52 Weeks of Home Protection: Your Year-Round Maintenance Calendar
Home maintenance feels overwhelming. You know you should be doing... something. Checking... things. But when? And what, exactly? The sheer volume of tasks that "should" happen leaves most homeowners paralyzed, doing nothing until something breaks and forces their hand.
Here's a better approach: one small task per week. Not overwhelming renovation projects or day-long deep cleans. Just 52 manageable tasks spread across the year—each one taking 15-30 minutes but protecting your biggest investment and preventing expensive problems.
This is your complete home protection calendar. Whether you're starting in January or jumping in mid-year, these weekly tasks keep your Maine home healthy, safe, and problem-free. Bookmark this page, set weekly reminders, and check off tasks as you complete them. Your future self—and your wallet—will thank you.
JANUARY: Winter Monitoring Month
January in Maine means monitoring how your home handles the worst winter can throw at it. These tasks identify problems before they become disasters.
Week 1: Check Your Attic Temperature
On a cold day when your heat is running, go into your attic with a thermometer. Your attic should be within 5-10 degrees of outdoor temperature. If it's significantly warmer, heat is escaping from your living space—wasting energy and setting up ice dam conditions. Take photos of any frost on the underside of your roof deck, which indicates moisture problems.
Week 2: Inspect for Ice Dams
Walk around your house and check for ice buildup at roof edges, large icicles, or areas where snow has melted while eaves remain frozen. These are ice dam warning signs. If you spot problems, use a roof rake to carefully remove snow from the first 3-4 feet of roof edge. Document any issues with photos for spring planning.
Week 3: Test Your Sump Pump
Pour a bucket of water into your sump pit and verify the pump activates and drains properly. Check that the discharge pipe isn't frozen and water flows away from your foundation. A failed sump pump during spring thaw causes basement flooding. This 5-minute check prevents thousands in water damage.
Week 4: Check Basement for Moisture
Walk your basement with a flashlight. Look for water stains on walls or floors, musty smells, or condensation on pipes and walls. Check the basement ceiling for any stains indicating leaks from above. Winter moisture problems signal issues that will worsen during spring thaw. Mark problem areas for further investigation.
FEBRUARY: Safety & Efficiency Month
February focuses on safety systems and energy efficiency while you're still heating your home heavily.
Week 5: Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Press the test button on every smoke detector and CO detector in your home. Replace batteries in any that are low. Detectors older than 10 years should be replaced entirely—they lose effectiveness over time. With heating systems running constantly in February, functioning CO detectors are literally lifesaving.
Week 6: Clean or Replace Furnace Filter
A dirty furnace filter makes your system work harder, increases energy costs, and reduces air quality. Check your filter—if it's gray or clogged, replace it. Most homes need new filters every 1-3 months during heavy heating season. This $5-15 task can save hundreds in energy costs and prevent furnace failure.
Week 7: Check Window and Door Seals
Hold your hand near windows and exterior doors to feel for drafts. Check weatherstripping for cracks or gaps. Look for daylight showing through closed doors. Air leaks waste massive amounts of heating energy. Make notes of problem areas—you can address them now with temporary solutions or plan permanent fixes for spring.
Week 8: Inspect Interior Ceilings for Stains
Walk through your home looking at ceilings. Water stains, discoloration, or bulging indicate roof leaks or ice dam damage. Catching these early—while snow is still on the ground—helps you identify the leak source. Take photos and mark locations. These become priorities for spring roof inspection and repair.
MARCH: Spring Preparation Month
March means preparing for spring weather changes and getting ready for outdoor maintenance season.
Week 9: Check Gutters from Ground Level
As snow begins melting, walk around your house and check gutters visually. Look for sagging sections, separated seams, or gutters pulling away from the house. These problems worsen during spring runoff. Note issues now so you can clean and repair gutters once weather permits safe ladder work.
