Flashing failures, rotten trim, stucco moisture trapping, overhanging branches — these develop quietly between seasons. We document them quarterly so you know what's stable, what's progressing, and what needs action.
Every item in our exterior assessment has the same story: cheap to fix when found early, extremely expensive when ignored.
90%
Of roof leaks originate at flashing failure points — not through shingles themselves
$500
vs $5,000–$20,000+ if water infiltrates behind the trim and reaches framing
15–30%
Energy cost increase from failed double-pane seals — visible only on inspection
Most homeowners watch for missing shingles after a storm. But approximately 90% of roof leaks originate not through the field of shingles — they originate at flashing failure points: where the roof meets a chimney, wall, dormer, valley, or vent pipe. These complex intersections are where water changes direction, backs up, and finds its way into wall assemblies and attic spaces long before interior damage appears.
The story at ground level is the same. Water enters through caulk failures at window and door joints, through unsealed utility penetrations, through stucco cracks at window aprons, and through basement window wells that drain back toward the foundation rather than away from it. In every case, the damage accumulates silently — sometimes for years — before it announces itself through a water stain, a musty smell, or a failed wall.
Our exterior assessment at Steward and above specifically checks all active flashing conditions, caulk joint integrity at every window and door, stucco and synthetic stucco warning signs, and basement window well drainage.
Comprehensive coverage starting at Steward, expanding further at Superintendent.
Two exterior conditions that most homeowners never connect to home health: overhanging tree branches and mulch piled against the foundation.
Overhanging Branches (within 10 ft of roof)
Cause continuous shingle abrasion in wind, deposit debris into gutters year-round, and provide a direct highway for squirrels and roof rats to access soffits and attic entry points. Storm events with branches over 4 inches in diameter can cause $1,500–$8,000 in roof damage without a major direct strike.
Mulch Against Foundation
Mulch in direct contact with foundation or siding retains moisture against the structure — creating ideal conditions for termites — and provides concealment cover for rodents moving to and from entry points. Industry standard is 6 inches of clearance. This is a $0 fix that prevents thousands in pest and moisture damage.
Both conditions are flagged during every Steward+ exterior walk and documented in your home record.
Foundation cracks are photographed every quarter. Over two years, you accumulate 8 comparison photos. A crack that hasn't changed in 8 consecutive quarters is almost certainly stable — low concern, continue monitoring. A crack that has widened by 1/8 inch across 4 quarters is a clear action signal — and catching it means a $500 repair instead of a $50,000+ structural intervention.
No handyman, no home inspector, and no home warranty company provides this photo history over time. It belongs exclusively to our Steward and above members — and it follows your home's history indefinitely.
See Which Plan Includes ThisEvery quarterly exterior assessment and comparison photo is sealed into your Certified Maintenance Report — a signed, tamper-evident record. Well-documented homes can support a stronger asking price, and many insurers consider documented upkeep at renewal, so the same record can help support better coverage conversations too.
See how Certified Reports workEvery quarter matters. The earlier your record starts, the more valuable it becomes. Steward plan starts at $219/month.
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