Seasonal Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist
Quick answer: Seasonal Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist
Check your roof and gutters in spring and autumn, clean paving and walls in late spring, inspect outdoor taps and pipes before the first frost, and clear leaves and debris in late autumn. A simple seasonal routine prevents most damp, leak and frost damage problems.
Key takeaways on seasonal exterior home maintenance checklist
- Spring: roof inspection, moss treatment, patio and driveway clean.
- Summer: render and wall cleaning, decking care, outdoor electrics check.
- Autumn: gutter clearance, tree trimming, chimney check.
- Winter: protect outdoor taps and pipes, watch for ice and leaks.
Spring checklist
- Look for slipped or cracked roof tiles after winter storms.
- Treat roof moss and clear gutters of winter debris.
- Deep clean driveways and patios and re-sand joints.
- Check fences and decking for rot; repair before summer.
Summer checklist
- Soft wash render, cladding, fascias and soffits.
- Oil or stain timber decking.
- Test outdoor sockets, garden lighting and security lights. Water and electricity do not mix - outdoor circuits should be installed and checked by a licensed electrician.
- Clear out sheds and garages; book a junk removal service for bulky items.
Autumn checklist
- Clear gutters once the leaves have fallen.
- Cut back branches overhanging the roof. Large trees close to the house should be assessed by a professional tree surgeon.
- Get your chimney swept and the stack checked before you light the first fire - fireplace and chimney repair specialists can fix cracked crowns and flashing.
- Check the roof once more ahead of winter storms; a trusted roofing company can handle repairs.
Winter checklist
- Insulate outdoor taps and exposed pipes. A burst pipe is one of the most expensive winter emergencies.
- Know where your stop tap is. If a pipe bursts, turn off the water and call an emergency plumber straight away - PlumbRight Now has a good explainer on what to do while you wait.
- If water has come through a ceiling, read this guide on ceiling water damage repair and arrange structural drying to prevent mould.
- Keep paths clear of moss and algae, which become dangerously slippery in frost.
Buying or selling a home?
A clean driveway, patio, roof and render make a big difference to kerb appeal when you sell, and buyers often ask about gutters and roof condition. If you are moving, it helps to budget for the other costs too: a stamp duty calculator shows what you will pay on your next home, and a council tax calculator helps compare running costs between areas.
Seasonal Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist: frequently asked questions
What is the most important exterior maintenance job?
Keeping gutters and downpipes clear. Most damp, leak and rot problems start with water that is not draining away properly.
How often should a house exterior be cleaned?
Most homes benefit from a gutter clean every year, a driveway and patio clean every 1 to 2 years and a roof or render clean every 3 to 5 years.
When should I check my roof?
Twice a year, in spring and autumn, and after any major storm.