Week 10: Test Outdoor Faucets
Turn on outdoor faucets briefly to verify they weren't damaged by freezing. If water doesn't flow or flows from unexpected places, pipes may have frozen and cracked over winter. Better to discover this now than when you're ready to water gardens in May. Call a plumber for any issues before the spring rush.
Week 11: Clean Range Hood Filter
Remove your range hood filter and clean it thoroughly with degreaser or run it through the dishwasher. A grease-clogged filter reduces ventilation effectiveness and creates a fire hazard. This simple task improves kitchen air quality and safety. While you're at it, wipe down the hood exterior.
Week 12: Inspect Foundation from Outside
Walk around your house examining the foundation. Look for new cracks, areas where soil has settled away from the foundation, or signs of water damage. Spring is when winter freeze-thaw damage becomes visible. Take photos of any cracks to monitor whether they're growing. Major foundation issues need professional assessment.
Week 13: Clean Dryer Vent
Disconnect your dryer and clean the vent tube leading outside. Remove all lint buildup—it's a major fire hazard. Check that the exterior vent cap opens freely when the dryer runs and closes when it's off. This prevents fires and improves dryer efficiency. If the vent runs a long distance, consider hiring professional duct cleaning.
APRIL: Exterior Revival Month
April weather finally allows safe outdoor work. Focus on addressing winter damage and preparing for the growing season.
Week 14: Clean Gutters Thoroughly
Remove all debris from gutters and downspouts. Flush with a hose to ensure proper water flow. Check that water drains away from your foundation. Repair any sagging sections or separated seams. Clean gutters prevent water damage to siding, fascia, and foundation. This is one of the most important maintenance tasks you'll do all year.
Week 15: Inspect Roof from Ground with Binoculars
Use binoculars to inspect your roof without climbing. Look for missing, damaged, or curling shingles. Check flashing around chimneys and vents. Look for granule loss or bare spots. Document any concerns with photos. If you see significant issues, schedule a professional inspection. Catching roof problems early prevents expensive water damage.
Week 16: Service Your Lawn Mower
Change the oil, replace the spark plug, clean or replace the air filter, and sharpen the blade. A well-maintained mower starts easier, runs better, and lasts longer. Doing this now means you're ready when grass starts growing. Check the owner's manual for specific maintenance requirements for your model.
Week 17: Check Deck or Porch for Winter Damage
Walk your deck looking for loose boards, protruding nails, cracked wood, or wobbly railings. Check that posts are secure and stairs are stable. Test the structural integrity by bouncing gently—decks should feel solid. Address safety issues immediately. Plan larger repairs or refinishing for later spring.
MAY: Systems Check Month
May focuses on testing systems you'll depend on all summer and addressing items before peak season rush.
Week 18: Test Air Conditioning
Turn on your AC for the first time this season. Let it run for 15 minutes. Listen for unusual sounds. Ensure it's cooling properly. Check that all vents are open and airflow seems normal. If you notice problems, call for service now before the summer rush when HVAC companies are slammed and it's 90 degrees.
Week 19: Clean AC Condenser Unit
Remove debris, leaves, and dirt from around your outdoor AC condenser. Gently clean the fins with a soft brush or spray with low-pressure water. Trim back vegetation to allow 2 feet of clearance around the unit. A clean condenser runs more efficiently and lasts longer. This 20-minute task can save significant energy costs.
Week 20: Inspect Window Screens
Check all window screens for tears, holes, or loose frames. Small holes can be patched with screen repair kits. Screens with significant damage should be replaced—they're inexpensive and keep bugs out while allowing fresh air in. Clean screens with soap and water to remove winter grime.
Week 21: Check Exterior Caulking
Walk around your house checking caulk around windows, doors, and where different materials meet. Look for cracks, gaps, or missing sections. Deteriorated caulk allows water infiltration and air leaks. Make notes of areas needing attention. Plan to re-caulk on a dry day soon—it's an easy DIY project with big benefits.
