Autumn Patio Maintenance Checklist

Outdoor patio areas are fantastic for creating more usable space on your property. They are essentially additional rooms in your home, only they have the bonus of fresh air and outdoor views. These outdoor rooms, however, endure a lot more sun and weather than your indoor spaces, and require a lot of maintenance, especially in the fall before harsh winter weather arrives.

To prepare your patio for the winter, clean gutters, cover or store all patio furniture, and wash cushion covers. Deep clean your patio floors, and reseal them as needed. Inspect your patio for vulnerable pavers or boards, and replace them as needed. Check the area for any structural issues, and seal up any holes in the window screens. Trim tree branches and rake, then apply mulch around plants as needed.

Patios require upkeep throughout the year, and the fall is no exception. The last weeks in autumn before the winter are arguably the most important time to spend repairing, maintaining, and protecting your patio and outdoor equipment. If you have a patio and live in an area with four seasons, then you'll need to know all the steps to follow to complete an autumn patio maintenance checklist.

Your Complete Autumn Patio Maintenance Checklist

1. Clean The Gutters

If your house has gutters, then you must remember they must be cleaned periodically. Failure to keep your gutters clean can result in some very costly repairs. Not only can your gutters get weighed down and break, but your entire roof can suffer.

Take the time in late fall to clean your gutters. This is an important autumn maintenance project, as leaves fall and if they are not removed, can freeze in your gutters in the winter. Clean gutters mean water can flow freely. Clogged gutters will fill with ice, which can spell disaster for your gutters, patio, and home in general.

2. Inspect And Repair Window Screens

If you have a patio with insect screens, then you know a screen is only as useful if there are no holes. Screens wear down over time, and you need to replace window screens periodically. Even if you aren’t planning on swapping out your old screens for new ones any time soon, you should still inspect them for holes and rips.

If you see any holes, repair them. This will keep mice and other animals that can chew through window screens out. You must remember these rodents search for a warm place to burrow in the autumn. Keep your window screens in top shape to prevent animals from making your patio their winter home.

3. Wash (Or Power Wash) And Clean Your Patio Floor 

You should always give your patio floors a deep cleaning in the autumn. Regardless if you have a wood deck, concrete slab, or stone pavers, cleaning your patio floor is an essential step in maintaining your patio.

To properly clean your floors, first sweep the area to remove any debris. Next, thoroughly scrub the area. Scrubbing with a mop can work, and in some cases, a power washer on a low setting works, too. Keep in mind a power washer can damage some decks, and even concrete. Ensure it is safe before using this tool, and when in doubt, scrub the floors the old-fashioned way.

4. Trim Tree Branches And Hedges

Winter can bring major storms with lots of wind and snow. This means branches can fall on your home and your patio. To avoid damaging your patio, trim back all branches that have grown throughout the year. 

Autumn is a great time to trim trees, as they are usually dormant in the winter, and tend to grow very little. This way, even if branches fall during a major storm, your home is not likely to be affected.

You should also trim hedges, so they don’t rub up against your patio, window screens, or wood. This will prevent any unnecessary damage.

5. Reseal Or Treat Wood And Other Materials As Needed

If you own a home with an outdoor area, remember that sealing your patio, and any outdoor floors and furniture, is a process that must be repeated. Generally, you should reseal a wood patio every three to five years.

The exact amount of time you should wait to seal a patio will vary based on your climate and the type of seal you use. If it is time to seal your patio, or if it looks like it needs a fresh coat, then do so in the fall. Choose a low-humidity day with no rain before the weather gets too cold. This will add a necessary layer of protection throughout the winter.

6. Swap Out Any Damaged Boards, Stones, Or Slabs

Over time, your patio will suffer some damage. This damage often manifests itself in the form of damaged floorboards or cracked stones and slabs. As you work to maintain your patio this fall, use it as an opportunity to replace any damaged floor boards or cracked stones. These problems won’t go away on their own, and they will only get worse over time. Furthermore, if rot is to blame for a broken floorboard, it can spread to other healthy pieces of wood.

Addressing damage in the autumn is usually much cheaper than waiting to fix the same problem in the spring. Plus, it’s great to know your patio will be as good as new when spring arrives in your backyard.

7. Inspect Patio For Cracks And Structural Problems

Before the winter, thoroughly inspect your patio area for any major cracks or structural concerns. Check for erosion under the deck, and ensure there are no major problems with the foundation or drainage. If you notice any major problems, solve them before winter.

8. Rake And Mulch Around The Patio

Autumn often means beautiful foliage. This, in turn, means lots of leaves and twigs on and near your patio. Before winter arrives, make sure you clean up all this debris on and near your patio. If you allow it to decompose on your patio, then this can damage your patio.

The best way to keep your patio free of debris throughout the winter is to clean your yard thoroughly in the fall. Take this time to add mulch to your plants around the patio. This will keep the roots protected in the winter, and give the plants a better chance of survival.

9. Test Your Outdoor Lighting

Before you close the patio down for the winter, make sure the outdoor lights work properly. While you may not use your patio during the winter, you are likely to use the lights from time to time. It is easier to change lights in the fall than in the bitter cold of winter.

10. Bring Warm-Weather Plants Indoors

If you have potted plants in your patio area, find them a new home indoors. Vulnerable potted plants must be kept somewhere warm, near a light source. Don’t wait until it dips below freezing to relocate these plants, as it can be difficult to revive plants after an overnight frost.

11. Clean Your Grill And Prepare It For Winter

Most patio areas feature a grill. If you have one on or near your patio, then add grill maintenance to your autumn patio maintenance checklist. To prepare your grill for winter, give the inside and out a deep cleaning. Then cover it securely with a grill cover.

12. Store Climate-Sensitive Furniture And Wash Cushion Covers

One final and essential part of any autumn patio maintenance checklist is to secure and store your patio furniture for the winter. Some patio furniture can be left outside in the winter, but other items, including umbrellas and any chairs with fabric cushions, must be cleaned, covered, and stored. This will significantly prolong the life of your patio furniture.

Final Notes On Your Autumn Patio Maintenance

A patio is a blessing for any homeowner. It’s a lovely gathering place that brings the best of indoor and outdoor elements together. These spaces, while incredible, require regular maintenance, especially in the autumn. 

To prepare your patio area for the winter, take the time to store patio furniture in the late autumn, and bring your potted plants indoors. Deep clean your grill and the floors of your patio. Repair any damaged floorboards and patch up any holes in your window screens. Remember to reseal your patio floors every three to five years.

Related Guides:

• Tips For Storing Patio Furniture During The Winter
• How Long Does Patio Furniture Last?
• Patio Furniture That Can Be Left Outside In The Winter