare options, and arrange financing on your terms rather than under pressure.

Best Times to Inspect Your Home's Exterior

Spring inspections, ideally in April or May, reveal winter damage from ice, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles. You'll see missing or damaged shingles from ice dams, cracked siding from temperature extremes, and any problems with gutters or downspouts that struggled with snowmelt. Spring weather is generally mild enough for safe inspection but late enough that winter has done its worst.

Fall inspections in September or October prepare your home for the coming winter. You'll identify and repair problems before harsh weather arrives, preventing minor issues from becoming major failures during the coldest months. Fall also offers comfortable weather for inspection work and gives you time to schedule repairs before contractors get busy with emergency calls.

Post-storm inspections should happen after any severe weather event regardless of season. High winds, hail, heavy rain, or significant snow accumulation can damage your exterior in minutes. Inspect promptly after storms to document damage for insurance claims and prevent problems from worsening before you address them.

Whenever you're doing exterior work, cleaning gutters, trimming trees, or washing windows, take time to look closely at nearby components. These routine maintenance activities provide perfect opportunities to spot developing problems without dedicating separate inspection time.

Roof Inspection: Your First Line of Defense

Start your roof inspection from the ground using binoculars to examine your roof safely. Look for missing, curling, cracked, or damaged shingles. Check roof valleys where water concentrates, these areas often show wear first. Examine flashings around chimneys, vents, and skylights for gaps, rust, or damage.

Shingle granule loss indicates aging and vulnerability. If you see dark patches where protective granules have worn away, or significant granule accumulation in gutters, your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan. In WV and PA's harsh climate, this deterioration accelerates, so plan for replacement when you notice extensive granule loss.

Sagging areas in your roofline signal serious structural problems, potentially rotted decking or failing rafters. Never ignore sagging, even if slight. This indicates water damage that only gets worse and can compromise your home's structural integrity. Professional inspection and immediate repair are essential.

Check your attic interior for roof problems not visible outside. Look for water stains on rafters or decking, daylight visible through the roof boards, or damp insulation. These signs indicate active or recent leaks requiring immediate attention. Also check attic ventilation, proper airflow prevents ice dams in winter and reduces cooling costs in summer.

Growth of moss, algae, or lichen on your roof signals excess moisture. While not immediately harmful, these organisms hold moisture against shingles and accelerate deterioration. In Pennsylvania and West Virginia's humid climate, growth spreads quickly once established. Address the underlying moisture issue and clean your roof before damage becomes extensive.

Siding Inspection: Protecting Your Home's Envelope

Walk your home's entire perimeter examining siding for warping, cracking, holes, or loose sections. Warped vinyl siding indicates either poor initial installation or damage from temperature extremes. Cracked or brittle siding fails to protect your home and allows moisture infiltration that damages wall structures.

Check caulking and sealing around all siding joints, corners, windows, and doors. Cracked or missing caulk creates pathways for water and air infiltration. In our freeze-thaw climate, water that enters these gaps expands when it freezes, causing even more damage. Recaulking is simple and inexpensive but prevents costly water damage.

Look for water stains or discoloration on siding, particularly below windows or near the foundation. Stains indicate water running down your walls, either from failing gutters, poor grading, or problems with components above. Trace stains to their source and address the underlying cause, not just the cosmetic issue.

Mold and mildew growth on siding is common in WV and PA's humid climate, especially on north-facing walls with limited sun exposure. While surface growth can be cleaned, extensive mold may indicate moisture problems behind your siding requiring professional investigation. Clean affected areas and improve drainage or ventilation as needed.

Inspect the bottom edge of your siding where it meets the foundation. This area is vulnerable to splash-back from rain, snow accumulation, and ground moisture. Damaged or deteriorating siding near the foundation allows water into wall cavities and can lead to rot in your home's framing. Ensure proper clearance between siding and ground level.

Paint condition matters even if you have vinyl or other low-maintenance siding. Peeling or bubbling paint on trim, window frames, or doors indicates moisture problems or simple age-related failure. Bare wood exposed to our weather deteriorates rapidly, so repaint or repair as soon as you notice paint failure.

Gutter and Downspout Inspection

Clean gutters are essential for protecting your roof, siding, and foundation from water damage. During inspection, remove all debris, leaves, twigs, granules from shingles, and anything else that blocks water flow. Clogged gutters overflow during rain, sending water down your walls and against your foundation.

Check for proper gutter pitch and alignment. Water should flow toward downspouts, not pool in sections of gutter. Standing water in gutters leads to rust on metal gutters, provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and eventually causes gutters to pull away from your fascia boards under the weight.

Examine gutter attachments to your fascia boards. Loose or damaged hangers allow gutters to sag or separate from your home. In WV and PA, heavy snow loads and ice buildup strain gutter systems significantly. Reinforce weak attachments before winter arrives to prevent damage from snow and ice weight.

Look for rust, holes, or cracks in gutters themselves. Small holes can be patched, but extensive rust or multiple damaged sections mean replacement is more cost-effective than repairs. Modern seamless gutters reduce leak potential and last longer in our climate than sectional gutters with multiple joints.