Week 22: Flush Water Heater
Drain a few gallons from your water heater's drain valve to flush out sediment. This prevents corrosion, improves efficiency, and extends heater life. If you've never done this, check your owner's manual or watch an online tutorial first. If your water heater is over 10 years old, consider having a plumber perform a full service inspection.
JUNE: Detailed Inspection Month
June's pleasant weather makes it ideal for more detailed inspections requiring time outdoors.
Week 23: Inspect Siding and Paint
Walk around your house examining siding for cracks, warping, loose pieces, or areas where paint is peeling badly. Check caulk around trim. Note areas needing repair or repainting. Addressing minor issues now prevents water infiltration and expensive repairs later. Plan painting projects for July and August when weather is most reliable.
Week 24: Check Garage Door Safety Features
Test your garage door's auto-reverse feature by placing a 2x4 under the closing door. It should reverse when it hits the board. Test the photoelectric sensors by breaking the beam as the door closes. Lubricate hinges, rollers, and tracks. A properly maintained garage door prevents injuries and operates smoothly for years.
Week 25: Clean Refrigerator Coils
Unplug your refrigerator and vacuum or brush the condenser coils (usually on the back or bottom). Dusty coils make your fridge work harder, increasing energy costs and shortening its lifespan. This simple task can save $50-100 annually in electricity and add years to your refrigerator's life. Do this twice yearly.
Week 26: Inspect Trees Near House
Look at trees close to your home for dead branches, cracks in trunks, or leaning that threatens structures. Trim branches hanging over your roof—they drop debris into gutters, provide squirrel access to attics, and pose risks during storms. If large trees show signs of disease or instability, consult an arborist before storm season.
JULY: Deep Clean & Maintenance Month
July's warm, dry weather is perfect for tasks requiring prolonged outdoor work or dealing with dust and dirt.
Week 27: Power Wash Exterior
Rent or use a power washer to clean siding, deck, walkways, and driveway. Remove mold, mildew, and grime that accumulated over winter. Use appropriate pressure settings for different surfaces—too much pressure damages wood and siding. Clean surfaces last longer and look better. This is also when you'll spot areas needing repair or paint.
Week 28: Deep Clean Kitchen Exhaust System
Beyond just the filter, clean the entire range hood interior, including the fan blades and housing. Grease buildup is a fire hazard and reduces ventilation effectiveness. Use degreaser and hot soapy water. While challenging, this task significantly improves kitchen air quality and safety. Consider professional duct cleaning if your system vents outside.
Week 29: Check Attic Ventilation
Go into your attic on a hot day. It should be warm but not oppressively hot—ideally no more than 10-20 degrees above outdoor temperature. Check that soffit vents aren't blocked by insulation and ridge vents are clear. Poor ventilation shortens roof life and increases cooling costs. If your attic feels like an oven, you need better ventilation.
Week 30: Inspect and Clean Chimney Cap
If you can safely access it, check your chimney cap for rust, damage, or bird nests. A damaged cap allows animals, water, and debris into your chimney. Clean any buildup from the screen. If you use your fireplace or wood stove regularly, schedule professional chimney cleaning and inspection annually before heating season.
AUGUST: Preparing for Fall Month
August means thinking ahead to fall and winter while handling end-of-summer maintenance.
Week 31: Service Heating System
Schedule professional furnace or boiler service for late August or early September. Technicians are less busy than in October when everyone panics. Annual service prevents mid-winter breakdowns, improves efficiency, and catches problems before they become expensive repairs. This is one task worth paying a professional—heating system failure in January is miserable.
Week 32: Check Weatherstripping
Inspect weatherstripping around all exterior doors. Look for cracks, compression, or gaps. Replace any that's worn—it's inexpensive and easy. Good weatherstripping prevents drafts, reduces heating costs, and keeps pests out. Do this now so you're ready when temperatures drop. Most hardware stores sell simple peel-and-stick varieties.
