Summer Maintenance Tips
Summer is one of the best times for you to do maintenance at home. While the sun is up and it’s safer to stay outside you can take the opportunity to repair or maintain areas of the home to avoid future major repairs as well as for your peace of mind. Here are some areas of the home that you can give extra attention to during the summer:
1) Replace old doors and windows
Inspect your windows and doors to make sure that they are closing correctly. Ensure that the sealant is in good condition, or if a replacement is necessary.
2) Repair your home’s exteriors
Check if there are any piled-up leaves in your gutters and if so clear them up. Remove any debris that can clog the flow of water off your roof. Check out all metal strips or flashing around your skylights, satellite dishes, vents, and chimney. These can get damaged or loosened because of a hailstorm or rainstorm and that, in turn, will lead to leakage and water intrusion.
3) Trim down bushes and trees
Summer is a great time to give your garden some attention. Beautify your exterior and clean up dead leaves. Keep the plants and lawn healthy during hot weather by ensuring they have enough water. Trim down trees, bushes, and flowers, and ensure they are not too close to your home’s central AC unit, roof, or exterior.
4) Your lawnmower needs a tune-up
Your lawnmower also needs some TLC. If you fail to clean up the grass buildup on your lawnmower, it can cause clogs or rust. If your lawnmower is regularly cleaned up and checked, it will last much longer. Remove the blades and the sparkplug before you clean it up to minimize the risk of damage. It’s a good practice to clean off your lawnmower after every use.
5) Your HVAC needs cleaning
Routine inspection and cleaning are needed to ensure that your HVAC is functioning well. Pay special attention to issues with the wiring since this could pose a fire hazard.
6) Clean your grill
Summer is grilling season. To ensure your food is safe and enjoyable, you should keep your grill clean. It needs thorough cleaning whether you use it frequently or not.
For Gas grills, use a grill brush to clean up the inside and wipe down using a sponge. Don’t forget to clean the drip tray. To clean up Charcoal grills, remove everything and wipe out any residue or dust. Use a sponge or scrub with hot water and dish soap when cleaning the inside and outside of the grill. All surfaces need to be dry before using it again.
7) Check if your insulation is sufficient
You should inspect the insulation on your entire house. This task is a lot easier using infrared imaging. Shortcomings in a home’s insulation can end up costing you money on every single energy bill. Summertime is perfect for checking for insulation gaps and sealing them.
8) Give your siding a power wash
The summer season inevitably causes humidity and heat, leading to mildew and mold growth. You can use a mildew remover suitable for your siding with a power washer to clean it thoroughly and stop mold infestation.
9) Your basement and attic need an inspection
Inspect for any signs of water damage, mold, insects, and pest infestation. Check for any places where the sunlight shines through holes or cracks to locate serious issues.
10) Your deck needs an update
Inspect your deck for any signs of rotting. You need to replace the rotting boards to avoid safety hazards. Check if the deck boards need to be resealed, especially if you see water sinking into the board. Routine inspection and repairing minor damages will help you keep your deck safe from expensive future repairs.
Conclusion
Your home is there to protect you from rain or sun, so it is essential to have routine maintenance to keep it in good shape. Take this opportunity to thoroughly check your home while it is still sunny and dry. If you want the help of a professional, go ahead and schedule a home inspection with us.
