The summer months are upon us once again. Before you break out the lawn chairs and the iced tea, there are a handful of maintenance tasks that you should consider in order to get your home ready for the hot weather.
Here is a summer maintenance checklist for the home.
Repair or Replace Damaged Screens
Over the winter months, screens can take a beating and this means they need to be checked each summer. To do so, take a walk around the exterior of the home and look for signs of wear in the areas where screens are used, such as doors and windows. One of the main things to look for is tears in the mesh material. If the screen is torn it could provide an entryway for insects and rodents. If you find a screen with a tear in it, then you will want to replace it with a new screen as soon as possible.
Check Exterior Paint for Peeling
While paint is made to last for several years, it is important to check for areas that are chipping or peeling, so that they can be fixed before the summer heat sets in. If you notice an area where the paint is coming off the wall, you will want to take a scraper or sanding block and smooth the surface. Once this has been done, you will be ready to grab a brush and repaint the section. If you do not know what color was originally used, take a sample up to the local hardware store and they should be able to find a match.
Install a Fire pit
There are few better ways to relax after a long day of work than by sitting around a fire pit. A fire pit can provide a bit of warmth on those cool summer nights and it adds to the ambiance. If you are considering installing a fire pit, you will first need to check the local laws to make sure that you are allowed to build the pit.
Once you have verified that this will not be a problem, then you can get started. There are two primary types of fire pits to choose from–self-contained and in-ground. A self-contained fire pit provides a means of building a fire above the ground. So long as a fire is not burning, the pit can be moved to any location that’s safe for having a fire. However, if you opt for an in-ground style fire pit, you should contact a contractor to have the pit properly excavated. After all, there could be pipes and utility cables buried beneath the surface, and a professional will be able to check for these obstacles before digging.
Prep Your Deck and Patio
When the warmer months start, it will be time to get the patio furniture out of storage. However, before you head to the storage unit, it is important to prep the area first. If there has been a buildup of material on the surface of the deck or patio over the winter, then it should be washed first. If the debris does not come off with a standard garden hose, then you might want to have it power washed, as this will quickly remove dirt and debris. In addition, check for areas where the stain is fading, and if necessary, have those sections touched up with a fresh coat.
Clean the Gutters
When the leaves come off of the trees in the fall they tend to collect in the gutters, causing blockages and preventing water from draining. The best way to check the gutters around your home is by climbing up a ladder and getting a first-hand view. If there are leaves filling the pathways of the gutters, then they will need to be cleaned. There are various ways to clean gutters, but the most tried and true method is by pulling the debris out by hand. This method works great, but it can be dangerous working at heights, especially if you are unfamiliar with the task. If you would like to stay safely grounded, hire a professional to remove the clutter that has accrued in the gutters.
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In Summary
The summer months are a great time to relax with family and friends while enjoying the nice weather. However, before the party starts, you will want to ensure that all summer maintenance duties have been taken care of.
Start by checking that all the screens in the home are free of rips and tears so that they will not allow insects to come through. In addition, you will want to assess the condition of the exterior paint to make sure there are no areas that need to be touched up. It’s also wise to clear the gutters of any debris that may have built up throughout the winter months.
By keeping this list of summer maintenance tips in mind, you can rest assured that your home will be ready for another season.
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