Outdoor Home Maintenance Checklist (UK): 20 Essential Exterior Checks

Quick summary: This outdoor home maintenance checklist for UK beginners covers 20 essential exterior checks, from roofs, gutters and brickwork to drains, fences, decking and outbuildings. Working through it once or twice a year helps you spot weather damage early, prevent damp and keep your home’s exterior safe, tidy and ready for all seasons.

📑 Table of Contents

🌳 Why outdoor home maintenance matters

The outside of your home faces wind, rain, frost and sun all year round. Over time, that weather exposure can loosen roof tiles, block gutters, rot fence posts, crack driveways and wear down paintwork. If you ignore the outside for too long, problems often show up as damp inside, draughts, leaks or sudden failures in bad weather.

Outdoor home maintenance is about spotting issues early and keeping water, wind and pests where they belong – outside. For UK beginners, a simple exterior checklist makes it much easier to stay on top of roofs, gutters, drains, fences, patios and outbuildings without feeling overwhelmed.

🗂️ How to use this outdoor home maintenance checklist

You can work through this outdoor home maintenance checklist once or twice a year – spring and autumn are ideal – or spread the tasks across the year based on weather and time.

• Do roof, gutter and tree checks when it’s dry and not too windy.
• Plan decking, patio and paintwork jobs for mild, dry spells.
• Save tap draining and insulation for just before the first major frost.

If you’re not comfortable with ladders or working at height, use this checklist to identify problems and then bring in a qualified professional to fix them safely.

🏡 Top 20 Outdoor Home Maintenance Checks (UK)

Here are 20 essential exterior checks to build into your DIY maintenance routine. They focus on roofs, walls, gardens, drains, paintwork and outbuildings.

1. Inspect roof tiles and flashing for damage

From ground level (or using binoculars), look over your roof for slipped, cracked or missing tiles. Pay attention to areas around chimneys, valleys and roof windows where flashing is used.

• Look for tiles that are out of line or visibly damaged.
• Check flashing around chimneys and rooflights for cracks or gaps.
• Inside the loft, inspect for daylight where it shouldn’t be or signs of water staining.

2. Clear gutters and downpipes

Blocked gutters and downpipes are a major cause of damp in UK homes. When water overflows, it can soak walls and penetrate brickwork or render.

• Check for leaves, moss and debris in gutters.
• When it rains, look for water spilling over the edges instead of going into downpipes.
• If safe to do so, clear gutters and flush downpipes. If not, consider a local gutter cleaning service once a year.

3. Check exterior brickwork and pointing

Mortar joints and brick faces gradually weather over time. Gaps and cracks can let in water and reduce the wall’s resistance to frost.

• Look for missing or crumbly mortar between bricks.
• Check for spalled bricks (faces flaking or splitting).
• Note any areas where render is cracked, hollow or detached.

4. Inspect damp proof course for rising damp

Most UK homes have a damp proof course (DPC) – typically a visible line in the brickwork or a physical barrier. It needs to sit above external ground level.

• Walk around the house and locate the DPC where possible.
• Check that soil, gravel, decking or paving hasn’t been built up above it.
• If ground level is too high, consider digging back or adjusting landscaping to restore a clear gap.

5. Wash and reseal decking or patios

Decking and patios can become slippery and discoloured. Regular cleaning and resealing help them last longer and stay safer to walk on.

• Sweep away leaves, moss and debris.
• Wash using an appropriate cleaner and a brush or pressure washer (on a low setting for softer surfaces).
• Once fully dry, apply a suitable sealant, stain or protective oil if recommended.

6. Trim trees and hedges away from roof and power lines

Branches that rub against roofs, gutters or overhead cables can cause damage and safety issues.

• Check for branches touching or overhanging your roof or gutters.
• Keep hedges trimmed back from walls, fences and windows.
• For anything near power lines or very large trees, use a qualified tree surgeon.

7. Inspect fences, gates and posts for rot or looseness

Strong fences and gates help with privacy, security and safety in windy weather.

• Check posts at ground level for softness, movement or rot.
• Look for loose panels, broken boards and rusty hinges.
• Plan repairs or replacements before the worst winter storms.

8. Check exterior paintwork and touch up peeling areas

Peeling or cracked paint on woodwork and render lets water in and speeds up damage.

• Inspect window sills, fascias, soffits and doors for flaking paint.
• Lightly sand and touch up small areas before they spread.
• Make a note of sections that may need a full repaint in future.

9. Inspect external pipes and taps for leaks

External pipework is more exposed to weather, freezing and accidental knocks.

• Check pipe clips and brackets are secure.
• Look for drips, staining or green growth around joints.
• Gently test outside taps for steady shut-off.

