Summer, the season of backyard barbecues, pool parties, outside entertainment, and lazy afternoons, has arrived. That means it’s time to ensure your home is in top shape for the season ahead. Also, a sunny summer day is a great time to do other home maintenance that must be done before rainy and cold seasons. To make steps easier for you, we’ve created a summer home maintenance checklist. However, every house is unique and may require oits own set of maintenance tasks based on factors like location and weather conditions. We remain open to modifying the list in the future, as we may discover new items to add. So stay tuned!
Inspect and Clean the Gutters
Cleaning and inspecting gutters is one of the most important tasks to prevent water clogging; you have to do it at least twice a year. Summer is a time to do gutter inspections. Clear out any debris, like leaves and twigs, that have accumulated over the winter and spring. After removing all leaves, use a hose to flush out any dirt that remains along the way. This will help prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage. If there is any damage, consider fixing it before rainy days.
Inspect Roof
Inspecting your roof during the summer is an excellent proactive measure to ensure it’s in good condition before any potential issues arise. During your inspection, look for any signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, cracked or deteriorating flashing, and any areas where water might be pooling. It’s also essential to check for signs of pests like birds or rodents, as well as any debris buildup in gutters or on the roof surface. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prolong the life of your roof and prevent costly repairs down the line. If you’re not comfortable with or experienced with roof inspections, it may be wise to hire a professional roofing contractor to ensure a thorough assessment.
Clean the Chimney and Fireplace
Don’t forget your chimney and fireplace. Another summer home maintenance is, clear out any debris or nests, inspect the flue for obstructions. Consider scheduling a chimney sweep to keep things safe and sound.
Check the Air Conditioning System
Before the heat waves, take a moment to clean or replace your AC filters. Clear away any debris from the outdoor unit and consider scheduling professional maintenance to ensure your AC runs efficiently during the hot summer months.
Smoke Detectors
Clean and replace smoke and carbon detectors. Test it to make sure it works properly. Replace the battery if needed.
Seal Windows and Doors if Needed
Check for cracks and gaps in the window. Seals and weatherstripping, and repair or replace them to improve energy efficiency. Some caulk can work wonders at keeping cool air inside.
Repair Cracks on Driveway
For refilling cracks in your sidewalk or driveway, depending on the depth and size of the crack, you have different ways of fixing the problem. First, you’ll need to clean up any debris and pull up any weeds, then remove any small, cracked pieces that are not securely attached. Next, cover the whole area and find out if the roots caused the crack. Use a root killer. For small cracks, fill the gap with a sealant. For wider areas, asphalt patch works better; fill the area with the patch, then tap it down with concrete finishing tools. Self-leveler speed patch is a good option for a nice and smooth finish, as it works like butter.
Exterior Power Washed
Power washing the exterior of your house is a great way to keep it looking clean and well-maintained! You can easily remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew buildup from your home’s exterior surfaces in your summer home maintenance schedule. Plus, it’s usually a satisfying task because you can see the immediate improvement. Especially if you own a power washer, you can do it yourself; it is like a therapy session. Wash every corner of your home, the deck, the patio, and the siding, and give it a good cleaning. But if you are not a fan of power washing, hire a professional to do the job. After nicely cleaning the outside of the house, you can see if there are any issues around the house and take care of them before things get worse.
Cleaning Windows on Both Sides
Washing windows is another task to tackle during the summer home maintenance when the weather is warm and sunny. You can’t clean the exterior of your house and let those windows stay dirty, right? So, grab your cleaning supplies and let your clean windows allow more natural light to pass inside your house, creating a brighter and more inviting indoor space. All you need to clean your windows are mild dish soap, water, a bucket, a sponge, a squeegee, and microfiber cloths.
Check Your Landscape
Working on trimming and landscaping your garden during the summer is a fantastic idea! It’s the perfect time to spruce up your outdoor space and make it more enjoyable to spend time in. Trim overgrown bushes, shape hedges, and prune trees to help to promote healthy growth and prevent any potential damage in the coming year. And when it comes to landscaping, you have endless opportunities to get creative with plants, flowers, pathways, and even decorative elements like rocks or statues.
Add Mulch to Your Garden Bed
Organic mulch may break down and decompose over time. Adding a new, fresh, and thicker layer in summer could be perfect idea! Mulch helps the soil regulate temperature and retain moisture longer, which improves the health and fresh appearance of your plants throughout the long summer days. Consider layering your garden beds with 2 or 3 inches of organic mulch, which will last for the next 2 or 3 seasons.
Test and Clean Outdoor Lighting
This is the time of year to eliminate the darkness and blackness in your house. Go outside and check your outdoor plug and lighting to make sure everything is working in order. A well-lit exterior not only looks great but also adds an extra layer of security. Your house could be the initiator of a wave of light in your neighborhood. Clean those fixtures and replace any bulbs that have burned out. Make sure there is no frayed wire and everything is in good condition. If you are thinking of electric bills or just looking for an eco-friendly option, you can go with solar lights.
Service Lawn Equipment
First off, take a good look at it. Check for any signs of wear and tear, like worn-out blades or leaky fuel tanks. Then, roll up your sleeves and get cleaning. Brush off those grass clippings and give them a wipe-down. Next up, it comes to the blades. They need some attention. Sharpen ’em up and make sure they’re balanced. Don’t forget about the fuel system; check for leaks and swap out that old fuel. Once everything’s picked and spanked, fire it up and give it a whirl. You’ll want to purr like a kitten before tackling your next mowing session. Regular maintenance keeps your equipment humming along nicely.
Prepare the Grill
A grill is essential for a great summer backyard party. Give your grill a good, deep clean, and get ready for outdoor family gatherings.
First things first, ensure the grill is completely cool and turned off. Take out all removable parts (grates, heat deflectors, etc.) and let them soak in warm, soapy water for at least 15 minutes; this will help you get rid of grass more easily.
You can use a grill brush or wire brush to scrub the grates and the inside of your grill to remove stuck-on food. Remove all residue and ash from the bottom of the grill. Wipe down the inside and outside with a mixture of vinegar and water. Once all the parts are dry, reassemble the grates, and you are ready for your next BBQ party.
By following these summer home maintenance tips, you can ensure your home remains comfortable, safe, and well-maintained throughout the season. Happy summer!
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