Inspect downspouts for proper attachment and function. Water should discharge at least 4-6 feet from your foundation, preferably onto splash blocks or into extensions that direct water away from your home. Downspouts that discharge near your foundation cause basement leaks, foundation damage, and moisture problems in crawl spaces.

Check for ice dam damage from winter. Ice dams form when snow melts on warm roof sections, flows to cold eaves, and refreezes, backing water under shingles and into gutters. Evidence of ice dams includes damaged gutters, water stains under eaves, or interior ceiling damage near exterior walls. Address ventilation and insulation problems that cause ice dams.

Window and Door Inspection

Examine all windows and doors for proper sealing and operation. Check caulking around frames, exterior caulk that's cracked, pulling away, or missing allows water and air infiltration. Recaulk as needed using quality exterior-grade caulk appropriate for your climate's temperature ranges.

Test window and door operation. They should open and close smoothly without sticking or requiring force. Difficult operation often indicates settling, warping from moisture, or failed weather stripping. Address operational problems before they worsen and before air leaks increase your energy bills.

Inspect weather stripping around doors and operable windows. Compressed, torn, or missing weather stripping allows air infiltration that affects comfort and energy costs. In Pennsylvania and West Virginia's heating climate, poor weather stripping can cost hundreds annually in wasted energy. Replace damaged weather stripping promptly.

Look for wood rot around window and door frames, particularly on sills and at the bottom corners where water accumulates. Probe suspect areas gently with a screwdriver, if wood feels soft or the screwdriver sinks in easily, you've found rot requiring repair. Catching rot early means smaller, less expensive repairs.

Check for condensation between window panes in double or triple-pane windows. This fog indicates seal failure, meaning the window has lost its insulating properties. While still functional, failed seals dramatically reduce energy efficiency. Budget for replacement when multiple windows show seal failure.

Storm windows and doors deserve inspection too. Clean and repair as needed, replace damaged glass, and ensure proper latching. Storm windows significantly improve energy efficiency in older homes and protect your primary windows from weather damage.

Foundation and Basement Exterior Inspection

Walk your home's perimeter examining the foundation for cracks, particularly horizontal cracks or cracks wider than 1/4 inch. Small hairline cracks are common as concrete ages, but significant cracks can indicate settling or structural problems requiring professional evaluation. Monitor crack size and growth over time.

Check grading around your foundation. Soil should slope away from your home at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet. Poor grading sends water toward your foundation, causing basement leaks, foundation damage, and moisture problems. Regrade as needed to direct water away from your home.

Inspect basement window wells for proper drainage and covers. Wells that fill with water during rain indicate drainage problems. Clean out debris, ensure drain holes function properly, and consider covers that keep out leaves and precipitation while allowing emergency egress.

Look for efflorescence, white, powdery deposits on concrete or brick. This indicates water moving through your foundation, bringing dissolved salts to the surface. While efflorescence itself isn't harmful, it signals moisture problems that need attention to prevent more serious issues.

Examine areas where utilities enter your home. Gaps around pipes, cables, or wires provide entry points for water, air, and pests. Seal openings with appropriate materials, expanding foam for larger gaps, caulk for smaller openings, and consider pest-resistant solutions in areas with rodent problems.

Chimney and Vent Inspection

Inspect your chimney for damaged or missing mortar between bricks. Deteriorating mortar joints allow water penetration that causes spalling (brick faces flaking off) and eventual structural problems. Repointing, replacing failed mortar, is far less expensive than rebuilding a chimney damaged by years of water infiltration.

Check chimney caps and crowns. The chimney cap keeps rain, animals, and debris out of your flue, while the crown (concrete top of the chimney) protects the masonry from water damage. Missing or damaged caps and crowns are common problems that cause extensive interior chimney damage over time.

Examine flashing where your chimney meets the roof. This critical junction must be properly sealed to prevent leaks. Failed chimney flashing is one of the most common sources of roof leaks in homes with chimneys. Look for gaps, rust, or damage indicating needed repairs.

Inspect exhaust vents for your furnace, water heater, dryer, and bathroom fans. Ensure they're not blocked by debris, bird nests, or snow. Blocked vents create safety hazards, carbon monoxide backup from furnace vents can be deadly, while blocked dryer vents create fire hazards.

Look for staining or rust around vents, which indicates moisture problems or condensation. Modern high-efficiency furnaces produce significant condensation that can cause problems if venting isn't properly installed and maintained. Address moisture issues around vents promptly to prevent damage.

Deck, Porch, and Patio Inspection

Wooden decks require careful inspection for rot, particularly where posts contact the ground and where deck boards meet framing. Probe with a screwdriver checking for soft spots. Check fasteners, protruding nails or screws indicate wood movement and potential structural issues requiring attention.

Inspect deck railings for stability. Railings must withstand significant force to meet safety standards. Test by pushing firmly, if they move or feel loose, tighten or replace attachments immediately. Loose railings are dangerous, particularly for homes with young children or elderly residents.

