Spruce up your home this summer with this handy checklist.
Summer is the perfect time of year to tackle those home maintenance projects you’ve been meaning to take care of all year. The days are never longer, the weather is sunnier, and the laid back nature of the season means you’ll have more time. The only question is where to start. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with our summer maintenance checklist. Here are a few things you’ll want to knock out:
Inspect Your House’s Roofing and Siding
Winter and spring, with their extreme storms, can take a toll on your roof and siding. Summer is a great time to take a look at your roofing and siding to make sure nothing’s loose or rotted. If you don’t have any experience walking on the roof, you may want to call in a professional for a full inspection. However, from the ground, you may be able to notice missing shingles or discoloration that spells roof rot. When it comes to siding, look for areas where the wood might be softened or discolored, or areas where the siding might be pulling away from the wall.
Clean Your Grill
What’s summer without at least one good barbeque? Summer is the perfect season for dinner by the grill, but if you haven’t used your grill since last year, it’s time for a thorough cleaning. If you have a charcoal grill, empty it of any charcoal residue and tackle the inside and outside of the grill with hot water and dish soap. With a gas grill, first you’ll want to close the lid, turn the heat on high, and allow it to “cook” for half an hour. Once that’s done and the grill is cooled, brush the grill down, clean the outside with a cleaner and sponge or rag, and empty the drip trays. Then you’re ready to grill!
Sweep Off the Porch, Deck, Or Patio
In summer, you’ll probably want to take advantage of your outdoor spaces. Now is the time to sweep off your porch, deck, or patio, as well as any outdoor furniture that might be there. The porch can be scrubbed down with cleaner, and the deck might need to be re-stained, depending on the shape of it. If you have a cement patio, hosing it down with water might be the solution.
Wash Your Windows
Let that beautiful sunshine into your home! Summer is a great time of year to wash your windows so you can take full advantage of the weather. Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaner and a microfibre cloth to wipe down both the inside and outside, as well as the frame. Then enjoy the view.
Add Mulch to the Garden
Tired of weeds and dry plants in your garden? Add a layer of mulch. This will help to keep moisture in, as well as reduce the risk of weeds. Your garden should flourish this summer, offering you beautiful sights or tasty herbs or both, depending on the type of garden you have.
Clear Your Roof Gutters
Good roof gutters are essential to roof health. Make sure to clear out any leaves, sticks, or other debris that might be clogging your gutters and keeping water from being funneled through them. You may want to invest in gutter guards to help keep debris out while allowing water in.
Has your summer home maintenance exposed an issue with your roof? Let Montgomery Winslow help, with an inspection, repair, or even a replacement roof. Contact us today for more information or a free estimate.