Fall Maintenance Checklist: Is Your Home’s Paint Ready for Winter?
There’s a crispness in the air, the leaves are changing, and your porch might already be home to a few pumpkins. While you’re enjoying sweater weather, your home’s paint is quietly gearing up to face its toughest season: winter.
Cold temperatures, moisture, and wind can wreak havoc on your exterior paint if it’s not in top shape. The good news? A little fall maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your home looking beautiful and protected through the colder months.
1. Do a Walkaround Inspection
Grab a warm drink and take a slow lap around your house. Look for:
Peeling or flaking paint, especially near trim and sills
Cracks or gaps in caulking around windows and doors
Soft spots in wood siding or trim (a sign of moisture damage)
Faded or chalky paint that’s losing its protective power
Take notes or photos of anything that stands out—this will help you decide whether a simple touch-up or a bigger project is needed.
2. Clean Off the Summer Grime
Just like you wouldn’t put away patio furniture without wiping it down, your siding needs a clean slate before winter. Dirt, pollen, mildew, and even spider webs can break down paint over time.
A gentle power wash or soft scrub with a mild detergent is often all it takes. For mildew, use a solution with diluted bleach to kill spores before they can overwinter and spread.
(Pro tip: Don’t go overboard with the pressure washer—too much force can damage your siding or strip paint prematurely.)
3. Touch Up Vulnerable Spots
If you found peeling paint or worn edges during your inspection, now’s the time to act. Spot priming and painting these areas creates a barrier that keeps winter moisture out.
Even small touch-ups can prevent bigger (and pricier) problems come spring.
Learn more about our Exterior Painting Services
4. Seal the Gaps
Caulk is your home’s unsung hero. It keeps drafts and moisture out, prevents wood rot, and boosts energy efficiency. Check around windows, doors, and trim, and reapply high-quality, paintable caulk where it’s cracking or missing.
5. Schedule Any Larger Projects Now
If your paint is showing signs of widespread wear, fall is a great time to schedule a repaint before the weather turns too cold. Paint adheres best in mild temperatures—usually between 50°F and 85°F—making early fall ideal for exterior projects.
Request a Free Quote to secure a spot before winter hits.
Why Fall Prep Matters
Skipping fall maintenance can lead to peeling paint, water damage, and costly repairs once the snow melts. On the flip side, a little TLC now can extend the life of your paint, protect your home’s structure, and keep everything looking sharp through spring.
Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of sipping cocoa inside a warm, cozy home that’s winter-ready.
