Six Places Homeowners Overlook During a Seasonal Maintenance Walk-Through

Homeowners who clean their lint trap regularly often assume the dryer vent is handled. But the duct that exhausts to the outside — particularly the termination cap on the exterior wall — deserves its own inspection. Lint accumulates inside the duct run and around the flap, restricting airflow and creating a fire hazard. Nesting birds and insects also favor these openings in warmer months.

Check that the exterior flap opens freely when the dryer runs and closes fully when it stops. If airflow feels weak at the exterior cap, the duct may need cleaning — a task a dryer vent cleaning service can handle if the run is long or inaccessible.

Crawl space vents allow moisture-laden air to escape from underneath the home. When they're blocked — by debris, settled soil, or pest screens that have caved in — moisture builds up and can lead to wood rot, mold growth, and pest intrusion. In winter, some vents are intentionally closed; the key is making sure they're in the correct state for the season and that the covers or screens are intact.

Peer inside any accessible vents with a flashlight. Look for standing water, condensation on floor joists, or signs of animal activity. If you notice any of these, consult a contractor or pest professional before the issue progresses.

The gaps between sections of a concrete driveway, sidewalk, or patio exist on purpose — they give the slab room to expand and contract with temperature changes. But the filler material in these joints (typically a foam backer rod and sealant) degrades over time, allowing water to seep in. When that water freezes, it accelerates cracking and can undermine the base beneath the slab.

Walk your concrete surfaces and look for joints where the sealant has cracked, pulled away, or disappeared entirely. Resealing is a manageable DIY task using polyurethane or self-leveling sealant available at hardware stores — but the joint should be clean and dry before applying any new material.

Hose bibs (the outdoor spigots on your home's exterior) are exposed to weather year-round. The caulk or foam around where the bib penetrates the wall often cracks or separates, creating a pathway for water intrusion and cold air. The handle and packing nut can also develop slow leaks that go unnoticed until water damage shows up on an interior wall.

Turn each bib on briefly to confirm it flows and shuts off cleanly. Inspect the escutcheon plate (the decorative cover where the pipe exits the wall) and reseal any gaps with exterior-grade caulk. For homes in freezing climates, confirm that frost-free bibs are actually draining properly after shutoff. See our guide on sealing air leaks around penetrations for related techniques.

Proper attic ventilation depends on air entering through soffit vents at the eaves and exiting through ridge vents at the peak. When soffit vents are blocked — by insulation pushed up against them during an insulation job, or by debris from the outside — airflow stalls, and moisture and heat build up in the attic. This can shorten roof shingle life and encourage mold growth on sheathing.

From outside, walk the eaves and look for soffit vents that appear blocked, damaged, or missing screens. From the attic (if safely accessible), check that insulation baffles are in place so blown-in insulation hasn't covered the vent openings. Ridge vent inspection is best left to a roofing professional if getting on the roof isn't safe for you.

Basement windows that sit below grade are typically surrounded by a curved window well — but that well needs a gravel bed or drain at its base to prevent water from pooling against the window. Over time, leaves and debris fill the well, the drain clogs, and water has nowhere to go except through the window frame into the basement.

Clear window wells of debris each season and confirm that the gravel layer at the bottom hasn't been displaced or compacted. If water consistently pools in the well despite a clear drain, the gravel may need to be refreshed or the drain inspected for blockage. Well covers — clear plastic domes that keep debris out — are a practical option if you find yourself cleaning them repeatedly.