10. Drain and insulate outdoor taps before frost

Freezing water can split pipes and taps. Draining and insulating external taps is a quick job that can prevent burst pipes.

• Turn off any internal isolation valves feeding outside taps if you have them.
• Open the external tap to drain remaining water.
• Fit a simple insulated tap cover for winter.

11. Sweep chimney and check flue

If you use an open fire or wood-burning stove, a regular chimney sweep is essential for safety and efficiency.

• Book a professional sweep at least once a year if you burn solid fuel.
• Ask them to check the condition of the flue liner and register plate.
• Use seasoned, dry wood to reduce soot and tar build-up.

12. Inspect garage door and test auto-reverse

Automatic garage doors should stop and reverse if they meet an obstruction.

• Check that manual doors open and close smoothly without sticking.
• For powered doors, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test the safety stop or auto-reverse.
• Lubricate moving parts lightly if recommended by the maker.

13. Check shed or outbuilding roofs for leaks

Sheds, workshops and other outbuildings often house valuable tools and equipment but can be overlooked.

• Look inside for water staining, mould or daylight through the roof.
• Check felt or roof sheets from the outside after dry weather.
• Repair small tears promptly before they become bigger leaks.

14. Inspect driveway for cracks or potholes

Driveways and paths gradually crack, settle or break up. Water sits in damaged areas and can freeze in winter, making the damage worse.

• Walk the whole length of paths and driveways.
• Look for areas where water collects after rain.
• Plan patch repairs or resurfacing before tripping hazards appear.

15. Clean and check drains for blockages

External drains, gullies and grates can quickly fill with leaves, litter and moss.

• Lift drain covers carefully and remove surface debris using gloves.
• Pour water down drains to check it flows freely.
• If water backs up or drains very slowly, consider using a drain snake or calling a professional.

16. Inspect conservatory or porch seals

Conservatories and porches often rely on sealant and gaskets to keep out water and draughts.

• Check roof joints, glazing bars and where frames meet brickwork.
• Look for perished or shrinking seals around glass units.
• Clean away algae and dirt to see the condition more clearly.

17. Check satellite dish or aerial fixings

High winds can work loose brackets over time, which may affect signal and safety.

• From the ground, look at the dish or aerial and its bracket.
• Check for obvious movement, leaning or loose fixings.
• If anything looks unsafe or unstable, contact a professional installer.

18. Inspect external lighting and replace bulbs

Good outdoor lighting improves safety and security, especially in winter.

• Test all external lights, including motion sensor (PIR) lights.
• Replace blown bulbs with appropriate outdoor-rated lamps.
• Adjust sensor angles and timings if lights are too sensitive or not triggering.

19. Clean windows and check seals

Cleaning exterior glass helps you spot cracks, gaps and failed seals more easily.

• When cleaning, look closely at sealant around frames.
• Check for gaps where water could get in behind cladding or sills.
• Note any double-glazed units with condensation between panes for future replacement.

20. Inspect septic tank or cesspit (if rural)

Rural homes often rely on private drainage systems that need regular attention.

• Check inspection covers and vents are intact and accessible.
• Look out for smells, lush green patches or soggy ground near the tank or soakaway.
• Arrange regular emptying and servicing as recommended for your system.

✨ Extra outdoor maintenance tips for beginners

• Walk the perimeter of your home after heavy rain to see where water collects or overflows.
• Take photos of any cracks or patches you’re monitoring so you can compare over time.
• Use mild, dry days for ladders, roofline checks and paint touch-ups.
• Keep tools together for outdoor jobs – gloves, brush, trowel, drain rods – to make quick checks easier.

🛠 Recommended outdoor maintenance tools & accessories

You don’t need professional equipment to look after your home’s exterior, but a few simple tools make outdoor maintenance safer and easier.

• Meisterfaktur Drain Snake Handy for clearing light blockages in external drains and gullies before they turn into bigger problems.
• STANLEY Essential Rolling Workshop Toolbox (3-in-1) Useful for storing and moving outdoor maintenance tools like brushes, sealant, fixings and small hand tools around your property.
• STANLEY Essential Rolling Workshop Toolbox, 3-in1 Stackable Units
  Helpful when sweeping gutters, cleaning drains, working in sheds or dealing with older paint and outdoor dust.

📚 Recommended reading

Ready to build your full home maintenance routine? These guides pair well with your new outdoor checklist:

• 📆 Simple Home Maintenance Checklist (Quarterly & Annual Tasks for UK Homes) – Use this as your overall routine and slot outdoor checks into spring and autumn.
• 🛡️ DIY Tool Safety Tips for Beginners – Stay safe when using ladders, hand tools and power tools outdoors.
• 😷 How to Use a Dust Mask Properly – Important for gutter cleaning, drain work and dusty outbuildings.