Exterior Maintenance
Protecting and maintaining your home's exterior surfaces, landscaping, and outdoor structures.
Siding
Types and Maintenance
| Siding Type | Lifespan | Maintenance Level | Key Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | 20-40 years | Low | Cracking, fading |
| Wood | 15-40 years | High | Rot, paint, insects |
| Fiber cement | 30-50 years | Medium | Paint, caulking |
| Aluminum | 40+ years | Low | Dents, fading |
| Brick | 100+ years | Low | Mortar, cleaning |
| Stucco | 50+ years | Medium | Cracks, staining |
Annual Siding Inspection
| Check For | Action |
|---|---|
| Cracks or holes | Repair or replace sections |
| Loose pieces | Re-secure or replace |
| Mold/mildew | Clean with appropriate solution |
| Peeling paint | Scrape, prime, repaint |
| Caulk failure | Remove and recaulk |
| Insect damage | Treat and repair |
Cleaning Siding
| Type | Method |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | Garden hose, soft brush, vinyl cleaner |
| Wood | Soft wash, avoid pressure washer damage |
| Fiber cement | Garden hose, mild detergent |
| Brick | Pressure washer on low, or brush |
| Stucco | Garden hose, soft brush |
Pressure Washing Tips
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Start low pressure | Blast at full pressure |
| Work from top down | Spray upward under siding |
| Keep moving | Hold in one spot |
| Test in hidden area | Assume all surfaces can handle it |
| Maintain distance | Get too close |
Roofing
Roof Types
| Type | Lifespan | DIY-Friendly |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt shingles | 15-30 years | Somewhat |
| Metal | 40-70 years | No |
| Tile | 50-100 years | No |
| Slate | 75-200 years | No |
| Flat/rolled | 10-20 years | Somewhat |
Inspection Schedule
| When | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Spring | Winter damage, debris |
| Fall | Before winter, clear leaves |
| After storms | Damage from wind, hail |
| Annually | Overall condition |
What to Look For
| Issue | Indicates |
|---|---|
| Missing shingles | Storm damage, age |
| Curling shingles | Heat damage, age |
| Granules in gutters | Shingle deterioration |
| Sagging areas | Structural issue (call pro) |
| Moss/algae | Moisture retention |
| Flashing damage | Leak potential |
DIY Shingle Repair
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Safety first | Use proper ladder, roof safety |
| Loosen damaged shingle | Pry up nails carefully |
| Remove shingle | Slide out from under row above |
| Slide in new shingle | Under row above |
| Nail in place | Four nails per shingle |
| Seal with roofing cement | Cover nail heads |
When to Call a Pro:
- Steep roofs
- Multiple damaged areas
- Flashing repair
- Structural issues
- Complete replacement
Gutters
Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clean gutters | Twice yearly (spring/fall) |
| Check downspouts | With gutter cleaning |
| Inspect for damage | With gutter cleaning |
| Check slope | Annually |
| Seal leaks | As needed |
Gutter Cleaning
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Set up ladder safely | On level ground, proper angle |
| Wear gloves | Debris is sharp |
| Scoop debris | Start at downspout |
| Bag debris | Don't leave on ground |
| Flush with hose | Check flow to downspouts |
| Check downspouts | Clear any clogs |
| Inspect while there | Note repairs needed |
Common Gutter Repairs
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Leaking joints | Seal with gutter sealant |
| Sagging sections | Adjust or add hangers |
| Holes | Patch with roofing cement |
| Clogged downspouts | Use plumber's snake |
| Overflow | Check slope, add extensions |
| Pulling away | Resecure with new hangers |
Gutter Guards
| Type | Effectiveness | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh screens | Good | Low |
| Foam inserts | Fair | Low |
| Surface tension | Very good | High |
| Micro-mesh | Excellent | High |
Windows and Doors
Exterior Window Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clean windows | Quarterly |
| Check caulking | Annually |
| Inspect weatherstripping | Annually |
| Clean tracks | Twice yearly |
| Check screens | Spring |
| Lubricate hardware | Annually |
Recaulking Windows
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Remove old caulk | Use caulk removal tool |
| Clean surface | Remove residue completely |
| Apply painter's tape | For clean lines |
| Cut caulk tube | 45° angle |
| Apply caulk | Steady bead |
| Smooth with finger | Dipped in soapy water |
| Remove tape | Before caulk sets |
Door Maintenance
| Task | How To |
|---|---|
| Check weatherstripping | Replace if worn/cracked |
| Adjust strike plate | If door doesn't latch |
| Lubricate hinges | Use WD-40 or silicone |
| Check threshold | Replace if damaged |
| Tighten hardware | Hinges, handles, locks |
| Repaint/refinish | When finish deteriorates |
Decks and Patios
Wood Deck Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Sweep | Weekly |
| Clean | Annually |
| Inspect | Spring and fall |
| Stain/seal | Every 2-3 years |
| Replace damaged boards | As needed |
Deck Inspection Checklist
| Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Boards | Rot, cracks, warping |
| Fasteners | Popping nails, rust |
| Railing | Stability, rot, loose posts |
| Stairs | Stability, rot, treads |
| Ledger board | Connection to house |
| Posts | Ground contact rot |
