As a responsible homeowner, you know how important it is to keep up with seasonal home maintenance. Take advantage of the warmer days and spruce up the outside of your house this summer. Not sure where to begin? Simply follow this home maintenance checklist.
- Pressure wash the exterior: If your driveway, sidewalks, patio, deck and siding look dingy and grimy, pressure washing is a fast and easy way to make them look like new again. You can rent a pressure washer or hire a professional to do the job for you.
- Paint or stain your deck: A little summer maintenance can beautify and extend the life of your wood deck. Follow these outdoor painting and staining tips for the best results.
- Wash and repair your windows: An interior and exterior wash will leave your window panes looking fresh and clean. Replace any cracked glass as well, and apply caulk and weatherstripping to keep hot, humid air out.
- Clean and fix up your gutters: The next time it rains, head outside and observe the flow from your gutters. If you didn’t clean them this past spring, chances are they’re clogged with leaves, twigs and other debris. Some gutters may even be loose. Clean and fix them to help prevent water damage from storms.
- Eliminate standing water from the yard: To minimize mosquitoes on your property, remove bird fountains, pet bowls, kiddie pools, rain barrels, and other sources of standing water.
- Trim your trees: First, remove any branches that hang over your roof. Then, assess whether any of your trees are sickly or growing too close to the foundation. If so, have the trees removed to eliminate the risk of property damage.
- Maintain your grill: Scrub the grates clean with a grill brush if you skipped this step last fall. Also, check the hoses of your gas grill for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Then, remember to place your grill at least 10 feet from any structures and away from low-hanging branches before firing it up.
- Paint the house: Touch up areas of chipped or peeling paint yourself, or arrange to have your entire house repainted. Choosing a light color can help reduce heat gain through the walls.
- Replace damaged siding or shutters: Keep moisture, pests, and debris carried on the wind out of your home by repairing your siding and window shutters as needed.
- Repair leaning fences: Water and insects can take their toll on wood fencing. Repair your fence or replace it with a sturdy, modern material.
Performing summer home maintenance improves your curb appeal, boosts resale value, and reduces the risk of property damage. If you experience flooding, wind damage, or a house fire this summer, turn to DKI for help. Our responsive team provides 24-hour emergency restoration services to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible. Contact us online or call 877-533-0210 today to request the home restoration services you need.