Protecting your biggest investment: An article on exterior home maintenance

Your home is likely the most significant investment you'll ever make, and its exterior is the first line of defense against the elements. By committing to a consistent exterior maintenance schedule, you can protect your property's value, prevent costly emergency repairs, and maintain its curb appeal. Ignoring small problems like a loose shingle or peeling paint can lead to much larger, more expensive issues down the road.

Here’s a guide to what you should be checking and maintaining on the outside of your home throughout the year.

Seasonal maintenance checklist

Spring: The post-winter inspection

• Roof and gutters: Inspect the roof for any shingles that are cracked, loose, or missing after winter storms. Clear gutters and downspouts of debris like leaves and twigs to ensure proper drainage away from your home's foundation.

• Siding: Examine your siding for any signs of damage, such as cracks, warping, or peeling paint. Use a pressure washer to clean the siding and remove built-up dirt, mold, and mildew.

• Windows and doors: Check the caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors for gaps or cracks that can let in moisture and drafts.

• Landscaping: Prune trees and shrubs, especially any branches overhanging the roof or touching the siding, to prevent damage and pest access.

• Deck and patio: Clean and inspect your deck and patio for loose boards, shaky railings, or signs of rot. Consider resealing wood decks to protect them from moisture.

Summer: Time for repairs and protection

• Sealant and paint touch-ups: With warmer, drier weather, it's the perfect time to address any minor exterior paint touch-ups or to reseal any cracks you found in the spring.

• Pressure washing: Give your driveway, walkways, and patio a good pressure wash to remove built-up grime and stains.

• HVAC unit: Clean the air conditioning condenser unit outside and remove any debris or leaves that have accumulated around it.

Fall: Getting ready for winter

• Gutters and downspouts: Give your gutters a final cleaning after the leaves have fallen to prevent winter clogs and ice dams from forming.

• Exterior faucets and hoses: Disconnect all hoses and drain exterior faucets to prevent freezing and bursting pipes.

• Chimney: Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned before using it for the winter.

• Prune trees: Trim back any dead or overgrown tree branches that could snap under the weight of snow and damage your house.

• Pest control: Check for signs of pests around your foundation and siding and seal any cracks or gaps to keep them from getting inside.

Winter: A vigilant eye

• Roof and ice dams: Keep an eye out for potential ice dams on your roof, which can cause water to back up and leak into your home.

• Walkways and steps: Make sure handrails on outdoor steps are sturdy to prevent slips and falls on icy surfaces.

• Insulation: Ensure outdoor pipes are properly insulated, especially in unheated areas like a garage.

Proactive maintenance is a smart investment

By staying on top of your exterior home maintenance, you're not just taking care of your house—you're protecting your investment. This proactive approach reduces stress, avoids sudden, expensive emergencies, and preserves the energy efficiency and value of your home for years to come.