| Structure underneath | Beam and joist condition |
Deck Cleaning and Staining
| Phase | Steps |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clear deck, cover plants |
| Cleaning | Apply deck cleaner, scrub, rinse |
| Brightening | Apply wood brightener (optional) |
| Drying | Wait 48+ hours |
| Staining | Apply thin, even coats |
| Curing | Keep off 24-48 hours |
Concrete Patio Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Sweep | Weekly |
| Pressure wash | Annually |
| Seal | Every 2-3 years |
| Fill cracks | As noticed |
Driveways and Walkways
Asphalt Driveway
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clear debris | Weekly |
| Fill cracks | As noticed |
| Sealcoat | Every 2-3 years |
| Avoid heavy loads in heat | Always |
Filling Asphalt Cracks
| Crack Size | Method |
|---|---|
| Small (<1/4") | Pourable crack filler |
| Medium (1/4"-1/2") | Caulk-style filler |
| Large (>1/2") | Cold patch asphalt |
Concrete Driveway
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Seal | Every 2-3 years |
| Fill cracks | As noticed |
| Pressure wash | Annually |
| Remove stains | As noticed |
Removing Common Stains
| Stain | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Oil | Cat litter, then degreaser |
| Rust | Oxalic acid solution |
| Mold/mildew | Bleach solution |
| Paint | Paint stripper |
| Tire marks | Degreaser |
Foundation
Inspection Points
| Area | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Visible cracks | Width, length, growth |
| Grading | Soil slopes away from house |
| Water intrusion | Stains, dampness inside |
| Gaps | Between foundation and siding |
| Window wells | Clear, draining properly |
Crack Assessment
| Crack Type | Concern Level | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline | Low | Monitor |
| Vertical, narrow | Low-Medium | Fill, monitor |
| Diagonal | Medium | Consult professional |
| Horizontal | High | Consult immediately |
| Widening | High | Consult immediately |
| Stair-step (brick) | High | Consult immediately |
Filling Foundation Cracks
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Clean crack | Wire brush, vacuum |
| Prepare crack | Widen slightly if needed |
| Apply filler | Hydraulic cement or epoxy |
| Smooth surface | Level with foundation |
| Monitor | Check for regrowth |
Grading and Drainage
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Slope away from house | 6" drop in first 10 feet |
| Downspout extensions | 4-6 feet from foundation |
| Window well drainage | Gravel base, proper drain |
| Soil level | 6" below siding |
Fencing
Maintenance by Type
| Fence Type | Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Wood | Stain/seal every 2-3 years |
| Vinyl | Clean annually, minimal care |
| Chain link | Prevent rust, adjust tension |
| Aluminum | Clean, paint touch-ups |
Wood Fence Care
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Inspect | Spring |
| Clean | Before staining |
| Stain/seal | Every 2-3 years |
| Replace boards | As needed |
| Check posts | Annually |
Common Fence Repairs
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Leaning post | Reset in concrete |
| Rotted post base | Replace post or use support |
| Loose boards | Resecure with screws |
| Broken boards | Replace individual boards |
| Gate sag | Add diagonal brace |
Landscaping Near House
Best Practices
| Guideline | Reason |
|---|---|
| Keep plants 12" from foundation | Prevents moisture, allows inspection |
| Tree branches 3+ feet from roof | Prevents damage, animal access |
| Trim overhanging branches | Reduces debris, sun blockage |
| Avoid landscape fabric against house | Traps moisture |
| Use gravel beds by foundation | Improves drainage |
Vegetation Concerns
| Plant | Concern | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Trees too close | Root damage | Remove or regular root pruning |
| Ivy on walls | Masonry damage | Remove carefully |
| Bushes against siding | Moisture, pest access | Maintain clearance |
| Deep mulch at foundation | Pest attraction | Keep 4" max, away from siding |
Seasonal Exterior Checklist
Spring
| Task | Priority |
|---|---|
| Inspect roof | High |
| Clean gutters | High |
| Check grading | Medium |
| Power wash siding | Medium |
| Inspect deck | High |
| Service sprinklers | Medium |
| Check caulking | Medium |
Summer
| Task | Priority |
|---|---|
| Sealcoat driveway | Medium |
| Stain deck (if due) | Medium |
| Paint touch-ups | Low |
| Trim trees from house | Medium |
| Clean outdoor lighting | Low |
Fall
| Task | Priority |
|---|---|
| Clean gutters | High |
| Winterize sprinklers | High |
| Drain outdoor faucets | High |
| Store outdoor furniture | Medium |
| Final lawn care | Medium |
| Check weatherstripping | Medium |
Winter
| Task | Priority |
|---|---|
| Monitor ice dams | High |
| Keep snow from foundation | Medium |
| Clear downspout outlets | Medium |
| Check for ice damage | After storms |
Key Takeaways
- Water is the enemy - Most exterior damage comes from moisture
- Grading matters - Ensure water flows away from foundation
- Gutters are critical - Clean them regularly, don't ignore them
- Catch problems early - Small issues become expensive fast
- Seal and protect - Regular sealing prevents deterioration
- Safety first - Use proper equipment for roof and ladder work
- Know when to call pros - Structural and roofing work often needs expertise