Your home's exterior is its first line of defense against weather, pests and wear. Regular maintenance protects your investment, prevents small problems from turning into expensive repairs and keeps your home looking its best. The easiest way to stay on top of it is to follow a simple seasonal routine.
Use this season-by-season guide to care for your roof, siding, windows, gutters, garden and more.
Project Notes
- Inspect the roof, gutters and siding after winter and before cold weather returns.
- Keep water moving away from the foundation.
- Check seals around windows and doors to prevent drafts and leaks.
- Maintain gardens, decks and patios to protect and enjoy outdoor spaces.
Spring: inspect and refresh
Spring is the time to assess winter's impact and prepare for the warmer months.
- Roof: look for missing, cracked or curling shingles and damaged flashing from the ground or with binoculars.
- Gutters and downspouts: clear debris, check for sagging and make sure water flows away from the foundation.
- Siding and paint: look for cracks, peeling paint, loose boards or signs of moisture.
- Windows and doors: inspect caulking and weatherstripping, and clean screens.
- Foundation: check for cracks and make sure soil slopes away from the house.
- Garden: clear winter debris, prune shrubs, refresh mulch and plan new plantings.
Summer: protect and enjoy
Summer is ideal for outdoor projects and keeping exterior spaces in top shape.
- Decks and patios: clean surfaces, check for loose boards or pavers and reseal wood decks as needed.
- Irrigation: check sprinklers and drip lines for leaks and adjust schedules to conserve water.
- Exterior painting: dry, warm weather is often the best time for exterior paint projects.
- Pests: look for signs of insects or nesting animals around eaves, vents and foundations.
- Outdoor lighting: replace failed bulbs and check timers.
- Solar panels: monitor production and keep panels free of heavy debris.
A little attention each season saves a lot of repair work later. Your home's exterior works hard; give it the care it deserves.
Autumn: prepare for cold weather
Autumn maintenance helps your home handle winter weather.
- Gutters: clean them again after leaves fall to prevent clogs and ice dams.
- Roof: schedule a professional inspection and repair any issues before winter.
- Windows and doors: reseal gaps and replace worn weatherstripping to keep out drafts.
- Exterior faucets: drain and shut off outdoor water lines to prevent freezing.
- Chimney: have it inspected and cleaned if you use a fireplace.
- Garden: rake leaves, cut back perennials, plant bulbs and protect delicate plants.
- Safety: test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before heating season begins.
Winter: monitor and protect
Winter maintenance is about watching for problems and responding quickly.
- Snow and ice: keep walkways clear and watch for ice dams along the roof edge.
- Roof: avoid climbing on icy roofs; call professionals if you notice heavy snow loads or leaks.
- Vents: make sure exhaust vents are clear of snow.
- Trees: watch for heavy branches that could fall on the roof or power lines.
- Security: check that exterior lighting and cameras are working during longer nights.
Year-round habits
- Walk around your home regularly to spot changes.
- Keep plants and trees trimmed away from siding and roofs.
- Address small repairs promptly.
- Keep a maintenance log with dates and notes.
When to upgrade instead of repair
Sometimes maintenance reveals that an upgrade is the smarter choice. Repeated roof leaks, drafty or fogged windows, constantly peeling siding paint or failing decks may signal that replacement will save money and hassle over time. Upgrades also offer a chance to improve energy efficiency, curb appeal and security.
Common Questions
Need help with exterior repairs or upgrades? Our team can inspect your home and recommend solutions that protect it for years to come.