Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and soak up the summer sun. With the warmer weather and the slightly longer days, this is the perfect time to spruce up your home. Taking the time to clean up and repair various features of your home will help you set your house up for success for the rest of the year. The fair weather also makes this the ideal time to work on outdoor projects. You won’t have to contend with Mother Nature and will be able to complete your projects in a much timelier manner. Indoor renovations are also a great way to pass the hottest and sunniest hours of the day. This guide to several essential summer home maintenance projects will help you best maximize your time this season so you can achieve the prettiest home possible.
Spruce up siding
Make the most of the warmer weather and start by tackling outdoor projects first. Spruce up the siding on your house, either by cleaning it, repainting it, or replacing it entirely. The amount of maintenance necessary and the best methods for repair and cleaning will likely depend on several factors. First, you must consider the type of siding on your house. Power washers work well on vinyl and metal siding, as well as brick or stone exteriors. Depending on the extent of built-up dirt, you may need to go over an area several times with the power washer to achieve the desired effect. Be sure to assess the siding for any signs of damage before you begin the power washing process. Power washing siding that has cracks or holes will put your home at risk for water damage and may create further damages to the siding itself. If there is extensive damage in the siding, it may be in your best interest to replace it entirely.
Clean out gutters
After spring showers have come to an end, it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters and inspect them for any signs of damage. Fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris will likely clutter up your gutters at the end of spring. Thunderstorms are very common in summer, as well, so it’s important that your gutters are in proper working condition. After you’ve cleaned out the gutters, consider installing a guard. This will keep your gutters clear all year long.
Lay out landscaping
Perhaps the most essential summer home maintenance project is landscaping. Most types of plants thrive best when you plant them in early summer. They prefer the warm weather and thrive in the sweltering summer sun. As such, this is the best time to roll up your sleeves and start cultivating your green thumb. Start by weeding any overgrowth that may have accumulated during the spring. Depending on the amount of spring rain you had and the last time you tended to your garden, you may have a significant amount of yard waste to deal with. Rent a small, 15-yard dumpster at the onset of your landscaping project to ensure that everything stays clean and tidy as you garden. With the old plants successfully cleared away, you can begin planting new crops. Be sure to research the types of plants that will survive best in your location, as well as the best planting time and watering guidelines for each.
Freshen up indoor paint
Indoor projects are also perfectly suited to summer. On days when it’s just too hot to work outside, take your efforts indoors instead, and spruce up your living space with a fresh coat of paint. Consider choosing a lighter color to reflect the warmer weather outside. Try to pick a warm, dry day for your painting project. This setting will allow you to keep your windows open as you paint, thereby reducing the buildup of paint fumes in your house. As a bonus, paint tends to dry quicker in warm temperatures, and the airflow from the windows will speed the process along even faster. Humidity, however, will likely slow the process, so be sure to schedule the project accordingly.
Assess air quality
Pollen and dust can reach an all-time high during the summer. As such, assess your home’s air quality at the beginning of the season. Start by cleaning out the air filters in your home. This is a relatively easy task that will reap big rewards in the long run. You may also consider taking things one step further to clean the internal ductwork in your house. During summer, it’s also advisable to have a professional take a look at your heating and cooling system. The last thing you want is to be stuck indoors during the heat of the summer without any air conditioning.
Wash the windows
Rain, snow, and sleet can wreak havoc on glass surfaces. Take full advantage of the sunny summer weather to wash your home’s windows. Start from the inside and work your way out. You can clean the interior of your windows easily using a disinfectant wipe or a dedicated glass cleaner and paper towels. Clean the exterior of windows with a solution of dish soap and warm water. Be sure to rinse this solution away from the windows completely at the end of the project, as leftover soap will leave unappealing streaks on the windows. When wiping the windows, try to wipe in a horizontal direction on the inside and a vertical direction on the outside. This way, if there are any streaks, you will instantly know which side of the window they are on and can tend to them accordingly.
Protect your home against unwanted pests
During the summer, mosquitoes, moths, and flies will do everything in their power to try to get into your home. Take the necessary precautions to keep your house pest-free this summer. Start by checking the seals for all doors and windows in your home. Insects can enter through even the tiniest cracks, so it’s important that these seals are tight. Be sure to check window and door screens for tears as well. If you have an outdoor seating area, consider placing citronella candles around the space. This will keep mosquitoes at bay while you spend time in the great outdoors.