Week 33: Clean Bathroom Exhaust Fans
Remove bathroom fan covers and vacuum out dust buildup. Wipe down fan blades and housing. Dusty fans work less efficiently and can overheat. Proper bathroom ventilation prevents moisture problems, mold growth, and protects your home. Test that fans actually vent outside rather than into your attic—this is surprisingly common and very problematic.
Week 34: Inspect Driveway and Walkways
Look for cracks in asphalt or concrete driveways and walkways. Small cracks that aren't addressed become large cracks after winter freeze-thaw cycles. Seal asphalt cracks with crack filler. Address concrete issues with appropriate patching compound. Trip hazards from uneven pavement create liability and worsen each year if ignored.
SEPTEMBER: Winterization Prep Month
September is when smart Maine homeowners start preparing for winter while weather is still pleasant.
Week 35: Clean Gutters Again
Early fall leaf drop means gutters need cleaning again. Remove all debris before heavy autumn rains. Check that downspouts direct water at least 6 feet from your foundation. This is your last easy opportunity before leaves really pile up. Clean gutters now prevent ice dam formation and water damage all winter.
Week 36: Test Sump Pump Again
Pour water into your sump pit to verify the pump still works properly. Check the discharge pipe for clogs. Ensure the check valve prevents backflow. Autumn rains and spring thaw are when you need your sump pump most. Better to discover problems in September than during a October storm when basements flood.
Week 37: Check Basement Dehumidifier
Clean or replace the filter. Empty and clean the collection bucket. Check that it's draining properly if it has a drain hose. Basements get damp in fall as temperatures fluctuate. A working dehumidifier prevents mold, musty smells, and moisture damage. If your basement consistently feels damp, consider running the dehumidifier year-round.
Week 38: Inspect Exterior Doors and Hardware
Check that all exterior doors close and lock properly. Tighten loose hinges. Lubricate locks and deadbolts. Adjust strike plates if doors don't latch firmly. Properly functioning doors keep heat in, cold out, and homes secure. Make these adjustments now before cold weather makes outdoor work unpleasant.
OCTOBER: Final Fall Preparations
October is your last comfortable month for outdoor work. Complete critical tasks before winter arrives.
Week 39: Drain and Store Garden Hoses
Disconnect all garden hoses. Drain them completely and store indoors. Shut off outdoor water supply at interior valves and drain exterior faucets. Water left in hoses or pipes freezes and causes expensive damage. This 15-minute task prevents burst pipes and ruined faucets. Don't skip this—frozen pipes are a common and costly winter problem.
Week 40: Final Gutter Cleaning
Once most leaves have fallen, do your final thorough gutter cleaning of the year. Remove all debris. Flush downspouts. Make any needed repairs before winter. This is the most important gutter cleaning of the year—it determines how well your drainage handles winter conditions. Consider installing gutter guards if you're tired of this biannual ritual.
Week 41: Check Window Caulk and Glazing
Inspect exterior window caulk and glazing compound for cracks or gaps. Re-caulk or re-glaze as needed while weather is still mild. Tight window seals reduce drafts, lower heating costs, and prevent moisture infiltration. Pay special attention to south and west-facing windows that take the most weather punishment.
Week 42: Clean and Store Lawn Equipment
Give your mower a final cleaning. Empty the gas tank or add fuel stabilizer. Clean the deck thoroughly. Sharpen blades for next spring. Store in a dry location. Do the same for string trimmers and other equipment. Proper end-of-season care extends equipment life and ensures everything starts easily next spring.
NOVEMBER: Heating Season Prep
November means confirming heating systems are ready and homes are sealed against approaching winter.
Week 43: Replace Furnace Filter Again
If you changed it in February, it definitely needs replacing now at the start of another heating season. A fresh filter improves efficiency, air quality, and system longevity. Buy several filters at once so you have them on hand for winter changes. Set a reminder to check it monthly during heavy heating season.
