Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
As the summer months grow near and the weather gets warmer, it’s important to address the damage that was done to your home during the harsh winter months. To keep your house running smoothly check out the Summer Home Maintenance Checklist we’ve put together below.
1. Power Wash
Power or pressure washing your house, deck, and sidewalks removes dirt and grime from surfaces. If you have asthma or allergies, power washing is a must. It kills mold, algae, bacteria, and other harmful irritants that can invade your respiratory system. In addition to the health benefits, a good power wash can rejuvenate your house and property’s aesthetic. Get in the habit of power washing your property once a year to keep your house clean and the value high.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Roof upkeep is one of the most important, but also one of the most overlooked, aspects of maintaining your home. Now is a great time to have your roof inspected because the weather is still mild. Extreme winter weather such as freezing temperatures and heavy snow buildup can compromise the integrity of your roof. Usually, roof repair companies will complete an assessment and give you an estimate for free. Professional roofers will do an extensive inspection from both the inside and outside of the home to look for things such as worn and broken shingles, or cracked sealant.
3. Examine Your HVAC
Proper A/C maintenance will keep your house cool in the hot months and prevent any major repairs during peak season. Some common causes for defective A/C units include frozen coils, faulty fuses, clogged filters and refrigerant leaks, just to name a few. Ensure your unit is in good shape and ready to go for the summer.
4. Clean Your Gutters
Routine summer maintenance includes cleaning out the gutters. Gutters are a small but key component to protecting your home from water damage and moisture. They divert heavy rainfall away from the foundation of your home, keeping things relatively dry. Leaves, sticks, mud and other debris accumulates and eventually clogs the gutters, making them less effective in protecting your house.
5. Deter Pests
As it gets warmer, you’re much more likely to find pests in the home. Seal any gaps or cracks in molding that bug may be able to enter through. On the outside of the house, consider cutting back tree branches and raking leaves and twigs. These are common ways for unwanted pests such as squirrels and birds to begin nesting in or on your roof.
6. Clean & Rotate Ceiling Fans
Since you will be using your ceiling fans more often you should wipe down the blades that have probably collected a significant amount of dust. Something a lot of homeowners don’t know is that ceiling fans have the ability to rotate in either direction, you just have to set it. In the summer months you should set your fans to rotate counter clockwise to push cool air down.
7. Examine Your Windows
Check all your windows and glass doors for gaps or leaks that can waste energy. By examining and resealing leaks in your windows you will keep cool air in and hot air out.
As the seasons change your house will naturally become weathered and need general maintenance. Use this list to ensure that you follow up on these items and there are no surprises in the midst of the summer season. By checking on these things now you are saving yourself a ton of money on future out-of-pocket repair costs.
