Water is the main enemy of a house. Rain, snowmelt and humidity cause rot, mold, foundation damage and peeling paint. Wind, ice and heat add their own problems. Most of the protection comes from regular, simple maintenance rather than big projects.
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Keep water moving away
Gutters and downspouts: clean them at least twice a year, more if you have trees. Downspouts should discharge several feet away from the foundation, using extensions or splash blocks.
Grading: the soil around the house should slope away from it. Low spots next to the foundation collect water.
Sump pump: if you have one, test it each spring by pouring water into the pit. A battery backup helps during storms, which is when power cuts happen.
Roof and attic
Inspect the roof from the ground with binoculars after major storms: missing shingles, lifted flashing, damaged vent boots. Good attic insulation and ventilation help prevent ice dams in snowy climates by keeping the roof deck cold. Signs of leaks are covered in how to fix a leaky roof.
Seal the envelope
Check caulk around windows, doors and where pipes and cables go through the walls; replace cracked or missing caulk and worn weatherstripping. This keeps out water and drafts and lowers heating and cooling bills.
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Prepare for winter
Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain outdoor faucets, unless they are frost-free.
Insulate pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces and garages.
In a hard freeze, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls and let a faucet drip slightly.
Know where the main water shutoff valve is before a pipe bursts.
Have the heating system serviced.
Prepare for storms
Trim dead branches and trees that could fall on the house.
Secure or store outdoor furniture and grills before high winds.
In hurricane areas, impact windows or storm shutters protect openings, and a reinforced garage door prevents wind from entering and lifting the roof.
Keep an emergency kit, flashlights and a plan.
Heat and sun
Shade west-facing windows, consider reflective roofing when it is time to replace the roof, and repaint or restain wood before UV damage turns into rot.
