Autumn Home Exterior Maintenance

Your Essential Autumn Home Exterior Maintenance Checklist: Prepare for the Seasons Ahead

School is back in session, and the crisp scent of fall is just around the corner. This transitional season is the perfect window to inspect and repair your home's exterior before the first frost arrives and winter weather sets in. While you might already be tackling other home maintenance projects like fall yard work (raking leaves, winterizing your sprinkler system, trimming trees and shrubs away from the house, and final lawn fertilization) and interior checkups (HVAC servicing, plumbing inspections, chimney sweeping, and testing smoke/CO detectors), don't forget a thorough walk-around of your property. Proactively addressing potential issues now means you can rest easy knowing your home is in peak condition to face the harsh elements.

Here's your comprehensive guide to autumn home exterior maintenance:

1. Roofing: Your First Line of Defense

Your roof is critical. A pre-winter check-up is crucial.

Visual Inspection: No need to climb up yourself. Use binoculars from the ground to look for missing, loose, buckled, curled, or cracked shingles. Note any stains or sagging areas.
Flashing: Pay close attention to flashing around valleys, vents, pipes, chimneys, and skylights, as these are common leak points.
Moss and Algae: Address any moss or algae growth, which can trap moisture and degrade shingles.
Attic Check: After a rain, peek into your attic (if accessible) for any signs of water stains or leaks, which can indicate hidden roof damage.
Repairs vs. Replacement: A few damaged shingles can often be replaced. However, widespread damage may signal it's time for a full roof replacement. When in doubt, call a professional for an assessment.

2. Chimney (Exterior): Secure and Sealed

If you have a chimney, its exterior needs attention too.

Chimney Cap: Ensure the cap is secure and in good condition to keep out rain, snow, debris, and animals.
Masonry: Inspect bricks and mortar for cracks or deterioration. Damaged masonry can allow water intrusion.

3. Gutters & Downspouts: Clean and Clear for Proper Drainage

The beautiful fall leaves can quickly become a problem for your drainage system.

Clean Thoroughly: Clogged gutters are a primary cause of ice dams, which can damage your roof and siding. Clean them out after most leaves have fallen (you might need to do this more than once).
Inspect for Damage: Check for sagging, loose, or damaged sections and replace them as needed.
Downspout Function: Ensure downspouts are clear and direct water at least 3-6 feet away from your foundation. Consider downspout extensions if needed.
Gutter Guards: While not a replacement for all maintenance, consider gutter guards to reduce the frequency of cleaning, but remember they still need occasional checks.

4. Siding: Wash, Inspect, and Secure

Your home's siding takes a beating from the elements.

Wash Away Buildup: Residue from plants, shrubs, or trees can accumulate. Clean your siding using a soft brush and appropriate cleaner, or a power washer on a low setting (use with caution, as high pressure can damage some siding types or force water behind it).
Inspect for Damage: Look for loose, cracked, warped, or rotting sections. Pay attention to areas near the ground or under eaves.
Secure Loose Areas: Reattach any loose panels or boards that could detach in a storm.
Seal Gaps: Caulking small gaps can prevent water intrusion and deter pests.

5. Windows and Doors: Seal Against Drafts

Prevent heat loss and cold drafts to save energy and improve comfort.

Weatherstripping and Caulking: Repair or replace worn weatherstripping around windows and doors. Caulk any gaps between frames and siding where air can seep in or out.
Frame and Glass Inspection: Check frames for rot or damage and inspect glass for cracks or failing seals (condensation between panes).
Screen Maintenance: Inspect window and door screens for tears. Repair or replace as needed. Consider removing and storing screens for the winter to prolong their lifespan.
Storm Windows/Doors: If you have them, ensure they are clean and properly installed for an extra layer of insulation.
Lubrication: A little lubricant on tracks and hinges can keep windows and doors operating smoothly.

6. Exterior Paint: Your Siding's Protective Shield

Paint is more than just aesthetics; it's a crucial protective layer.

