As summer approaches, many homeowners are getting ready to tackle things from their summer home maintenance list. The warm and sunny weather is the perfect time to take on projects that will keep your home in tip-top shape all year long.
However, with so many tasks at hand, it can be overwhelming to keep track of everything that needs to be done. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate summer home maintenance checklist – to provide you with a comprehensive guide to ensure your home is ready for the season.
From inspecting your roof to servicing your lawn mower, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive into the top 10 summer home maintenance projects to get your home ready for the warm season.
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1. Must-Do Home Maintenance Project: Inspect your roof
Another crucial item on your summer home maintenance list is inspecting your roof. With summer comes severe weather changes, such as thunderstorms and hailstorms, which can damage your roof tiles, shingles, or even gutters.
To prevent any significant leaks or structural damage during the season, it’s essential to inspect your roof thoroughly. Start by checking for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or missing tiles.
Check for any moss, mold, or algae growth, which can weaken the roof further. Moreover, ensure that your roof flashing is secure and in good condition, as it helps prevent water seepage.
Lastly, examine your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of debris, which can cause overflowing and water damage to your walls and foundation.
Once the inspection is complete, hire a professional to repair any damages or replace any missing shingles to ensure your roof is in optimal condition for the summer season.
2. Summer Home Maintenance List: Clean your gutters
One vital task that should be on your summer home maintenance projects list is cleaning your gutters. Although it might not be the most glamorous home maintenance project, it’s crucial in protecting your home’s foundation and walls from water damage.
Leaves, twigs, and debris can accumulate and clog your gutters, causing water to overflow and seep into your home.
Cleaning your gutters is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself. Start by using a sturdy ladder to climb up to the gutters.
Wear gloves and use a gutter scoop or trowel to remove any debris. Ensure that you flush the gutters with a hose to remove any remaining debris and check for any leaks.
If you notice any damage, such as rust or holes, it’s essential to repair or replace them to prevent any extensive damage.
Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are free of debris, so water flows efficiently. Neglecting to clean your gutters can lead to water damage, which can compromise your home’s structure.
3. Home Maintenance Checklist: HVAC system
Your HVAC system is an essential component of your home that can significantly impact your comfort during the summer months. Checking it regularly should be a part of your summer home maintenance checklist.
Start by changing the air filters to ensure that the system is running efficiently. A dirty filter can make your system work harder, causing your energy bills to skyrocket.
Next, inspect the ductwork for any leaks or tears. Damaged ducts can cause air to escape, making your system less efficient, and increasing your energy bills.
You can seal any leaks by covering them with mastic or duct tape.
During the summer, it’s also crucial to ensure that the outdoor unit is free of debris. Trim any bushes or trees that are too close to the unit and clean the fins with a soft-bristled brush to remove any dirt buildup.
Checking your HVAC system is an essential part of your summer home maintenance checklist. Ensuring that your HVAC system can run smoothly, will lead you up for the next item on your list: sealing your windows and doors.
4. Seal windows and doors
Sealing your windows and doors is a critical step in keeping your home energy-efficient during the summer. By sealing gaps and cracks, you can prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering, ultimately saving you money on your air conditioning bills.
To get started, first, inspect your windows and doors for any cracks or gaps. Use caulk to fill any visible gaps around window frames and doors.
For larger gaps, you may need to use weatherstripping, which can be found at your local hardware store.
Once you’ve sealed up any gaps, ensure that your home is properly insulated. This will further help to keep your home cool and energy-efficient.
Inspect your attic, walls, and ceilings for any signs of wear or damage, and add insulation as needed.
With your windows and doors sealed and your home properly insulated, it’s time to move on to the next step on your summer home maintenance checklist: servicing your lawn mower.
5. Service your lawn mower
To ensure that your lawn is looking its best this summer, it’s important to give your lawn mower some TLC. Start by inspecting the blades and sharpening them if they are dull. Dull blades can damage your lawn, causing it to turn brown and develop uneven patches.
Next, change the oil and spark plug, and clean or replace the air filter. This will keep your mower running smoothly and prevent any costly repairs.
Finally, give the exterior of the mower a thorough cleaning, removing any debris or grass clippings that may have accumulated.
With your lawn mower in top shape, it’s time to move on to the next item on your summer home maintenance checklist: inspecting and cleaning your outdoor spaces.
6. Inspect and clean your outdoor spaces
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, but before you do that, it’s essential to take the time to inspect and clean your outdoor spaces. Start by walking around your yard and identify any areas that need attention.
This could include cleaning up any debris, removing dead branches or leaves, or repairing any damaged fencing. Once you’ve identified these areas, it’s time to get to work.
