Home Maintenance in Central & Eastern Washington

Stay ahead of heat, cold, snow, dryness, and dramatic seasonal temperature changes.

Homes east of the Cascades experience a very different climate; with hot, dry summers, colder winters, greater temperature swings, and periods of snow, ice, wind, and intense sun. Those conditions can put added stress on roofing, siding, foundations, irrigation systems, heating and cooling equipment, and exterior materials. Seasonal home maintenance helps prepare your property for changing weather, improve efficiency, and protect the systems and surfaces that keep your home safe and comfortable year-round.

Spring

  • Winter Damage Inspection

    • Inspect roofing after snow, ice, and winter wind.
    • Look for missing or damaged shingles and flashing.
    • Inspect gutters for damage caused by snow and ice.
    • Check fascia, soffits, and roof edges for water or ice-dam damage.
    • Inspect chimneys and masonry for freeze-thaw cracking.
    • Check foundations, concrete patios, driveways, and walkways for new cracks or heaving.

  • Gutters & Drainage

    • Clean gutters and downspouts.
    • Make sure snowmelt and spring rain drain away from the foundation.
    • Inspect grading where winter runoff may have caused erosion.
    • Clean drainage swales, culverts, and driveway drains.
    • Check sump pumps in homes with basements.

  • Exterior

    • Inspect siding, stucco, masonry, and trim for cracking or weather damage.
    • Check caulking around windows and doors.
    • Inspect paint and stain for UV damage, peeling, or exposed wood.
    • Check decks, railings, and fences for freeze-thaw damage.
    • Inspect outdoor stairs and concrete for trip hazards.
    • Check exterior faucets for freeze damage.

  • Cooling Systems

    • Schedule AC or heat-pump service before hot weather.
    • Replace HVAC filters.
    • Remove debris from outdoor condenser units.
    • Confirm condensate drains are clear.
    • Test ceiling fans.
    • Inspect ductwork in accessible areas for damage or disconnected sections.

  • Irrigation & Landscaping

    • Turn irrigation systems on gradually and inspect for freeze-damaged lines.
    • Test sprinkler heads and drip systems.
    • Repair leaks before the main irrigation season.
    • Adjust irrigation to avoid spraying siding or foundations.
    • Inspect trees for winter damage.
    • Remove dead limbs and accumulated yard debris.

  • Wildfire Preparation

    • Remove dry leaves, pine needles, and debris from roofs and gutters.
    • Clear combustible debris from around decks and foundations.
    • Trim vegetation away from siding and rooflines.
    • Remove dead vegetation.
    • Check vents and screens for damage or openings that could allow embers to enter.
    • Maintain defensible space appropriate to the property and local conditions.

Summer

  • Cooling & Energy Efficiency

    • Replace or clean HVAC filters regularly during heavy cooling use.
    • Keep condenser units free of vegetation and debris.
    • Monitor AC or heat-pump performance during heat waves.
    • Check weatherstripping and window seals for air leakage.
    • Use blinds, shades, or exterior shading to reduce solar heat gain where appropriate.
    • Inspect attic insulation and ventilation if upper floors become excessively hot.

  • Exterior & UV Protection

    • Inspect exterior paint, stain, and sealants for sun damage.
    • Repaint or reseal exposed wood.
    • Check south- and west-facing siding, trim, doors, and windows for accelerated deterioration.
    • Inspect caulking for cracking or shrinkage.
    • Seal deck and fence surfaces as necessary.
    • Inspect asphalt driveways for cracking and deterioration.
    • Repair concrete cracks before winter moisture can enter them.

  • Irrigation & Water

    • Check irrigation systems monthly for leaks, broken heads, and poor coverage.
    • Adjust watering schedules for seasonal conditions and local restrictions.
    • Inspect hose bibs and exterior plumbing.
    • Monitor landscaping near foundations to avoid both oversaturation and excessive soil shrinkage.
    • Check well equipment where applicable.
    • Inspect water-softening or filtration equipment according to manufacturer schedules.

  • Wildfire & Dry-Season Maintenance

    • Keep roofs, gutters, decks, porches, and patios free of dry vegetation.
    • Remove dead grasses and plants near the structure.
    • Prune tree branches away from roofs and chimneys.
    • Keep firewood and combustible materials appropriately separated from the house.
    • Inspect exterior vents for intact ember-resistant screening where installed.
    • Maintain accessible driveways and clearly visible property identification for emergency responders.
    • Check outdoor hoses and water sources for operability.

