A home is a great investment of your money and time. As you spend most of your time here, you want to ensure that our home is safe, comfortable, and healthy. With the different seasons and their weather effects on your home, there are various proactive steps you should take to maintain and safeguard your home. Proper repair and maintenance of the home make it very functional, improve the curb appeal, lower the risk of damage, and increase the resale value.
The extreme heat and humidity of summer bring in issues, affecting the health of your home and the comfort of your family. We have compiled a list of things that you can regularly check and repair to ensure freshness and fun at home during summer.
Prioritize sidewalk repairs
As winter passes by, you may find damages to your sidewalks, like deep cracks, sinking slabs, and saplings due to freeze-thaw cycles or the use of harsh deicing chemicals to remove snow.
Ignoring these issues can lead to violation notices from the DOT and fines or penalties if someone gets hurt due to the damaged surface.
To repair sidewalk damages, hiring local sidewalk contractors can make the process faster, more efficient, and long-lasting.
Some key considerations to keep in mind :
- Use only top-quality material that can withstand the extreme weather conditions.
- Repairing during milder summer days can aid in proper curing of concrete.
- Applying sealant to the surface will protect it from moisture and future damages.
- Using less harsh de-icing salts will avoid sapling and other wear and tear.
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Inspect the HVAC System
To defeat the heat and humidity of summer, you need a well-functioning HVAC system. As these devices operate all year round, they are prone to wear and tear. And the last thing you want in summer is the lack of ventilation and air conditioning.
Air quality is very important for the overall health of the family. The HVAC system maintains the proper temperature, ensures air circulation, and dispels stale and polluted air for a comfortable and healthy home. Maintain the HVAC for the summer with these steps:
- Clear the outer AC units of dust, dirt, and debris for proper functioning.
- Inspect all the devices for any functionality issues and repair them immediately.
- Change the filters and coils every three months to ensure safe and clean air is regulated inside the house.
- Vents and ductwork should be checked for any blockage and damage.
These will ensure that you have a properly functioning HVAC unit. Regular inspection and repair will prevent any severe damage by water or dirt. A malfunctioning system can cause a foul smell, unsafe air, heating, and electrical problems that might even cause a fire. For the safety of the house and lower energy bills, you want to make sure your HVAC is working properly for summer.
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Freshen up the Landscape
Landscaping usually feels like an aesthetic addition to the home. It actually has health and environmental benefits if executed correctly. Along with a lush green view and fresh air, your landscape manages the soil and water around the house to protect the house’s structure and add ecological value to the house. It also provides shade and an outdoor space for various events and activities. You want to keep the space ready for summer hangouts and parties by Following these steps:
- Choose the correct plants like herbs that repel insects and flowers that help in pollination.
- Trimming the hedges and pruning the trees on time will give your garden a clean and fresh look, reduce mess, and prevent debris from clogging drains.
- Planting repellants like Rue around compost bins, trash cans, and other containers helps to repel flies, fleas, and other pests.
- Remove or grind tree stumps for a leveled garden area that allows for outdoor activities and avoids tripping accidents.
- Cut down tree branches that are likely to disturb the house and damage the exterior, especially the roof shingles.
Weatherproof the House
Your house should be ready for all kinds of challenges by the weather. Whether the heat, rain, hail, or storms, each and every part of the house should be strengthened and supported to fight with the external components. Follow the steps below for a strong army against the weather:
- Check for damage to the shingles, fastings, insulating materials, and other components of the roof and fix the cracks and leaks.
- You can also check the sidings, decks, patios, and other exterior spaces for any weather damage and paint or polish them for extra protection.
- The basement is essential to maintaining the structural integrity, temperature, and overall health of the house. It can be used as a utility room, a living space for the family, a workspace, and a storage space. The basement is highly prone to water damage with signs like water leaks, mold, mildew, and pest infestations. Prepare the basement for rain and get your foundation repair from professionals to prevent future water damage.
Deep Clean the Indoors
Your house provides a respite from all the summer heat and humidity. It should be fresh, clean, and hygienic to fight the dullness and fatigue of summer. It is the right time to take care of the indoors by following these basic cleaning steps:
- Declutter the house by letting go of unwanted or unused things in your home.
- Use the attic and basement for storage so that the rest of the house is organized and spacious.
- Clean the neglected space like the carpets, ceiling fans, top of the cabinets, and other hard to reach spaces to get rid of settled dust and dirt that can pollute the indoor air and damage the appliances.
- Clean the mattresses, pillows and rugs and leave them to soak in the sunlight and kill allergens.
Control the Pests
Pests like flies, spiders, rodents, and others are very common in the summer months. While you cannot get rid of them completely, you can prepare your home and property to repel them and keep them away from sharing your home. Dealing with pesky pests requires some preventive measures to ensure they stay out of your living space.
- Check the basement, garage, and attic for any kind of pest infestation.
- Check the floors and walls for any cracks, holes, or leaks that could let pests in.
- Check for water damage that could create a breeding ground for pests and molds.
- Keep glue trap boards on pest-infested areas and professional deterrents for future infestations.
Inspect and Repair Damages
The house should be fully armed and guarded for the summer. The heat, humidity, and rain will make life difficult and uneasy. You do not want to be bothered by additional tasks of foundation repair and structural damage during the hottest of days.
Inspect the house for damage, from the basement to the roof. You can easily handle small fixes like clearing gutters and spouts, pruning the garden, and simpler plumbing tasks. For more severe issues like damage by water, fire, or storms, you should contact your reliable and expert professional service.
Conclusion
Summer months are the harshest on your home, and you want it to be ready for the worst weather conditions. Inspecting and repairing different components, like the HVAC system, weatherproofing the house, managing the landscape, and controlling pests, will help you lower the risks of damage during summer. These maintenance tricks will allow you to enjoy a comfortable and healthy atmosphere, protect the house from structural damage, and improve its resale value.