Five key tasks to add to your autumn exterior checklist

The beginning of a new season is the perfect opportunity to review your home’s current needs and make some improvements wherever possible. With the cooler weather on the horizon, now is the right time to ensure your home is protected for the months to come—and beyond! Sandtex has everything you need to keep your exteriors beautiful and healthy. Below, we cover five things to add to your autumn checklist.

Check your exterior walls for damage, repair, and paint if necessary: With autumn’s unpredictable weather, it’s a good time to check your home’s exterior paint for any issues. Look out for peeling or cracks that could let moisture in and cause damage. Touch up these areas to seal them or consider applying a fresh coat of paint if it’s been a while. A quality exterior paint job helps shield your home from the elements and prevents future problems. For repairs, our Ready Mixed Masonry Filler is perfect for fixing damage on brick, render, stone, and other surfaces before painting. Applying Sandtex® Microseal® Masonry Paint will give your home a protective microporous finish that prevents water ingress while letting moisture escape. This advanced paint also resists mould, algae, and dirt, keeping your home looking great. Plus, it’s rainproof in just an hour, so you can get the job done even if the weather is iffy. With 15 years of reliable durability, your home will look fabulous for years to come.

Protect your exterior wooden surfaces: Autumn’s rainy weather can be tough on wood surfaces like decks, fences, sheds, and outdoor furniture. To keep these furnishings in good shape, make sure they’re protected with a quality wood formula from Sadolin that will shield them against moisture. Cover furniture with a tarp during wet weather or move wooden furniture somewhere safe and dry for the rainy seasons when it’s not in use.

Trim trees and plants: As autumn rolls in, falling leaves and branches can start causing problems. Unruly branches are not only dangerous to those walking outside, but they can also scratch your walls, cause holes, result in moisture build-up, provide convenient pathways for pests, lead to broken windows and other issues. Getting trees and shrubs under control now will help you have a hassle-free winter when it comes to your landscaping. It’s also a good idea to remove any dead or diseased branches to keep your trees healthy. Regular landscaping will keep your garden looking great while protecting your home.

Pressure wash your drive and walkway: This time of year, leaves, dirt, and mildew can start piling up on your sills, plinths, and other stone fixtures. To get them looking fresh, try using Sandtex Fungicidal Wash. This ready-to-use solution is perfect for treating organic growth like mould, algae, and fungal issues on your exterior surfaces. It’s easy to apply and works well before painting. Pressure washing these areas will help clear away slippery debris that can be dangerous when wet or frozen, and remove build-up that might cause stains.

Ensure a well-lit outdoor area: As days get shorter, it’s crucial to make sure your outdoor areas are properly illuminated so that they can be used safely during dark nights. Start by replacing any burned-out bulbs in your doorway, patio lights, pathways, and landscape lighting. You might also want to upgrade to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which last longer and save you money. Don’t forget to check that motion sensors and timers are working properly to keep things secure. A well-lit exterior not only adds warmth to your home during the darker autumn months but also ensures that your outdoor spaces are safe and inviting throughout the winter.

Ready to get your exteriors in top shape for autumn? The above ideas will help get you started on your home maintenance checklist. For everything you need for your next project, call into your local Sandtex stockist.