Exterior Home Maintenance Guide

Your home’s exterior is its first line of defense against the elements. Regular inspection and maintenance of siding, roofing, paint, and outdoor structures prevents costly water damage and keeps your home looking its best. This guide covers everything you need to maintain your home’s exterior.

Seasonal Inspection Schedule

The foundation of exterior maintenance is regular inspection.

Spring Inspection (After Winter)

Winter weather reveals problems:

• Roof: Check for missing, damaged, or lifted shingles
• Gutters: Clean debris, check for ice damage
• Siding: Look for cracks, holes, or loose pieces
• Foundation: Check for new cracks or water stains
• Paint: Inspect for peeling, blistering, or bare spots
• Caulking: Check around windows, doors, and trim
• Landscaping: Ensure grading still directs water away from house

Fall Inspection (Before Winter)

Prepare for harsh weather:

• Gutters: Clean thoroughly before freeze
• Roof: Repair any damage before snow/ice
• Weatherstripping: Check doors and windows
• Exterior faucets: Winterize to prevent freezing
• Tree limbs: Trim branches near the roof
• Foundation vents: Close or cover crawl space vents (if recommended in your climate)

Siding Maintenance

Your siding protects your home’s structure. Different materials need different care.

Vinyl Siding

Most common and low-maintenance:

Cleaning:

1. Rinse loose dirt with garden hose
2. Mix mild soap (dish soap or vinyl siding cleaner) with water
3. Scrub with soft brush from bottom up
4. Rinse thoroughly from top down
5. For mold/mildew: Use 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water

Repairs:

• Small holes: Fill with color-matched exterior caulk
• Cracks: May require piece replacement
• Loose panels: Re-lock into the panel below
• Warping: Usually from heat (grill too close, reflected sun)—may need replacement

Maintenance tips:

• Don’t power wash with high pressure (drives water behind siding)
• Keep grills and heat sources 10+ feet away
• Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the finish

Wood Siding

Requires more maintenance but offers classic beauty:

Inspection points:

• Peeling, cracking, or flaking paint
• Rotted or soft spots (probe with screwdriver)
• Gaps between boards
• Staining from moisture

Cleaning:

• Use pressure washer on low setting (1200-1500 PSI max)
• Or scrub with mild detergent and brush
• Rinse thoroughly

Maintenance:

• Repaint or restain every 3-7 years
• Prime and paint bare wood immediately
• Fill small cracks with exterior wood filler
• Replace rotted sections promptly

Rot repair:

1. Remove all soft, damaged wood
2. Apply wood hardener to remaining wood
3. Fill with epoxy wood filler
4. Sand smooth when cured
5. Prime and paint

Fiber Cement Siding (Hardie Board)

Durable but not maintenance-free:

Cleaning:

• Rinse with garden hose
• Scrub stubborn areas with soft brush
• Low-pressure washing is safe

Painting:

• Needs repainting every 10-15 years
• Use high-quality acrylic latex paint
• Prime bare areas first

Repairs:

• Fill small cracks with paintable caulk
• Large cracks or damage require piece replacement
• Cut and install new pieces carefully (it’s heavy and requires cement board tools)

Brick and Masonry

Very durable but not indestructible:

Inspection:

• Cracked or crumbling mortar
• Efflorescence (white mineral deposits)
• Spalling bricks (flaking surface)
• Cracks in bricks

Cleaning:

• Rinse with garden hose
• Scrub with stiff brush and water
• For efflorescence: Brush dry, then wash
• Avoid acid cleaners unless absolutely necessary

Tuckpointing (mortar repair):

1. Remove loose mortar with chisel and hammer
2. Clean out joints to 3/4” depth minimum
3. Dampen joints
4. Apply new mortar with tuckpointing tool
5. Match original mortar color and profile
6. Keep damp while curing

Roof Inspection and Maintenance

Your roof is critical for home protection. Many inspections can be done from the ground.

Ground-Level Inspection

Using binoculars from the ground:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Bare spots where granules have worn off
• Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights
• Sagging areas
• Debris accumulation
• Moss or algae growth
• Damaged or missing vent caps

Signs of Roof Problems

From inside:

• Water stains on ceilings
• Daylight visible through roof boards
• Sagging decking between rafters

From outside:

• Shingle granules in gutters
• Dark streaks (algae)
• Green growth (moss)
• Raised or buckled areas

Roof Maintenance Tasks

DIY safe tasks:

• Clear debris from valleys with broom or leaf blower
• Trim overhanging branches
• Clean gutters
• Remove moss with zinc or copper strips at ridge

Call a professional for:

• Walking on steep roofs
• Flashing repairs
• Shingle replacement
• Any structural concerns

When to Replace vs. Repair

Repair when:

• Damage is localized (a few shingles)
• Roof is less than 15 years old
• No underlying deck damage

Replace when:

• Widespread shingle failure
• Multiple layers already installed
• Roof deck is damaged
• Roof is 20+ years old with problems

Roof Lifespan by Material

• Asphalt 3-tab shingles: 15-20 years
• Architectural shingles: 25-30 years
• Metal roofing: 40-70 years
• Tile roofing: 50+ years
• Slate: 75-100+ years

Exterior Paint Maintenance

Paint protects wood and enhances appearance.

