Protect your home before fall arrives: A Homeowner's Exterior Maintenance Checklist

marie60881
Aug 6
3 min read

As summer begins to wind down, now is the perfect time to inspect the exterior of your home before cooler temperatures, heavy rain, falling leaves, and winter weather arrive. A few simple maintenance steps today can help prevent costly repairs later.

At Covered Construction Inc., we have over 20 years of experience helping homeowners throughout Metro Detroit protect their homes from Michigan's unpredictable weather. Here are the most important areas to inspect before fall.

1. Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. Even minor damage can turn into major leaks once fall storms and winter snow arrive.

Look for:

Missing or damaged shingles
Curling or cracked shingles
Loose flashing around chimneys and vents
Granules collecting in your gutters
Sagging areas or signs of water damage

If your roof is over 15 years old, a professional inspection is highly recommended. Catching small issues early can often prevent expensive repairs or interior water damage.

2. Clean and Inspect Your Gutters

Gutters direct water away from your home's foundation. When they become clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris, water can overflow and cause serious problems.

Check for:

Clogged gutters
Loose gutter sections
Leaks at seams
Downspouts that aren't directing water away from your home
Signs of overflowing water near the foundation

Cleaning gutters before leaves begin falling heavily can save you headaches throughout the season.

3. Examine Your Siding

Your siding protects your home from moisture and helps improve energy efficiency.

Inspect for:

Cracks or holes
Loose or warped panels
Faded or peeling areas
Mold, mildew, or algae growth
Soft spots that could indicate hidden water damage

Small siding repairs now can prevent moisture from entering your walls during the wet fall months.

4. Check Windows and Doors

Even small gaps around windows and doors can allow cold air and moisture into your home.

Look for:

Cracked caulking
Worn weatherstripping
Soft or rotted trim
Drafts
Moisture between window panes

Replacing old caulk and weatherstripping is an inexpensive way to improve comfort and reduce heating costs.

5. Trim Trees and Landscaping

Overgrown branches become dangerous during fall windstorms.

Be sure to:

Trim branches hanging over the roof
Remove dead limbs
Keep shrubs away from siding
Clear vegetation around your foundation

This also helps reduce the amount of leaves collecting on your roof and in your gutters.

6. Inspect Roof Ventilation

Proper attic ventilation helps prevent moisture buildup that can lead to mold, wood rot, and ice dam formation during winter.

Watch for:

Blocked roof vents
Bathroom or dryer vents exhausting into the attic
Excessive attic heat
Signs of condensation or mold

Proper ventilation extends the life of your roofing system and helps improve your home's energy efficiency.

7. Look Around Your Foundation

Walk around your home and inspect the foundation before heavy fall rains arrive.

Check for:

Cracks in foundation walls
Water pooling near the house
Soil erosion
Improper drainage
Downspouts that discharge too close to the foundation

Keeping water away from your foundation helps prevent basement leaks and structural issues.

8. Inspect Exterior Sealants

Sealants around vents, pipes, windows, and trim eventually wear out.

Look for:

Cracked caulking
Gaps around penetrations
Loose flashing
Missing sealant

Replacing worn sealants helps keep moisture where it belongs—outside your home.

Don't Wait Until Winter

Many homeowners don't realize they have roof or siding damage until water starts leaking inside. By then, repairs are often much more expensive.

A professional exterior inspection can identify small problems before they become major issues, giving you peace of mind heading into Michigan's harsh fall and winter seasons.

Let Covered Construction Inc. Help Protect Your Home

At Covered Construction Inc., we're proud to serve homeowners throughout Metro Detroit with professional exterior inspections, roof replacements, siding repair and replacement, gutter services, attic ventilation improvements, and exterior maintenance.

Why homeowners choose us: