The exterior of your home needs to stand up to all the elements including wind, rain, cold, and heat to keep you warm, safe, and dry inside. Establishing and following a routine maintenance plan is the most effective way to ensure your homes functionality and efficiency. The following information will provide some basic steps to ensure your home remains well-maintained and beautiful.

Tree trimming: Take special care to inspect the trees around your property. Remove dead or diseased branches that could fall and cause injury, property damage, or power outages. For large trees this task is best left to the experts. Trim any trees or bushes away from the side of the house or hanging over the roof and gutters. 
 
Roof and gutters: Inspect the roof of your home and any outbuildings, such as garages or storage sheds for any signs of damage. Shingles and metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and in valleys should be firmly adhered. Buckling, curling, or missing shingles should be replaced. Repair flashing that shows signs of lifting along the edges or corners. Keep in mind not all leaks are visible on the inside until they have reached an advanced stage. Left undetected they can cause dry rot, mold, or insulation damage. Flush out the gutters and downspouts with a hose and inspect for any leaks. If there is a lot of debris in the gutters you may first want to scoop this out by hand. If you find leaks, thoroughly dry the area to be repaired and apply a quality, exterior caulk to seal any holes, joints, or gaps. 
 
Chimney: If you have a fireplace, inspect the chimney's mortar for cracks or crumbling and the brick or stone for signs of peeling or flaking. Cracked or crumbling mortar should be removed and replaced with new mortar, known as repointing. Significantly damaged bricks or stones should be replaced. Thoroughly cleaning and sealing the chimney's entire exterior surface with a high quality brick and stone sealer will help reduce further damage. If you use your wood stove or fireplace during the heating season, have the inside of the chimney inspected and cleaned.
 
Power wash: Before proceeding with the next steps, power wash the house, outbuildings, deck, porch, driveway, patio, and sidewalks wherever there are stubborn dirt stains, fungus, mold, or mildew. You can hire someone to do this work, or rent a power washer at most tool rental outlets. If you do it yourself and plan to use any detergents or bleach solutions, be sure to use products recommended for the specific types of surfaces you are cleaning. 
 
Siding, doors, and windows: Inspect the siding, doors, and windows for any gaps where air and moisture can pass through. Remove any old caulk and thoroughly clean areas that need repair. Allow the areas to dry completely and apply a quality, exterior caulk to seal any gaps. Take care to remove any soil or organic matter in contact with the siding. 
 
Decks and porches: Examine decks and porches for any damage or rot. Replace any deck boards in poor condition and secure any loose boards or railings. Apply a fresh coat of paint if needed. If you have a natural, wood deck you may need to apply a sealer or stain. 
 
Foundation, driveway, sidewalks, and patios: Inspect the foundation for any cracks or damage. Consult with a professional immediately if significant damage is discovered. Inspect concrete driveways, sidewalks, and patios for cracks or pits. Minor defects can often be repaired on your own but larger jobs may require a professional. Keep in mind it can be difficult to match a patch to existing concrete so you will want to carefully consider repairs, especially in high visibility locations. 
 
Lawn: Remove any branches, leaves, litter, and other debris from the yard. De-thatch the lawn with a good raking. Generally, a thatch build-up of more than a half inch is considered excessive. Mow the lawn down to two inches, but never more than a half inch of growth at a time. Lightly apply a quality fertilizer that contains an effective weed killer to promote new growth. Fertilizing should be limited to late spring, early fall, and late fall. Too much fertilizer in spring can lead to disease and more weeds.