Your 2026 Midwest Home Maintenance Calendar: A Month-by-Month Checklist

The Midwest throws everything at your home: brutal winters, humid summers, and freeze-thaw cycles that can crack foundations. Here's how to stay ahead of it all.

Owning a home in the Midwest means preparing for extremes. January brings subzero temperatures and ice dams. July delivers humidity that feels like a wet blanket. And spring? That's when the freeze-thaw cycle does its worst damage to driveways, foundations, and everything in between.

We want to go beyond generic home maintenance checklists to account for these realities. A homeowner in Phoenix doesn't need to worry about frozen pipes in March. Someone in Seattle isn't battling the same humidity issues you face in August.

This guide is built specifically for Midwest homeowners, from Ohio to Kansas, Michigan to Missouri. It accounts for our unique weather patterns and the specific threats they pose to your home.

Why Your Region Matters

Before diving into the checklist, it's worth understanding why home maintenance isn't one-size-fits-all. Different climates create different challenges.

Northeast

Cold winters with heavy snowfall. Primary concerns include ice dams, frozen pipes, and the wear that road salt causes on exterior surfaces. Shorter summers mean a compressed window for outdoor projects.

Southeast

Humidity and heat dominate most of the year. Termites are a year-round threat, and Florida, for example, sees an over prevalence of structures experiencing termite activity at some point. Hurricane season (June through November) adds storm preparation to the maintenance calendar. Mold and moisture control are constant battles.

Southwest

Extreme heat and intense sun exposure are the main enemies. UV damage to roofing, siding, and exterior paint happens faster here than anywhere else in the country. Monsoon season brings flash flooding concerns. Minimal freezing means different priorities entirely.

Pacific Northwest

Mild temperatures but relentless moisture. The marine climate keeps things damp year-round, making moss, mold, and rot the primary concerns. Less temperature variation means maintenance tasks are spread more evenly throughout the year.

Midwest

The Midwest experiences all four seasons with intensity. Winters bring snow, ice, and sustained freezing temperatures. Springs are wet and marked by dramatic temperature swings. Summers combine heat with humidity. Falls are brief but critical for winter preparation.

The defining feature of Midwest home maintenance is the freeze-thaw cycle. When temperatures fluctuate above and below 32°F (which happens dozens of times each winter) water seeps into small cracks, freezes, expands, then thaws. This process slowly destroys concrete, damages foundations, and creates entry points for water throughout your home.

Understanding this cycle is key to understanding why the timing of Midwest maintenance tasks matters so much.

Note: For readability we focus the calendar below on mostly weather-related maintenance.

2026 Midwest Home Maintenance Calendar

January

The coldest month demands vigilance, not major projects. Focus on monitoring and prevention.

• Check for ice dams:
  Look for icicles forming at roof edges and ice buildup in gutters. Ice dams can force water under shingles and into your attic.
• Monitor attic ventilation:
  Peek into the attic on a cold day. If it's significantly warmer than outside, you're losing heat and creating conditions for ice dams.
• Inspect weather stripping:
  Cold air sneaking in around doors and windows drives up heating bills. Replace any cracked or compressed stripping.
• Test sump pump:
  Pour a bucket of water into the pit to confirm it activates. You'll need it working when the spring thaw arrives.
• Clear snow from foundation:
  Keep snow piled at least 2-3 feet away from your home's foundation to prevent moisture problems during thaws.

February

Still deep in winter, but this is the month to start planning spring projects while handling ongoing cold-weather tasks.

• Schedule HVAC maintenance:
  Book your spring AC tune-up now before contractors get busy. Many offer discounts for early booking.
• Inspect roof from ground level:
  Look for missing or damaged shingles, especially after storms. Use binoculars if needed.
• Check carbon monoxide detectors:
  With heating systems running constantly, this is critical. Replace batteries or units as needed.
• Clean dryer vent:
  Lint buildup is a fire hazard year-round, but especially when the dryer runs more frequently during cold months.

March

The freeze-thaw cycle is at its most destructive in March. Temperature swings can be dramatic: 40°F one day, 15°F the next.

• Inspect driveway and walkways for cracks:
  The freeze-thaw cycle will have exposed new damage. Mark cracks for repair once temperatures stabilize.
• Check foundation for cracks:
  Walk the perimeter of your home. Look for new cracks or existing cracks that have widened over winter.
• Examine exterior caulking:
  Inspect caulking around windows, doors, and where siding meets trim. Winter often causes it to crack or pull away.
• Test outdoor faucets:
  Once temperatures are consistently above freezing, turn on outdoor faucets and check for leaks that may indicate frozen pipe damage.
• Clear debris from window wells:
  Remove leaves and debris that accumulated over winter to prevent water from pooling against basement windows.
• Inspect gutters and downspouts:
  Look for sections that have pulled away from the house or sagged under ice weight.

April

Spring has arrived, but don't let a few warm days fool you. The Midwest can still see freezing temperatures into late April. Focus on inspection and preparation.

• Clean gutters thoroughly:
  Remove all debris from winter. Flush with a hose to check for proper flow. Repair any damaged sections.
• Service lawn equipment:
  Change oil, replace spark plugs, and sharpen mower blades before the grass starts growing aggressively.
• Inspect roof:
  If safe, get on the roof or hire a professional to check for winter damage. Look for lifted shingles, damaged flashing, and deteriorating sealant.
• Check window screens:
  Repair or replace damaged screens before you want to open windows.
• Test sprinkler system:
  Turn on the system and walk the entire yard checking for broken heads or misdirected spray.
• Reseed bare lawn patches:
  April's cool temperatures and spring rains create ideal conditions for grass seed germination.
• Schedule pest inspection: Spring is when termites swarm and carpenter ants become active. A professional inspection catches problems early, especially after winter moisture has softened wood around your home.