Inspection Points

Walk around your home looking for:

• Peeling, flaking, or blistering paint
• Chalking (powdery residue on paint)
• Fading or color changes
• Bare wood exposed
• Cracks in paint
• Mold or mildew growth

Touch-Up Painting

Address small areas before they spread:

1. Scrape loose paint
2. Sand edges to feather into sound paint
3. Clean the area
4. Prime bare wood
5. Apply paint matching existing color
6. Feather edges to blend

When to Repaint Entirely

Full repainting is needed when:

• More than 30% of surface needs touch-up
• Color is significantly faded
• Paint is consistently chalking
• Multiple areas show failure

Exterior Painting Preparation

Good prep is 80% of the job:

1. Wash entire surface (pressure wash or scrub)
2. Scrape all loose paint
3. Sand glossy surfaces for adhesion
4. Fill holes and cracks with exterior filler
5. Prime all bare wood and filler
6. Caulk gaps around trim, windows, doors
7. Allow to dry completely before painting

Paint Selection

• Use 100% acrylic latex for durability
• Higher quality = longer life
• Flat or satin for body; semi-gloss for trim
• Choose colors that complement the neighborhood

Caulking and Sealing

Caulk is your first defense against water infiltration.

Where to Caulk

• Around window and door frames
• Where siding meets trim
• Around exterior light fixtures
• Where dissimilar materials meet
• Around pipe penetrations
• Corner joints

Caulking Technique

1. Remove old caulk completely with caulk removal tool
2. Clean surfaces with rubbing alcohol
3. Apply painter’s tape for clean lines (optional)
4. Cut tip at 45-degree angle, small opening
5. Apply steady bead filling the gap
6. Tool immediately with wet finger or caulk tool
7. Remove tape before caulk skins over

Choosing Caulk

• Silicone: Most durable, not paintable
• Polyurethane: Very durable, paintable
• Acrylic latex: Easy to use, paintable, less durable
• Hybrid (silicone latex): Good balance of properties

Deck and Patio Maintenance

Outdoor living spaces need regular care.

Wood Deck Maintenance

Annual inspection:

• Loose or popped screws/nails
• Cracked, split, or warped boards
• Rot in posts, joists, ledger board
• Wobbly railings
• Mold or mildew
• Faded finish

Cleaning:

1. Sweep debris
2. Apply deck cleaner per directions
3. Scrub with stiff brush
4. Rinse thoroughly
5. Allow to dry completely (2-3 days)

Staining/Sealing:

• Reseal every 1-3 years depending on exposure
• Clean first—always
• Apply stain/sealer per manufacturer directions
• Don’t apply in direct sun or before rain
• Two thin coats better than one thick coat

Repairs:

• Replace damaged boards promptly
• Tighten loose fasteners with longer screws
• Add blocking under bouncy boards
• Structural issues need professional assessment

Composite Deck Maintenance

Lower maintenance but not no maintenance:

• Clean with composite deck cleaner
• Avoid pressure washing (can damage surface)
• Remove debris from gaps
• Address mold with appropriate cleaner
• No staining/sealing required

Concrete Patio Maintenance

Cleaning:

• Sweep regularly
• Pressure wash for deep cleaning
• Use concrete cleaner for stains
• Degrease oil spots with appropriate cleaner

Sealing:

• Apply concrete sealer every 2-3 years
• Clean thoroughly first
• Apply in thin, even coats
• Maintains appearance and prevents staining

Crack repair:

1. Clean crack thoroughly
2. Apply concrete crack filler
3. Smooth with putty knife
4. Allow to cure before sealing

Driveway and Walkway Maintenance

Concrete Driveways

Cleaning:

• Pressure wash annually
• Treat oil stains with degreaser
• Remove rust stains with oxalic acid-based cleaner

Crack repair:

• Clean crack of debris
• Use concrete crack filler for hairline cracks
• Use patching compound for larger cracks
• For heaving or significant damage, consider professional repair

Sealing:

• Seal every 2-3 years
• Clean thoroughly first
• Apply thin, even coats
• Keep traffic off until cured

Asphalt Driveways

Inspection:

• Cracks
• Potholes
• Edge crumbling
• Fading/graying

Maintenance:

• Fill cracks annually with asphalt crack filler
• Patch potholes with cold patch asphalt
• Seal every 2-4 years with asphalt sealer

Sealcoating process:

1. Clean thoroughly (degrease oil spots)
2. Fill cracks and holes first (allow to cure)
3. Apply sealer in thin coats
4. Work in sections for even coverage
5. Allow 24-48 hours to cure

Paver Maintenance

• Sweep regularly
• Rinse with hose
• Re-sand joints as needed with polymeric sand
• Replace individual damaged pavers
• Reseal every 2-3 years to maintain color

Foundation Inspection

Your foundation supports everything. Catch problems early.