Week 44: Reverse Ceiling Fan Direction
Most ceiling fans have a switch that reverses blade direction. In winter, run fans clockwise (when looking up) on low speed. This pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into living spaces. This simple change can reduce heating costs by making rooms feel warmer without raising the thermostat.
Week 45: Check Insulation Around Pipes
Inspect exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Wrap uninsulated pipes with foam pipe insulation to prevent freezing and save energy on hot water pipes. Pay special attention to pipes along exterior walls. Frozen pipes cause catastrophic damage. This inexpensive prevention beats expensive emergency repairs.
Week 46: Deep Clean and Check Fireplace
If you use your fireplace, ensure the chimney was professionally cleaned recently. Check that the damper opens and closes fully. Clean the firebox of ash and debris. Test smoke detectors near the fireplace. Stock up on properly seasoned firewood. An unmaintained fireplace creates fire hazards and fills your home with smoke.
DECEMBER: Holiday & Winter Safety
December focuses on safety during the busiest season and final pre-winter checks.
Week 47: Check Holiday Light Safety
Before hanging lights, inspect all strings for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged plugs. Test everything before installation. Use only outdoor-rated lights outside. Don't overload circuits. Use GFCI-protected outlets for outdoor lights. Never use staples or nails—use proper light clips. Faulty holiday lights cause house fires every year.
Week 48: Prepare Emergency Supplies
Check your winter emergency kit: flashlights with fresh batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, battery-powered radio, first aid supplies, medications, blankets, and phone chargers. Maine winter storms can cause extended power outages. Being prepared isn't paranoid—it's practical. Store supplies where you can find them in the dark.
Week 49: Stock Winter Safety Supplies
Buy ice melt, sand, and snow shovels before the first storm. Ensure you have enough for the entire winter. Check that snow blowers start and run properly. Keep gas cans filled. Have a roof rake accessible if you're prone to ice dams. Being prepared means you're not fighting crowds at the hardware store during the first blizzard.
Week 50: Test Backup Heat Sources
If you have a wood stove, propane heater, or generator, test them now. Ensure you have adequate fuel. Check that generators are in working order and you know how to use them safely. Never run generators indoors or in attached garages—carbon monoxide kills. Backup heat sources should be tested before you need them, not during a power outage.
Week 51: Final Roof Check from Ground
Do one last visual roof inspection from the ground with binoculars. Look for any issues that developed since spring. Check flashing, shingles, and gutters. Address obvious problems before snow covers everything. If you spot concerns, call for professional inspection. It's easier to fix a roof in December than in February under 3 feet of snow.
Week 52: Review Year and Plan Next Year
Look back at the tasks you completed and problems you addressed this year. Note any recurring issues that need long-term solutions. Make a list of larger projects for next year—roof replacement, insulation upgrades, window replacements. Set up a maintenance calendar or system for tracking tasks. Congratulations—you've protected your home for an entire year.
Making This System Work for You
The 52-week system works because tasks are small, scheduled, and specific. You're not trying to remember everything at once or figure out what needs doing. You're simply following a proven calendar that protects your home systematically.
Set weekly reminders on your phone or calendar. Print this list and check off tasks as you complete them. If you skip a week, don't stress—just catch up when you can. The point isn't perfection; it's consistency. Even completing 75% of these tasks puts you ahead of most homeowners and prevents the majority of expensive problems.
Some tasks will reveal problems requiring professional help. That's good—you've caught issues early when they're cheapest to fix. Consider this calendar a diagnostic tool as much as a maintenance routine. When professionals tell you your roof needs replacement, your furnace needs service, or your foundation has issues, you're getting ahead of catastrophic failure.
Questions about tasks on this list? Not sure if what you found is a problem? Maine Coast Roofing is here to help. We offer comprehensive home inspections focusing on roofing, gutters, and exterior systems. Call (207) 200-1053 or contact us online. We'll assess any concerns, provide honest recommendations, and help you prioritize repairs. Your home is your biggest investment—let's protect it together, one week at a time.
