Seattle Homeowner's Guide -
The Exterior (part 1)
The Exterior
There are a number of things to look for on the exterior. Check for
holes (e.g., where wiring, ductwork, tubes and hoses enter the building)
and cracks through which heat may be escaping. Particular attention
should be paid to areas where different kinds of building materials
meet to see if there are gaps, e.g., where windows fit into walls, where
concrete foundations join wood, etc. And don't forget to consider the
landscaping and how your house is situated. Is one side of your home
particularly wind-beaten?
The most common problems discovered on the exterior inspection involve
places where air comes into the house. Caulking will do the trick on
holes, cracks and small gaps. Weather-stripping around doors and windows
will create a tighter seal between jams and casings. Fireplace chimneys
should have snug-fitting dampers that can be closed when the fireplace
isn't in use.