5 Outdoor Renovations Contractors Always Do in October for a Better Spring

Completing outdoor renovations in October is a popular choice for many contractors and DIYers because cooler, milder weather is ideal for both construction projects and landscaping work, and can get your home a head-start when spring rolls around.

We consulted a general contractor to find out which outdoor renovations you should always do in October to ensure your home and yard are ready to thrive when spring weather arrives. Here’s what they had to say.

Sealing Driveways and Walkways

Sealing the driveway and walkways before winter season hits ensures that they will be properly protect from the freeze-thaw cycle, which may otherwise cause cracks to widen or form, leading to expensive repairs.

“October offers mild temperatures, less rain in many regions, and enough lead time before freezing weather begins, ” says Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, licensed General Contractor with SBC Expert Construction Services. “This ‘shoulder season’ allows materials like sealants, stains, and paints to properly cure.”

By tackling this project in October you can prevent the driveway and walkways from becoming damaged over the winter season so that when spring weather hits, you won’t need to waste time and money to repair or replace these surfaces.

You can also seal concrete patios so that when the warm weather of spring arrives, you can immediately start enjoying your outdoor space.

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Gutter Replacement or Repair

When gutters and downspouts are left in poor condition throughout the winter, there is a high risk of home damage from ice dams and basement flooding.

“By addressing these tasks before winter sets in, homeowners prevent small issues from becoming major spring repairs and gutters remain free of debris, naturally reducing the risk of ice dams and water damage,” Goodkin-Dausey says.

Ideally, gutter systems should collect and redirect rain and meltwater down and away from the house.

Damaged gutters may allow the water to spill over the edge or drip through holes where it can seep through into the house or collect in the soil around the home, leading to early spring flooding. Tackle this project in October when the weather is mild to prevent problems in the spring.

Treating or Staining Wooden Decks, Fences, and Pergolas

Similar to sealing your driveway, walkways, and patio, you should treat or stain wooden decks, fences, and pergolas in October to prevent issues from occurring over the winter that will result in costly problems come the spring.

“Deck and fence treatments protect wood from moisture damage, so surfaces are ready for use in spring,” Goodkin-Dausey says.

Perform basic maintenance first, by checking for any loose boards, screws, or railings and making necessary repairs.

You can then power wash the deck, fence, and pergola to prepare the surface before applying a fresh coat of waterproof stain or sealant to these wooden surfaces, thereby preventing wood rot, mildew, and cracking.

Planting Spring Bulbs and Reseeding Bare Lawn Patches

One of the best ways you can use October to prepare the outside of your home for the spring is to focus on the lawn and gardens.

“Lawn prep and bulb planting ensure a healthier, more vibrant yard when the season changes, ” Goodkin-Dausey says. “Lawns and gardens will flourish, providing immediate enjoyment when warmer weather returns.”

In October you should take the time to aerate cool-season grasses to loosen the compacted soil and allow nutrients to reach the roots. Then, follow up with a fertilizer and overseed any bare lawn patches to encourage strong root development for a healthier lawn in the spring.

Planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and alliums allows the root systems to develop, ensuring a spectacular show of color when the spring arrives.

Replace Windows, Siding, or Roofing

It’s beneficial to take advantage of the milder temperatures and lower humidity of October to complete replacement projects and repairs on the windows, siding, and roofing.

“Homeowners who address these projects in October will save money, time, and stress by avoiding preventable damage,” Goodkin-Dausey says. “Their homes will be more structurally sound, safer, and visually appealing.”

Completing this work in October means your home will be protected during the harsh winter months, so you aren’t dealing with mold, water damage, structural damage, and more come springtime.

Replacing windows, siding, and roofing helps to give the home an energy-efficiency boost that cuts down on wasted energy, drafts, and leaks.