Inspect for Failure: Look for peeling, blistering, or cracking paint. These are signs that the paint is no longer protecting your siding from moisture and UV damage.
Optimal Painting Conditions: Cooler fall temperatures and lower humidity often provide ideal conditions for exterior painting.
Proper Preparation: If repainting is necessary, ensure proper surface preparation (cleaning, scraping, sanding, priming) for a durable finish.

7. Stucco: Vigilance Against Moisture

Stucco requires careful inspection to prevent costly water damage.

Look for Trouble Signs: Inspect for stains (especially black discoloration), cracks, missing or aged caulking, bulges in the finish, or areas where stucco is missing.
Do NOT Pressure Wash Stains: This can force water into the stucco system.
Professional Inspection: If you have any doubts about your stucco's condition or see signs of leaks, schedule an inspection by a qualified professional immediately. Moisture intrusion behind stucco can lead to extensive rot.
Weep Screeds: Ensure weep screeds (if present at the base of stucco walls) are clear of soil, mulch, and debris so they can drain properly.

8. Decks and Patios: Winter Prep

Extend the life of your outdoor living spaces.

Clean and Seal: Clean wooden decks and consider applying a sealant to protect against winter moisture, snow, and ice.
Repair Loose Elements: Check for and repair loose boards, railings, or popped nails/screws.
Store/Cover Furniture: Protect patio furniture by storing it indoors or using weather-resistant covers.

9. Foundation and Drainage: Keep Water Away

Protect your home from the ground up.

Grading: Ensure the ground around your foundation slopes away from the house to prevent water from pooling.
Visible Foundation: Inspect the visible part of your foundation for cracks. Small cracks can often be sealed, but consult a professional for larger ones.
Basement/Crawl Space: Check for any new signs of moisture, leaks, or musty odors in your basement or crawl space, which could indicate exterior drainage issues.

10. Driveways and Walkways: Prevent Freeze-Thaw Damage

Small cracks can become big problems in winter.

Inspect and Seal: Fill cracks in asphalt or concrete driveways and walkways to prevent water from seeping in, freezing, expanding, and causing further damage.
Weed Removal: Clear weeds from cracks before sealing.

11. Outdoor Faucets and Hoses: Prevent Frozen Pipes

A critical step to avoid burst pipes.

Disconnect and Drain Hoses: Disconnect all garden hoses, drain them thoroughly, and store them indoors.
Shut Off Exterior Faucets: Close the interior shut-off valve for each exterior faucet, then open the outside spigot to drain any remaining water (unless you have frost-proof spigots, which typically don't require this).

12. Exterior Lighting: Safety and Security

Keep your property well-lit as daylight hours shorten.

Bulb Check: Replace any burnt-out bulbs in outdoor fixtures.
Fixture Cleaning: Clean glass covers for maximum illumination.
Motion Sensors/Timers: Ensure motion sensors and timers are working correctly.

13. Pest Prevention: Seal Up Entry Points

As temperatures drop, pests look for warm shelter.

Inspect and Seal: Check around utility pipes, vents, siding, and the foundation for any gaps or cracks where rodents or insects could enter. Seal these openings with caulk, steel wool (for rodents), or expanding foam.
Firewood Storage: Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and off the ground.

14. Tools and Equipment: Prepare for the Season Change

Summer Tool Care: Clean and properly store lawnmowers, trimmers, and gardening tools. Consider fuel stabilizer for gasoline engines.
Winter Gear Check: Get your snowblower serviced and ready. Ensure shovels are in good condition and stock up on ice melt or sand.

A Note on Safety:
Always prioritize safety. Use ladders carefully, wear appropriate gloves and eye protection, and never attempt tasks beyond your skill level or comfort, especially when working at heights or with specialized materials.

Let SuperiorPRO Help You with All Your Autumn Home Exterior Maintenance

Feeling overwhelmed by this list? Don't let crucial maintenance fall by the wayside. Call SuperiorPRO today at 770-203-0165 and have a licensed, certified professional inspect and address any issues with your roof, windows and doors, siding, painting, stucco, gutters, and any other aspect of your home's exterior. Taking the time to make necessary repairs and replacements this autumn means you can rest easy this winter, knowing your home is protected for many seasons to come.