Check the ledger board connection where deck attaches to your house. This critical connection point must be secure and properly flashed to prevent water damage to your home. Failed ledger boards cause deck collapses, and water infiltration around ledger boards causes serious structural damage to homes.

Examine concrete patios and walkways for cracks, settling, or heaving from freeze-thaw cycles. Small cracks can be sealed to prevent water infiltration and expansion, but significant settling or heaving may require professional repair to prevent worsening and potential safety hazards.

Look at the condition of sealer or stain on wood decks and porches. Most wood decking requires resealing every 2-3 years in Pennsylvania and West Virginia's climate. Faded, worn sealer means wood is no longer protected from moisture, accelerating deterioration. Plan to clean and reseal when protection has failed.

Landscaping and Drainage Inspection

Trim trees and shrubs away from your home's exterior. Branches touching your roof or siding cause damage through abrasion and hold moisture against your home. Overhanging trees drop debris on your roof and provide pathways for squirrels and other pests to access your attic. Maintain at least 18 inches clearance.

Inspect for proper drainage in your yard. After heavy rain, water should flow away from your home, not pool near your foundation. Identify low spots or drainage problems and address them through regrading, installing French drains, or creating swales that direct water safely away.

Check that downspout discharge points drain properly. Extensions should carry water at least 4-6 feet from your foundation, depositing it where ground slopes naturally away from your home. Consider splash blocks, drain pipes, or rain gardens that manage runoff while preventing foundation problems.

Remove vegetation growing against your foundation or siding. Plants in direct contact with your home trap moisture, promote pest problems, and prevent proper air circulation. While foundation plantings enhance curb appeal, maintain several inches clearance between plants and your home's exterior.

Examine retaining walls for stability, bulging, or deterioration. Failed retaining walls allow soil to shift toward your foundation and can cause significant property damage. Address retaining wall problems promptly before they worsen, as repairs only get more expensive with time.

Documenting Your Inspection Findings

Take photos of any issues you discover during inspection. Photos document current conditions, provide records for insurance purposes, and help you track whether problems worsen over time. Date your photos and store them organized by year and inspection date.

Create a simple inspection log noting what you checked, problems found, and repairs completed. This written record helps you track maintenance over the years and can be valuable information for future home buyers, demonstrating your commitment to proper maintenance.

Prioritize repairs by urgency and cost. Some problems require immediate attention, active leaks, structural concerns, or safety hazards. Others can be scheduled for convenient times or budgeted for over coming months. Create a repair plan that addresses critical issues first while planning for less urgent work.

Don't hesitate to call professionals for concerns beyond your expertise. If you see evidence of structural problems, extensive rot, or issues you don't fully understand, professional inspection and assessment provides peace of mind and ensures proper repairs. The cost of professional evaluation is minimal compared to costs of ignored problems.

When to Call E&E Exteriors for Professional Inspection

While homeowners can perform basic inspections, professional contractors identify problems that inexperienced eyes might miss. We see subtle signs of deterioration, understand what normal aging looks like versus serious problems, and can assess whether repairs or replacement make more economic sense.

Professional inspections are essential when buying or selling homes, documenting current conditions and identifying needed repairs. They're also valuable before major weather seasons, ensuring your home is prepared for winter's harsh conditions or summer's storm season.

If your inspection reveals multiple problems or issues beyond your repair capabilities, professional assessment helps you understand the scope of needed work and develop a comprehensive repair plan. We can prioritize repairs, provide accurate cost estimates, and complete work properly the first time.

At E&E Exteriors, we offer professional exterior inspections throughout West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Our experienced team knows what to look for in our climate and provides detailed reports with photos, repair recommendations, and honest assessments of your home's condition.

Taking Action: Protecting Your Investment

Regular inspection and maintenance protect your home investment and prevent small problems from becoming expensive disasters. Most exterior problems give warning signs long before they become emergencies, the key is looking for those signs regularly and acting promptly when you find them.

Create an annual inspection routine that fits your schedule and stick to it. Mark your calendar for spring and fall inspections, and make them as routine as changing smoke detector batteries or servicing your HVAC system. Consistency catches problems early when repairs are simplest and least expensive.

Budget for maintenance and repairs as part of homeownership. Setting aside 1-2% of your home's value annually for maintenance provides funds for routine repairs and eventual component replacement. This budgeting prevents financial stress when your roof, siding, or other exterior systems need attention.

Remember that your home's exterior protects everything inside, your family, your possessions, and your comfort. Regular inspection and proper maintenance are not expenses but investments in your home's longevity and your family's wellbeing.

Ready for Professional Inspection or Repairs?

Whether you've completed your annual inspection and found problems, or you'd like professional assessment of your home's exterior condition, E&E Exteriors is here to help. We serve homeowners throughout West Virginia and Pennsylvania with honest evaluations, quality repairs, and complete replacement services when needed.

Our team understands the unique challenges your home faces in our climate and provides solutions that last. From minor repairs to complete roof or siding replacement, we treat your home with the care and professionalism it deserves.

Contact E&E Exteriors today to schedule your professional exterior inspection or discuss repairs your annual inspection revealed. Don't wait for small problems to become big expenses, take action now to protect your home and your investment.