Caulk, paint, grading. Below is everything your exterior & siding needs to stay safe and efficient — sorted into what's critical, what saves money, and what's optional. Each task shows how often to do it, whether it's DIY, and what it typically costs.
Fresh weatherstripping around doors and windows stops drafts and lowers heating and cooling bills.
Worn seals leak conditioned air all year, quietly raising every energy bill.
How & when to do itGround should slope away from the house so rain doesn't pool at the foundation.
Water pooling at the foundation is a top cause of basement leaks.
How & when to do itRemoving dirt, mildew, and algae protects finishes and keeps siding from degrading early.
Built-up grime and mildew shorten the life of paint and siding.
How & when to do itFresh caulk keeps water and pests out and cuts drafts.
Water intrusion behind siding leads to rot and mold.
How & when to do itSealing protects deck wood from moisture, UV, and rot, and inspection catches loose boards and fasteners.
An unsealed deck rots and can become a structural and safety hazard.
How & when to do it