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Fall Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist for Michigan Homeowners (Including Painting Tips)

As the leaves start to turn and the temperatures drop, Michigan homeowners know what’s coming next—winter. But before the snow flies, fall is your golden opportunity to check in on your home’s exterior and tackle essential maintenance tasks. A little work now can go a long way in preventing costly repairs later, especially when it comes to protecting your paint, siding, and other outdoor surfaces.

To help you get started, here’s a practical fall home maintenance checklist—complete with painting tips—to make sure your house is in great shape before winter hits.

1. Clean Out Your Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves, twigs, and other debris can quickly clog your gutters in the fall. If left unchecked, that buildup can lead to water overflow, which can damage your siding, foundation, and even the paint on your home.

Be sure to:

  • Clear out all debris from gutters and downspouts.
  • Check for leaks or sagging sections.
  • Make sure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.

Pro tip: Install gutter guards if you’re tired of doing this every year.

2. Inspect and Re-Caulk Windows and Doors

Take a close look at the caulking around windows and doors. If it’s cracked, brittle, or missing in spots, it’s time to re-caulk.

Why it matters:

  • Prevents cold air and moisture from sneaking into your home.
  • Helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.
  • Protects surrounding trim and painted areas from water damage.

Use a high-quality, weather-resistant exterior caulk for best results.

3. Check the Roof and Flashing

Michigan winters are tough on roofs, so now’s the time to spot small problems before they turn into big ones.

Look for:

  • Missing or curling shingles
  • Rusted or loose flashing
  • Signs of water damage on the underside of eaves

If anything looks off, it’s best to call a roofing pro. A sound roof protects everything below it—paint included.

4. Examine Siding for Damage or Rot

Take a walk around your home and inspect the siding, trim, and soffits.

Watch for:

  • Cracks or warping
  • Soft spots or rot (especially in wood siding)
  • Gaps where pests or moisture could sneak in

Any damaged areas should be repaired and sealed before winter. And if bare wood is exposed, painting it quickly is crucial to prevent water infiltration.

5. Look for Peeling or Fading Paint

Paint isn’t just about looks—it’s your home’s first line of defense against the elements. If you notice areas where paint is peeling, cracking, or looking chalky and faded, those spots are no longer protected.

Why it’s urgent:

  • Exposed surfaces are vulnerable to moisture, which can lead to rot or mold.
  • Cold temps make it too risky to apply new paint—once it’s consistently below 50°F, exterior painting becomes a no-go.

Fall is the last ideal window for painting in Southeast Michigan before winter sets in.

6. Do Touch-Ups or Schedule a Full Paint Job

If you’re only seeing a few problem areas and the rest of your exterior paint is in good condition, you may be able to get by with spot touch-ups. Just be sure to color-match properly and prep the surface before painting.

On the other hand, if it’s been 5–10 years since your last exterior paint job—or you’re seeing widespread peeling—it may be time for a full repaint. Visual Paint can help you decide what makes the most sense for your home and budget.

7. Trim Trees and Bushes Away from the House

Overgrown branches can scrape against your siding or gutters, especially when loaded with snow or ice. Not only does this look messy, but it can also damage your paint or even the surface underneath.

Trim back:

  • Tree limbs hanging over your roof or touching the house
  • Shrubs that are too close to painted siding or trim
  • Vines growing on or around the exterior

This also keeps pests from using plants as a bridge to your home.

8. Power Wash If Needed

A quick power wash can remove dirt, mildew, and algae from your siding, steps, and trim. This helps preserve your paint and gives your home a clean, fresh look going into winter.

Just make sure:

  • You use the right pressure setting to avoid damaging surfaces.
  • You let everything dry completely if you plan to paint afterward.

Power washing is also a great first step if you’re doing any touch-up work.

9. Seal Decks, Fences, and Other Outdoor Wood

Don’t forget about your deck, porch, or wood fencing—these take a beating during the winter too. If the finish is wearing thin, now’s the time to reseal or stain these surfaces.

Look for:

  • Water that no longer beads up on the surface
  • Cracks, splinters, or fading color
  • Signs of algae or mold buildup

Visual Paint also offers deck staining and sealing services, so you can protect these outdoor features before the snow starts falling.

10. Check Exterior Light Fixtures and House Numbers

With the days getting shorter, it’s a good idea to make sure all your outdoor lights are working properly. Replace bulbs, clean fixtures, and tighten any loose mounts.

Also:

  • Make sure your house numbers are clean and easy to see.
  • Freshen up paint or touch up surrounding trim to keep everything looking sharp.

These small touches help improve safety and curb appeal during the darker months.

Wrap-Up: Don’t Wait—Fall Won’t Last Forever

Taking care of your home’s exterior now can save you a lot of hassle (and money) down the road. Plus, if you’ve been meaning to tackle an exterior paint project, fall is your last solid chance to get it done before Michigan’s harsh winter weather arrives.

Whether you need a few touch-ups or a complete repaint, Visual Paint is here to help. We’re based in Southeast Michigan and know exactly how to prep and paint homes for long-lasting protection in our climate.

Get a Free Quote from Visual Paint

Ready to check "exterior painting" off your fall to-do list? Contact Visual Paint today for a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll help you protect your home—and boost its curb appeal—before the cold weather sets in.