What to Look For

Outside:

• Cracks (vertical, horizontal, or stair-step)
• Bowing or bulging walls
• Water stains
• Efflorescence (white deposits)
• Gaps where foundation meets siding

Inside (basement/crawl space):

• Water stains or dampness
• Cracks in walls or floor
• Musty smell
• Pest evidence
• Bowing walls

Crack Assessment

Minor concerns (monitor but not urgent):

• Hairline cracks (under 1/8 inch)
• Vertical cracks from settling
• Shrinkage cracks in new concrete

Major concerns (call professional):

• Horizontal cracks (may indicate pressure)
• Stair-step cracks in block foundations
• Cracks wider than 1/4 inch
• Cracks that grow or shift
• Bowing walls
• Water actively entering through cracks

Foundation Maintenance

Proper drainage:

• Gutters directing water 6+ feet from foundation
• Ground sloping away from house (6 inches drop in 10 feet)
• No water pooling against foundation

Moisture control:

• Keep sprinklers from hitting foundation
• Maintain consistent soil moisture (avoid extreme dry/wet cycles)
• Ensure basement/crawl space is ventilated appropriately

Window and Door Maintenance

Window Maintenance

Inspection:

• Cracked or broken glass
• Failed seals (fogging between panes)
• Deteriorating frames or sills
• Peeling paint
• Difficulty opening/closing
• Drafts

Maintenance tasks:

• Clean glass inside and out
• Lubricate tracks and hardware with silicone spray
• Check and replace weatherstripping
• Caulk around exterior trim
• Repaint wood frames as needed
• Clean weep holes (drainage holes in vinyl/aluminum)

Door Maintenance

Inspection:

• Weatherstripping condition
• Door sweep condition
• Threshold seal
• Hardware operation
• Finish condition

Maintenance tasks:

• Adjust hinges if door doesn’t close properly
• Replace worn weatherstripping
• Lubricate hinges and locks
• Refinish wood doors as needed
• Adjust strike plate for proper latching

Outdoor Structures

Fences

Wood fence maintenance:

• Inspect for rot, especially at ground level
• Check post stability
• Tighten or replace loose fasteners
• Stain/seal every 2-3 years
• Replace damaged sections promptly

Vinyl fence maintenance:

• Clean with soap and water
• Check for cracks or breaks
• Ensure posts are secure
• Replace damaged sections

Sheds and Outbuildings

Apply the same maintenance principles as your house:

• Inspect roof annually
• Check for rot and water intrusion
• Maintain paint/stain
• Ensure doors close properly
• Keep vegetation trimmed away

Retaining Walls

• Check for leaning or bulging
• Ensure weep holes are clear
• Check for erosion behind wall
• Address drainage issues
• Repoint mortar as needed (stone/brick walls)

Preventive Measures

Grading and Drainage

Water is your home’s biggest enemy:

• Ground should slope away from foundation
• Minimum 6 inches drop in first 10 feet
• Fill low spots that collect water
• Extend downspouts away from foundation
• Consider French drains for persistent problems

Vegetation Management

• Keep plants 1 foot from siding
• Trim bushes touching the house
• Remove vines from siding (they trap moisture)
• Keep trees trimmed away from roof
• Maintain mulch at 2-4 inch depth, 6 inches from foundation

Pest Prevention

• Seal gaps and cracks
• Keep wood (firewood, scraps) away from house
• Maintain screens on vents
• Address moisture issues (attracts insects)
• Schedule annual pest inspection in termite-prone areas

When to Call Professionals

Some exterior work requires expertise:

• Roof repairs beyond replacing a few shingles
• Foundation cracks showing structural concern
• Major structural repairs to decks or porches
• Large painting projects (multi-story, complex surfaces)
• Tree removal near structures
• Electrical (outdoor lighting, outlets)
• Major concrete work

Creating a Maintenance Calendar

Stay on top of exterior maintenance with a schedule:

Monthly:

• Walk around home looking for obvious issues
• Clean debris from window wells and foundation

Quarterly:

• Clean gutters (more in fall)
• Inspect caulking around windows/doors
• Check for pest activity

Biannually (Spring/Fall):

• Full exterior inspection
• Pressure wash siding and concrete
• Touch up paint as needed

Annually:

• Professional roof inspection (or detailed self-inspection)
• Clean and seal deck
• Service outdoor equipment
• Winterize/de-winterize outdoor faucets

Regular exterior maintenance protects your investment and prevents the small problems of today from becoming the expensive repairs of tomorrow. The few hours spent each season on inspection and maintenance pay off in a home that looks better, functions properly, and lasts longer.