It’s getting warmer and everyone will want to spend more time in the backyard. The kids are thinking about cooling off under the sprinkler or swimming in the pool with friends. You intend on firing up the grill and having people over. These summer home maintenance tasks will help you get your home’s exterior ready for the season.
Put the Spotlight on Your Deck
Outdoor living spaces such as decks, patios, or porches see a lot of action during the summer months, from both the elements and foot traffic. Make the area appealing by washing the deck, patio, or porch. Don’t forget any outdoor furniture that is part of the space – does it need spring cleaning or a total replacement?
Inspect your deck, porch, or patio for worn boards, loose railings, loose hardware, wood rot, and damaged paving stones. Do the deck footings need to be replaced? Are the porch columns showing signs of water damage? Are the cracks in the concrete patio really obvious or the pavers worn or becoming uneven? Whenever the damage is due to moisture-related issues, it can make the structure unsafe if not repaired or replaced.
Get Set, Ready, Splash!
If you have a swimming pool, it will mostly get a lot of use in the summer. Before hosting the neighbourhood pool party, inspect the pool for leaks; ensure pumps and heaters work properly; check filters to see if they need cleaning or replacing. Plan on checking the pH levels daily and thoroughly clean the pool once a week. Also make sure safety equipment and gates are fully operational.
Clean the Gutters
It’s summer, a perfect time to clean the gutters. Even if you cleaned them or had them cleaned earlier in the spring, the gutters and downspouts should be checked for clogs, debris build-up, or damage such as dents and loose hardware. Taking the time to rinse the surface dirt and grime of the outside of the gutters, might not seem like much, but it can really brighten up your home’s exterior.
Clean the Soffits
While you’re up on the ladder, see what the soffits are up to. Soffits help keep the attic cool in summer and well-ventilated in winter. Cleaning them at least once a year is essential in making sure they’re in good shape. First rinse them with a garden hose or a pressure washer on the lowest setting to prevent water from being pushed into the attic. Then, if needed, use a solution of mild dish detergent on soffit panels that are still stained, dirty, or display signs of mold or mildew. Rinse again to remove soap residue either with a hose or a pail of clear water and a soft cloth.
Doors and Windows
Washing the entry doors and windows of your home’s exterior is a simple way to instantly improve your curb appeal. It’s also very budget-friendly, requiring few supplies – a pail, sudsy water, spray window cleaner. To clean the windows use a soft cloth or squeegee with window cleaner or vinegar.
Clean entry doors according to their prime construction material. For wood front doors, use a broom to remove any lingering dust, dirt, and cobwebs. Use a garden hose to rinse it down; wipe dry with a soft cloth. For metal, glass, or a combination of construction materials, wipe glass areas with full-strength vinegar and dry with newspaper; clean metal portions with a damp cloth using water only; clean wood with a small amount of furniture polish to provide additional protection from the elements.
Any metal hardware, doorknobs, and hinges on doors or metal decorative hardware on windows can be cleaned with a little sudsy water. When washing the doors and windows of your home check the weatherstripping to see if it has become worn or cracked. Plan to repair or replace it if it is.
Create Borders with Concrete Pavers
Edging can aesthetically improve the appearance of your property and boost curb appeal. Interlocking pre-cast concrete pavers are relatively easy to install. Create borders with concrete block pavers to separate a grassy lawn from flower beds; define where the lawn ends and the driveway begins; and clearly mark the edge of a walkway – use a different colour of stone for the border than the walkway to create visual interest.
