Seasonal Home Maintenance

Your home is your biggest investment. This guide covers what to check, clean, and maintain each season so your home stays in peak condition year-round. Seattle-specific and built from 20+ years of local experience.

🌸 Spring

March through May
Clean gutters and downspouts
Seattle's winter leaves a lot behind. Clear debris from gutters and flush downspouts to prevent water damage as spring rains arrive.
Exterior
Inspect roof for winter damage
Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Check flashing around chimneys and vents. Seattle's wet winters can cause hidden damage.
Exterior
Service your HVAC system
Schedule a professional tune-up before summer. Replace filters, check refrigerant levels, and clean the condenser unit.
Systems
Power wash siding, deck, and walkways
Moss and algae thrive in Seattle's damp climate. A good spring power wash prevents long-term damage to wood and concrete surfaces.
Exterior
Check exterior paint and caulking
Inspect window frames, door frames, and trim for peeling paint or cracked caulking. Seal gaps before rain season returns in fall.
Exterior
Test smoke and CO detectors
Replace batteries and test every unit. This is a twice-a-year task. Spring and fall are the reminders.
Safety
Inspect crawlspace for moisture
Seattle homes are prone to crawlspace moisture issues. Check for standing water, mold, and ensure your vapor barrier is intact.
Systems
Tune up your lawn and garden
Aerate the lawn, reseed bare spots, prune shrubs, and apply a slow-release fertilizer. Get your irrigation system running and check for leaks.
Exterior
Jeff's Pro Tip

Schedule your roof and gutter inspection for the same visit. Most Seattle roofing companies will do both, and catching small issues now saves thousands later. Check your VIP Vendor List for my trusted roofers.

☀️ Summer

June through August
Seal and stain your deck
Summer's dry stretch is the window for deck maintenance. Sand, stain, and seal to protect the wood before fall rains return.
Exterior
Deep clean windows inside and out
Take advantage of the dry weather for streak-free results. Clean screens and tracks while you're at it.
Interior
Inspect and repair fencing
Check for loose boards, leaning posts, and rot. Summer is the best time to make repairs when the ground is dry.
Exterior
Check exterior drainage
Grade soil away from your foundation. Clear drain paths. Seattle's fall and winter rains will test your drainage, so prepare now.
Exterior
Service major appliances
Clean refrigerator coils, inspect dishwasher hoses, clean the dryer vent, and check your water heater's anode rod.
Systems
Exterior painting and touch-ups
The dry summer months are your best window for any exterior paint projects. Touch up trim, siding, and any areas showing wear.
Exterior
Test your sprinkler system
Check for broken heads, misaligned spray patterns, and dry spots. Adjust timer settings for Seattle's warmer, drier summer months.
Exterior
Treat moss on the roof
Apply zinc sulfate or moss treatment to your roof. Seattle's moss issue is real. Summer application gives you a head start before fall moisture sets in.
Exterior
Jeff's Pro Tip

Seattle's dry summer window is short. Book your deck sealing, painting, and exterior work by May to lock in contractor availability. Once the sun comes out, everyone calls at once.

🍂 Fall

September through November
Clean gutters again (yes, again)
Once the leaves have fallen, clean gutters and downspouts before the heavy rains hit. This is the single most important fall task for Seattle homes.
Exterior
Schedule a furnace tune-up
Have a professional service your furnace before you need it. Replace the filter, check the heat exchanger, and ensure safe operation all winter.
Systems
Winterize your irrigation system
Blow out sprinkler lines, shut off exterior hose bibs, and disconnect hoses. A burst pipe from a freeze event is an expensive lesson.
Systems
Inspect weatherstripping and insulation
Check doors, windows, and attic insulation. Replace worn weatherstripping to keep your heating efficient and your energy bills down.
Interior
Test smoke and CO detectors
Second annual check. Replace batteries and test every unit as you head into the season when heating systems and fireplaces are running.
Safety
Inspect and clean your chimney
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, schedule a chimney sweep. Creosote buildup is a fire risk. Gas fireplaces should be inspected annually too.
Safety
Rake leaves and clear yard debris
Keep leaves off the lawn to prevent dead patches. Clear debris from foundation walls and window wells to avoid moisture problems.
Exterior
Check your sump pump
If you have one, test it before the rainy season. Pour water into the pit and make sure it activates and drains properly.
Systems
Jeff's Pro Tip

The first big Seattle rainstorm usually hits in October. Get your gutters cleaned and furnace serviced before then. Waiting until November means you're competing with every other homeowner for contractor time.

❄️ Winter

December through February
Monitor for ice dams and roof issues
After snow or heavy rain, check for ice dams at the roofline and water stains on ceilings. Catch leaks early before they cause interior damage.
Exterior
Protect pipes from freezing
Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages, and exterior walls. Know where your main water shut-off valve is in case of emergency.
Systems
Check furnace filters monthly
Your furnace works hardest in winter. Check the filter monthly and replace when dirty. A clean filter improves efficiency and air quality.
Systems
Clean range hood and kitchen exhaust
Winter means more cooking indoors. Clean the range hood filter and check that the exhaust fan vents properly to the outside.
Interior
Inspect for drafts and seal gaps
On a cold day, feel around windows and doors for drafts. Apply caulk or weatherstripping where needed. Small gaps add up to big heat loss.
Interior
Test your emergency kit
Seattle's winter storms can knock out power. Check flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and first aid supplies. Keep a kit accessible.
Safety
Plan your spring projects
Use the slower winter months to plan and budget for any spring improvements. Get contractor quotes early while their schedules are open.
Planning
Deep clean interior spaces
Clean carpets, air ducts, and dryer vents. Winter is a great time for interior deep cleaning while you're spending more time indoors.
Interior
Jeff's Pro Tip

Seattle rarely gets extended freezes, but when it does, it catches people off guard. Know where your water shut-off valve is, keep a few gallons of bottled water on hand, and have your plumber's number saved. Check your VIP Vendor List.

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