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How do you summer-ize your home? If you’re like many people, you don’t. Many homeowners understand that the coming of winter indicates that it’s time to undertake a little extra work to prep their home for a harsh season. But summer? Isn’t summer supposed to be easy on your home?
In fact, there are home maintenance routines that you should be performing when summer rolls around. The good news is that it’s generally easier (and less expensive!) than winterizing your home. Here’s how to get your home ready for summer.
Get Decked Out
Your poor deck has probably been covered under the weight of snow for months: finally, it has a chance to shine and be used! Before pulling out the patio furniture, you’ll want to dedicate a little time and effort towards tidying up your deck.
Begin by cleaning the deck with a high-pressure power washer—these are available for rent. Washing the deck will brighten it up. While you’re at it, use the power washer to clean up the driveway and surrounding sidewalks.
Now, it’s time to reseal the deck with a fresh coat of deck sealer. This will keep help maintain the color and will prevent the wood from cracking and splitting. Added bonus: maintaining your deck year after year will help extend its life.
Don’t Lose Your Cool
Don’t wait until the first unbearably muggy day of summer to turn on your air conditioning—only to find out it isn’t working properly!
Start by removing and cleaning the filters (hire a professional servicer if you have central air-conditioning), then turn it on to make sure that everything is in proper working order. Do this before the summer rush—or risk being placed on a multi-day waiting list.
Before You Fire Up the Grill…
Unless you live in one of those magical places where it’s summer year-round, you probably haven’t used your grill much this season. Give it a thorough cleaning before enjoying your first grilled meal.
Gas grills can be cleaning by turning the grill on high for half an hour, with the lid closed. Once the grill has cooled down, simply use a grill brush to scrub it down. Charcoal grills should be emptied and wiped down. Don’t forget the exterior of the grill: wipe it down with water and a gentle detergent.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Gardening and summertime go hand in hand: prep for the season by pruning and deadheading plants. Don’t forget to do a once over of plants around the house and driveway that could be penetrating the foundation or siding—if that’s the case, then remove the offenders. Tackle weeds before they start by spreading a fresh layer of mulch over the ground.
The Perfect Window of Opportunity
Replacing windows in winter months is not ideal—it’s bound to get a little drafty. If you have any work to do on windows, make it a summertime project. Even if you’re just priming and painting windows trim, this is the time to do it.
Put Out Fires
You can put your fireplace to rest (for now), but first, clean it out thoroughly. Sweep out the chimney, and consider having it inspected to identify any problems that might have come up over winter.
Check It—Twice
Summer signals the mid-point of the year. Once you’ve wrapped your head around the fact that we’re nearly halfway through the year, seize the opportunity to complete all those tasks that need to be done twice a year. For instance, check the batteries on all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
Don’t Forget About the Inside!
Summer means making a few adjustments inside your house, too. Lighten up by swapping out heavy comforters for lighter options to keep you cool as the mercury rises. A light fleece blanket might be all that you need for the summer, or an all-season comforter (which is less toasty that winter comforters) could do just the trick!