  • Pest Control

    • Inspect for ants, wasps, spiders, rodents, and other pests.
    • Check the foundation for entry points.
    • Seal gaps around plumbing, wiring, vents, and utility penetrations.
    • Repair window and door screens.

Autumn

  • Heating Systems

    • Schedule furnace, boiler, heat-pump, fireplace, or wood-stove service.
    • Replace HVAC filters.
    • Inspect chimneys and flues.
    • Clean chimneys if wood-burning appliances are regularly used.
    • Test thermostats.
    • Check carbon-monoxide alarms.
    • Inspect accessible ductwork for leakage or damage.

  • Roof & Snow Preparation

    • Inspect the roof before snowfall.
    • Repair damaged shingles and flashing.
    • Clean gutters after leaves fall.
    • Inspect gutters and downspouts for secure attachment.
    • Check roof valleys and areas vulnerable to drifting snow.
    • Inspect attic insulation and ventilation.
    • Look for areas where previous ice dams have developed.

  • Freeze Protection

    • Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
    • Shut off and drain exterior hose bibs where appropriate.
    • Insulate exposed plumbing.
    • Winterize irrigation and sprinkler systems.
    • Protect pipes in garages, crawl spaces, basements, and exterior walls.
    • Locate and label the main water shutoff.
    • Service well-house heating or insulation where applicable.

  • Exterior & Site

    • Seal cracks around windows, doors, siding, and utility penetrations.
    • Replace worn weatherstripping.
    • Inspect garage-door seals.
    • Seal cracks in concrete where appropriate.
    • Check decks, stairs, handrails, fences, and gates.
    • Drain and winterize seasonal water features as necessary.
    • Move or secure outdoor furniture and equipment.

  • Snow Equipment & Emergency Preparation

    • Service snowblowers and other snow-removal equipment.
    • Check snow shovels and ice-removal supplies.
    • Make sure generators are operational if used.
    • Check emergency lighting, batteries, and supplies.
    • Review safe snow-load and roof-access procedures for your home.

Winter

  • Snow & Ice

    • Monitor roof snow accumulation during major storms.
    • Watch for uneven snow loading and drifting.
    • Look for signs of ice dams, including icicles and water staining near exterior walls.
    • Keep gutters and roof drainage areas functioning when practical and safe.
    • Clear snow away from exterior doors, basement windows, vents, meters, and mechanical equipment.
    • Keep furnace, dryer, and other exhaust vents clear of snow.
    • Keep outdoor heat-pump units clear according to manufacturer guidance.
    • Remove snow and ice from walkways, steps, and driveways.

  • Plumbing

    • Monitor pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages, and other cold areas.
    • Maintain indoor temperatures sufficient to protect plumbing.
    • Open cabinet doors around vulnerable sink plumbing during extreme cold when appropriate.
    • Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
    • Inspect plumbing after severe cold for leaks.

  • Heating

    • Replace HVAC filters as necessary.
    • Monitor heating-system performance during prolonged cold periods.
    • Keep furnace and mechanical rooms free of combustible storage.
    • Check fireplace and wood-stove components during regular use.
    • Keep combustible materials and furnishings safely away from heat sources.
    • Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.

  • Exterior & Structure

    • Inspect roofing and siding from the ground after severe wind or snowstorms.
    • Watch for cracking in masonry caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
    • Check exterior doors for shifting or air leakage.
    • Monitor basement and crawl-space conditions during snowmelt.
    • Check trees for snow-loaded or broken branches near structures and utilities.

  • Indoor Air & Moisture

    • Monitor indoor humidity and condensation.
    • Use bathroom and kitchen ventilation.
    • Check windows for excessive condensation or frost.
    • Inspect attics for frost or condensation that could indicate air leakage or ventilation problems.

Know When to Call a Professional

Some home maintenance projects are easy to handle on your own, while others are best left to experienced professionals. Depending on the task, you may need the help of a licensed electrician or plumber, an HVAC technician, roofer, gutter or chimney specialist, arborist, pest-control professional, general contractor, or other skilled service provider. Bringing in the right expert can help ensure the work is completed safely, correctly, and in accordance with local requirements.

 

If you’re not sure who to call, your Windermere agent can be a valuable resource. With strong connections to local communities and service providers, we can refer you to trusted professionals who can help with your home maintenance and repair needs.

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