May

Consistently warm temperatures mean it's time to tackle outdoor projects in earnest.

• Power wash exterior surfaces:
  Clean siding, deck, driveway, and walkways. A year of Midwest weather leaves a layer of grime.
• Seal driveway cracks:
  Now that temperatures are stable, fill the cracks you identified in March. This prevents further freeze-thaw damage next winter.
• Inspect and clean deck:
  Check for loose boards, popped nails, and signs of rot. Clean and apply sealant or stain if needed.
• Service air conditioning:
  Have a professional inspect, clean, and tune up your AC before the summer heat arrives.
• Check exterior paint and siding:
  Look for peeling, cracking, or areas where moisture may be getting in. Address problems before they worsen.
• Clean and inspect outdoor furniture:
  Get your patio ready for summer use.

June

Summer maintenance begins. The humidity is rising, and so are your energy bills.

• Inspect attic insulation and ventilation:
  Proper attic ventilation prevents heat buildup that makes your AC work harder.
• Check basement for moisture:
  Summer humidity combined with cool basement temperatures creates condensation. Run a dehumidifier if needed.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from house:
  Maintain at least 3 feet of clearance from siding. Trim branches hanging over the roof.
• Inspect outdoor electrical outlets and lights:
  Check for damage and ensure GFCI outlets are functioning properly.
• Clean refrigerator coils:
  Dusty coils make your refrigerator work harder in summer heat. Pull it out and vacuum the coils.

July

Peak summer. Focus on keeping your home cool efficiently while handling humidity-related concerns.

• Deep clean kitchen exhaust fan and filter:
  Grease buildup reduces efficiency and is a fire hazard.
• Inspect and clean bathroom exhaust fans:
  Remove covers and vacuum out dust. These fans are critical for moisture control.
• Check caulking around tubs and showers:
  Humidity stresses bathroom caulk. Re-caulk any areas showing mold or pulling away from surfaces.
• Test garage door safety features:
  Place a 2x4 in the door's path. It should reverse immediately on contact.
• Inspect water heater:
  Look for signs of rust, leaks, or corrosion. Note the manufacture date. Most water heaters last 8-12 years.
• Check washing machine hoses:
  Rubber hoses degrade over time. Replace them every 3-5 years or upgrade to braided stainless steel.

August

Late summer is the time to start thinking ahead to fall while finishing outdoor projects.

• Flush water heater:
  Drain several gallons from the bottom to remove sediment buildup. This extends the unit's life and improves efficiency.
• Inspect weather stripping on garage door:
  The rubber seal at the bottom wears out and lets in pests, water, and cold air.
• Clean window tracks:
  Dirt and debris prevent windows from sealing properly.
• Schedule fall gutter cleaning:
  Book now before leaves start falling and contractors get busy.

September

Fall preparation begins in earnest. The Midwest's autumn is short, so don't wait until leaves are falling to start winterization.

• Service furnace:
  Have a professional inspect, clean, and tune up your heating system before you need it.
• Seal gaps around pipes and wires:
  Inspect where utilities enter your home. Seal gaps with caulk or expanding foam to prevent drafts and pest entry.
• Check insulation in attic and basement:
  Add insulation if needed. This is much easier to do before winter arrives.
• Aerate and overseed lawn:
  Fall is the best time for lawn renovation in the Midwest.
• Inspect and repair driveway sealer:
  If your driveway needs sealing, September's moderate temperatures are ideal.
• Drain and store garden hoses:
  Don't wait for the first freeze.
• Inspect chimney and fireplace:
  Before heating season, have the chimney cleaned and inspected if you didn't do it in spring.

October

The leaves are falling, and winter is approaching faster than you'd like. Focus on winterization.

• Clean gutters:
  This is critical. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, which lead to roof leaks and water damage.
• Disconnect and drain outdoor faucets:
  Shut off interior valves to outdoor spigots, open the outdoor faucet, and install insulated covers.
• Winterize sprinkler system:
  Have the system professionally blown out to prevent frozen pipes.
• Rake leaves away from foundation:
  Wet leaves against your foundation hold moisture and attract pests.

November

Last chance for outdoor work before winter sets in. The first hard freeze is imminent.

• Install storm windows:
  If you have them, now's the time.
• Check door thresholds and sweeps:
  Replace any that are damaged or letting in drafts.
• Prepare snow removal equipment:
  Service your snow blower. Stock up on ice melt and sand.
• Protect outdoor furniture:
  Store furniture in a garage or shed, or cover with weatherproof covers.
• Insulate exposed pipes:
  Add foam insulation to any pipes in unheated spaces like garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.

December

Maintenance takes a back seat during the holidays, but stay vigilant.

• Monitor for ice dams:
  After snowstorms, check roof edges for ice buildup.
• Keep vents clear:
  Snow and ice can block furnace exhaust vents, creating a carbon monoxide hazard.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:
  Holiday cooking, space heaters, and fireplaces increase risks. Replace batteries if needed.
• Check basement after thaws:
  Midwest winters often include mid-winter warm spells. Check for water intrusion when snow melts.
• Clear snow from walkways and driveways:
  Beyond safety, this prevents ice from forming in freeze-thaw cycles.

Make It Easier on Yourself

Looking at this list might feel overwhelming. Twelve months of tasks, each with its own set of concerns. It's a lot to keep track of, especially when you're busy with work, family, and everything else life throws at you.

This is exactly why we built Keeper.

Keeper provides preventive home maintenance in Greater Cincinnati. We handle the routine tasks so you don't have to.

Note: Climate normals sourced from National Weather Service