Begin by gathering up any debris, such as fallen branches or leaves, and dispose of them properly. This not only helps to keep your outdoor spaces looking clean but also reduces the risk of accidents such as slips or falls.
Next, take a close look at any outdoor furniture, such as chairs, tables, or lounges. Check for any corrosion or damage and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
Lastly, inspect the overall condition of your landscaping. Take note of any damaged plants or trees that might need attention, and make sure that your lawn is healthy and growing correctly. In addition, consider adding some summer blooms or plants to your outdoor spaces to add pops of color and bring your yard to life.
7. Wash windows inside and out
Dirty windows not only detract from the appearance of your home but also reduce the amount of natural light that enters it. So, it’s essential to include washing your windows inside and out in your summer home maintenance checklist.
Start by removing any dust, dirt, or cobwebs with a soft-bristled brush or vacuum cleaner. Next, use a high-quality glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to wipe the glass clean. If you don’t have a glass cleaner, you can make a DIY solution of equal parts water and vinegar.
Clean windows will not only improve the look and feel of your home but also enhance the natural light, making your home feel brighter and more spacious. Once your windows are sparkling clean, move on to power washing and resealing your deck.
8. Power wash and reseal your deck.
A clean and well-maintained deck adds significant value to your home, providing outdoor space for relaxation, entertainment, and family bonding. However, over time, the elements will take a toll on your deck, causing it to fade, warp, and crack.
That’s why it’s essential to power wash and reseal your deck as part of your summer home maintenance checklist.
Power washing your deck removes any dirt, grime, mold, or mildew that may have accumulated on the surface, making it look brand new. However, it’s vital to use the right pressure and a specific nozzle to avoid damaging the wood.
Once the surface is clean and dry, you can apply a protective sealant that will repel water, prevent fading, and deter bugs and rot.
By power washing and resealing your deck, you not only improve the appearance and longevity of your deck but also enhance your home’s curb appeal. Now that your deck is in excellent condition, you can move on to your driveway.
9. Power wash your driveway
Your driveway is an essential area that deserves attention during your summer home maintenance routine. Over time, your driveway can become stained and dirty from exposure to the elements over rainy and muddy seasons.
Power washing your driveway can remove built-up dirt and grime, as well as any oil stains that may have dripped from your car.
Before you begin, make sure to remove any debris, such as leaves or twigs, from the surface of your driveway. Take caution when selecting the nozzle and pressure to avoid damaging the surface.
Using a high-pressure setting can leave marks or gouges in your driveway, so it’s best to start with a lower pressure and gradually increase it if necessary.
Once you’ve finished power washing, you may notice small cracks or chips in your driveway’s surface. Fill in any holes with asphalt filler or concrete patching material to prevent further damage.
Additionally, a fresh coat of sealant can help protect your driveway from future wear and tear.
Inspecting your fencing is the next step in your summer home maintenance routine. By ensuring that your fence is in good condition, you’ll maintain your property’s privacy and security.
10. Inspect fencing
Inspecting your fencing is an important part of your summer home maintenance routine. It’s crucial to check for any damages or wear that may have occurred during the winter months or from previous use. By ensuring that your fence is in good condition, you’ll maintain your property’s privacy, security, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Start by checking the fence posts for stability. Make sure they are firmly in the ground and not leaning or wobbling. If you notice an unstable post, it’s important to address it promptly to avoid further damage or potential safety hazards.
Next, inspect the panels or boards making up the body of the fence. Check for any cracks or splits, missing pieces, or signs of rot. If you identify any damage, it’s best to replace the affected pieces to maintain the structural integrity of the fence.
Don’t forget to examine the hardware used to secure the fence panels to the posts. Check the screws, nails, and other fasteners to ensure they are secure and free from rust or corrosion. Make any necessary replacements to keep your fence in top condition.
In summary, inspecting your fencing is a critical part of your summer home maintenance routine. By addressing any damages and ensuring proper stability and security, you’ll be able to enjoy your property’s privacy and aesthetic appeal for years to come.
Summary Home Maintenance List
With all summer home maintenance projects done, it’s now time to sit back and enjoy the summer sun. Whether you’re relaxing on your deck or taking a dip in your pool, taking the time to check all the items on your summer to-do list ensures that you’ll have a beautiful and safe space to enjoy all summer long.
In conclusion, summer is the perfect time to take care of those necessary home maintenance projects that can ensure your home is in top shape for the season. By following these ten essential summer home maintenance tasks, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe and comfortable for you and your family.
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So, don’t wait any longer and get started on these projects today. Remember, a well-maintained home equals a worry-free summer.
So, roll up your sleeves and get to work. Your home will thank you for it!
