Year-round maintenance is the best investment you can make in your Spokane home's roof and exterior. Proactive care prevents small issues from becoming expensive problems. Spokane's variable climate—with wet springs, hot summers, cold winters, and occasional snow—requires attention to different areas each season. Follow this comprehensive checklist to keep your home protected throughout the year.
Spring Maintenance (March - May)
Spring is the most critical time for roof and exterior maintenance after winter damage. The snow and cold are gone, but damage may have occurred.
Look for missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing, or visible damage from ice/snow. Use binoculars if needed. Contact a professional if damage is found.
Remove accumulated leaves, debris, and ice dams from winter. Clear all downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters cause water to back up and damage fascia, soffits, and roofing.
Inspect attic, basement, and crawl spaces for water stains, mold, or active leaks. Look for signs of roof leaks in ceilings and upper walls. Address leaks immediately to prevent mold growth.
Look for cracks, gaps, or rot in wood siding, trim, and fascia. Check sealant around windows and doors. Spring moisture makes siding susceptible to damage if not maintained.
Use low pressure to clean siding, removing algae and mold that thrived during winter moisture. Clean gutters, downspouts, and exterior surfaces.
Summer Maintenance (June - August)
Summer heat and occasional summer storms require attention to ventilation and weather protection.
Ensure attic vents aren't blocked and air can circulate properly. Poor ventilation in summer heat can damage shingles and reduce energy efficiency.
Summer UV exposure can damage caulk around windows, doors, and penetrations. Replace cracked or missing caulk to prevent water infiltration.
Check roof flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys. Look for rust, gaps, or lifting edges that could allow water in during summer storms.
Cut back branches overhanging your roof to reduce debris accumulation and improve air circulation. Also helps prevent branches from breaking off in summer storms.
Fall Maintenance (September - November)
Fall is your last opportunity to prepare before winter weather arrives.
Clean gutters thoroughly before leaves pile up completely. Clear all debris to ensure winter snow melt can drain properly and won't back up under shingles.
Conduct a thorough roof inspection or have a professional perform one. Look for loose or damaged shingles, poor flashing, and other issues that will worsen under winter conditions.
Inspect and replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows. This prevents winter drafts and heat loss while keeping moisture out.
Ensure chimney flashing is tight and properly sealed. This is critical before winter when snow and ice buildup can force water under flashing.
Clear any drainage systems, including foundation drains and perimeter drainage, to ensure water flows away from your home during fall and winter rains.
Winter Maintenance (December - February)
Winter is primarily about monitoring and preventing further damage rather than repairs.
After heavy snowfall, consider removing snow from lower roof areas with a roof rake. This prevents dangerous ice dams and reduces weight stress on the roof structure.
Watch for icicles forming along the roof edge. Ice dams can back water up under shingles, causing attic damage. If ice dams form, call a professional for safe removal.
Ensure your attic isn't too warm (which melts snow creating ice dams) or too moist. Proper ventilation prevents condensation and mold growth.
Watch ceilings and upper walls for signs of water intrusion. Winter ice and snow can force water into small cracks and gaps.
Professional Inspections Recommended
While homeowners can perform basic visual inspections, professional inspections are invaluable. A qualified contractor can spot issues not visible from the ground and provide detailed guidance on needed repairs. Consider scheduling a professional inspection annually, particularly before fall and winter.