10 Essential Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Updated July 2021

Summer is a time for fun and play. However, if you’re a homeowner, there is a lot of summer home maintenance to consider before you join in. Make sure your home is safe, functioning well, and looking great before the hottest months of the year. Here are some useful summer home maintenance tips to set the stage for a safe and happy summer.

Inspect Your Detectors and AC Before Summer

Every seasonal change is a good time to check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to ensure they are in good working order. Press the test button and if needed, call in a professional to ensure they are working correctly.

It’s also a good time to try out the AC and clean off any dirt or grime from your outdoor unit. Schedule a maintenance call with your HVAC specialist before the summer starts. If you don’t have central air conditioning,  install window units to help keep the house cool all summer.

Wash and Inspect Your Windows

Chances are the winter and early spring weather has left your windows in need of a good cleaning. If you haven’t already cleaned the exterior of the windows, do it now so they look great all summer. Check also that your windows are properly sealed, and that all of your screens are in good condition. You will lose a lot of cool air during the summer if there are small leaks around your windows, so keep them as energy-efficient as possible. If you notice that air is escaping, call in a professional for help.

Make Sure Your Doors are Working Well

Your energy usage can go way up if your doors aren’t sealed properly and you have the air conditioning on. When you inspect your windows, take a look at the doors at the same time. This includes sliding doors, side doors, and front doors. If any of your doors are damaged, or older and not functioning the same as they used to, consider a replacement for energy efficiency, safety, and aesthetics.

Eavestroughs and Drainage Summer Maintenance

Over the winter and through the spring, your eavestroughs can accumulate a lot of debris. Decomposing leaves, sticks and dirt can cause damage to the point that your eavestroughs no longer function properly. Have them thoroughly cleaned to avoid bending or breaking, and to keep water from getting onto your roof or pooling around the house. Perform a thorough roof inspection to check for loose or missing shingles. Also, take a quick look in the attic to see if any moisture has gotten inside that needs to be addressed.

Clean and Repair Siding

The siding on your home is exposed to everything nature has to offer during the winter and spring. As a result you’ll need to include a good cleaning as part of your summer home maintenance. For vinyl siding, look for any colour fading or changes in texture during your inspection. If you have aluminum siding, small dents or rusting may be present if it hasn’t been taken care of properly.

Washing your siding thoroughly will remove places for mold, algae, and mildew to grow, and will make it look fresh and new. If you notice any tree branches or shrubs that are making contact with your siding when it’s windy, trim them back to minimize damage. And if you notice any damage to your siding, call for professional attention before the problem gets worse.

Check for Leaks

Check your exterior faucets and hoses during your summer home maintenance chores, just like you’d check a faucet on the inside of the house. Even tiny leaks can cause inflated water bills and result in a big waste of water if they aren’t corrected as soon as possible. If your hose has pinhole leaks, you can either try wrapping it tightly in electrical tape, or get a new hose if you use it on a regular basis.

Summer Maintenance Includes Cleaning Your Porch and Deck

Clean windows, doors and eavestroughs won’t matter if your porch and deck are still dirty. Depending on the material of your porch a quick sweep may be all that’s needed. Or, you might have to scrub away the grime with a good exterior all-purpose cleaner. On your deck, look for signs of rotting wood and hammer down any nails that are poking up. If you notice water soaking into the wooden boards on your deck, it is likely time to have it resealed because water should bead up, not soak in.

Get the Outdoor Cooker Ready for Summer

If you are into backyard grilling, clean off your grill to get it ready for summer barbecues. For a gas grill, crank the heat up to high and close the lid for 30 minutes or so. Next, brush off the grates after it has cooled down and then clean the exterior with soap and water or a mild cleaner. If you have a charcoal grill, empty it out and wipe away the leftover ash, then wash it with soapy water and let it dry before using it again.

Tend to Your Garden During Summer Home Maintenance

Getting your garden ready is a summer home maintenance chore that’s more about the overall property than just the house itself, but it’s still an important step. Here are some useful tips to follow:

• Add mulch to help the ground retain moisture and keep weeds at bay
• Deadhead annuals and perennials to keep them productive and looking great
• Set up a watering schedule to promote continued growth and a strong, healthy garden

Set Up a Clothesline for the Summer

If you want to save money on your energy bills during the summer months and boost your energy efficiency, install a clothesline to dry clothes instead of using the dryer. Not only will your clothes smell fresh, but you’ll also be doing the environment a big favour.

If you’d like to learn more about our exterior renovation services, check out our website today or call 705-725-4977 anytime to get a free quote.