Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it can also be a time for home maintenance. By completing ten simple tasks, you can help ensure that your home is safe and protected during the hot summer months!
1. Protect Your Pipes
Make sure to turn off and drain all hoses, and wrap any exposed outdoor pipes with heat insulation. If you have an underground sprinkler system, make sure to completely shut it down and cover-up or remove uncovered sprinklers.
If you’ve noticed a leak coming from your water heater tank, try adding some extra insulation around the tank before turning it on for the season.
2. Trim Away Branches
Trim back any overhanging tree limbs that may be brushing against your home. If limbs are hanging too low, or if you’re concerned about them breaking mid-storm and damaging your roofing or siding materials, consider hiring a professional to help trim them back safely.
3. Clean Gutters and Dispose of Debris
If you don’t clean your gutters regularly, this may be the perfect time to do so. If they’re full of leaves and debris, rainwater won’t be able to run through them correctly, and it could lead to a soggy backyard or foundation issues.
4. Prepare for an Air Conditioning Overhaul
If you haven’t prepared your air conditioning unit for the season, now is the time to do so! Have a professional come out and ensure that everything is in working order before you start using it again.
To save money on energy this summer, HVAC maintenance professionals also recommend having your unit cleaned and tuned up before the season begins. You can also make sure all of your windows are properly sealed against drafts.
5. Check Your Outdoor Structure
Enclose or remove any outdoor furniture or other items that may take damage from inclement weather. If you have an outdoor grill, make sure it’s properly covered with a tarp. If anything around your pool or hot tub looks rickety, replace it before it falls.
In addition, if you have a deck that hasn’t been properly winterized, now is the time to do so. To prepare your deck for summer use, check whether any of its boards are loose or need additional support. If so, fix them before they become a danger.
6. Test Your Outdoor Fixtures
Before you hit the pool or beach, test all of your outdoor fixtures to make sure they’re in working order. Check your outdoor lights, as well as any exterior fans and switches. If you have a garage door opener, now is also the time to dust it off and make sure it still works.
Outdoor fixtures also include grills, lights, and any other exterior appliances that you may use while entertaining outdoors. You should also check for a gas leak on your grill before using it again.
7. Clear Away Pests
If you notice any signs of pests around your home, take care of them before they become a real problem! Bugs love nothing more than to take up residence in every nook and cranny of your home.
Periodically check for spider webs or holes where mice could be getting in, and fix any that you find. Also, keep an eye out for ant hills, as these can cause structural damage if left unchecked.
8. Test Faucets and Hose Connections
If you’re using your hose this summer, now is the time to check all the hose connections to make sure that they’re working properly.
If your faucets are leaking or dripping, now’s the time to fix them! This is especially important if you have an outdoor spigot. A leaky outdoor faucet could cost you hundreds of wasted water over the course of a summer season.
9. Trim Your Grass and Weed Clumps
Take advantage of the warm weather and bright sunlight by cutting down tall grass and weeds around your home and yard.
\You can improve drainage and even cut down on pest problems this summer just by keeping your lawn well-maintained.
10. Clean and Organize Garage
You should store all of your outdoor equipment, such as rakes and lawnmowers, in a dry place that’s protected from the outside elements. If you don’t have a separate storage area for these tools, consider moving them into your garage or shed before summer begins.
By organizing and cleaning out your garage this summer, you can also clear off any space that you may need for other purposes (such as additional parking vehicles). You can also ensure that any potential hiding spots for pests are cleared away.
That’s it! By following these ten simple steps, you’ll be prepared to face the weather head-on this summer season. But if something does go wrong with your home while dealing with extreme weather conditions, remember to call a reliable professional for help!