Important Summer Home Maintenance Projects

Summer is known for house projects, keeping the lawn green and the flowers growing. But have you ever thought about what projects your home actually needs? The weather in the summer offers endless opportunity to get to work on your house and prevent any problems from popping up in the winter.

Here are 5 summer home projects you need to do:

Clean window screens
Your screens have quite the job to do. We often think of them as simply keeping out bugs, but they also catch seeds, leaves and even dirt. Window screens can build up gunk on them quickly, especially if you’re fond of breezy summer nights inside. Save some time once a year to give your screens a good clean to get the most life out of them. Take your screens down and scrub them with hot, soapy water. After they have all been scrubbed down, prop them up and rinse them off with the hose. Don’t put the screens back on until they are completely dry.

Check your filters
Furnace filters and air conditioning filters both need to be checked or replaced regularly, so why not make it a summer activity. Most air conditioning filters just need to be cleaned, and not replaced. If you are running your AC 24/7, you’ll need to clean the filter with warm water or using a vacuum cleaner once every two weeks. If you have a new unit it may have a self-cleaning function. While you’re at it open up your furnace and check on that filter too. Some furnace filters are reusable and can be washed, while others with cardboard frames need to be replaced.

Inspect and clean patios and decks
While the weather is nice take some time to inspect your patios and decks for cracks or other concerns. If you notice any major issues call in a professional, otherwise you are safe to proceed with giving these surfaces a deep clean. The best solution is a pressure washer, but if you don’t have access to one you can use a scrub mop and outdoor cleaner to get the job done. If you have wood decking you need to sand and refinish it once every 3-5 years.

Look for cracks or loose seals
It’s time for a scavenger hunt, around your house. Take advantage of the warm weather and take a few laps around your home looking for cracks and loose seals. Start with the foundation and work your way up from there paying special attention to the siding, windows, gutters and roof. If you need to use ladder follow all safety instructions and recruit a spotter for added safety. Finding cracks and seals in the summer gives you time to repair them before the chill of winter sets in.

Check for leaks
There are a lot of hoses in your home, which means lots of opportunities for leaks. Inspect each one thoroughly, looking for even just a pinprick hole. Any leak can mean trouble, and you don’t want trouble. Check the refridgerator, washing machine, dishwasher, toilets and more for signs of wear and tear. These hoses should be replaced every 3-5 years anyway, so if you see anything concerning, err on the side of caution.

While this may sound intimidating, these are all simple projects. If you find yourself in need of professional help or repairs, get in touch for recommendations.