Top ten tips for summer maintenance

Summer has arrived and with its warm breezes come many maintenance concerns and seasonal chores for homeowners. In addition to the inevitable mowing, tree trimming, and other section maintenance, summer is also a great time to step up maintenance efforts around the home. With minimal effort and time, quarterly home maintenance and preventative measures can keep all areas of the home in good condition for years to come and save on costly unexpected repairs.

With minimal effort and time, quarterly home maintenance and preventative measures can keep all areas of the home in good condition for years to come and save on costly unexpected repairs.

Tip 1: Clean and seal decks. Ideally, three consecutive warm, sunny days will be needed. On the first day, dry out the deck. Apply deck cleaner and scrub the deck on the second day, and let it dry 24 hours. On the third day, apply deck sealer.

Tip 2: Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean chimneys. Taking care of this task in the summer—rather than in the peak autumn season—allows plenty of time for repairs before the winter.  It’s also easier to schedule a sweep than during the busy autumn season, and sometimes, rates can be lower as a result of off-season discounts.  Better still, it means that Santa will have a safe and clean entry on Christmas Eve!

Tip 3: Wash the exterior of your house using ordinary garden hose pressure and a mild detergent. Pressure washers are not always the best idea—they are powerful enough to force water under the cladding, where it can encourage mildew and rot. If more major washing is truly in order, hire a professional.

Tip 4: Test your Smoke alarms and replace the batteries if you didn’t already do so when the Daylight Saving hours changed.

Tip 5: Clean lint from the entire clothes dryer vent system, from the dryer to the exterior vent cap. Because lint is incredibly flammable, this common build up can create a fire hazard.

Tip 6: Check the operation and condition of attic fans and ceiling ventilation systems. These systems run on little energy and can greatly reduce cooling costs—not to mention increasing comfort inside the home during a hot and humid summer.

Tip 7: Repair cracks in concrete patios and driveways. For most cracks less than 1/4”, applying concrete caulk is a good way to make repairs. Clean the crack out with a high-pressure hose nozzle, let it dry, and apply the caulk into the crack. For larger cracks, substitute concrete patch for caulk. Whether the cracks are large or small, repair is necessary because water that finds its way into cracks will soften the ground underneath and cause more cracking. Prevention is key to avoiding costly future repairs.

Tip 8: Clean out and repair rain gutters. For clogged downpipes, try using barbecue tongs to reach in and remove leaves.

Tip 9: Wash all windows inside and out and clean out the drain holes in aluminium joinery.

Tip 10: Heading away on Holiday?  Remember to turn off all unnecessary power outlets, postpone the newspaper deliveries and have someone clear your letterbox regularly.  It is also a good idea to have a neighbour park their car in your driveway. 

Most of all, whatever maintenance you’re doing, remember to be safe.  Ladders, water, electricity and tools are all potential hazards.  Think through the job at hand with a little planning around safety and you and your family can enjoy a happy and safe summer season.