In order to ensure your home remains in tip top shape, your home needs a little TLC at various times throughout the year.  There are certain tasks that you will want to tackle in the summer months versus the winter months.  Take a peek at our list of Summer Home Maintenance items to conquer during the next few months.

Air Conditioning Tune Up & Service

The last thing any homeowner wants to have happen is to arrive home after a long day at the office and discover a sizzling hot home. In order to prevent this from occurring it is wise to have your go to HVAC service professional do a once over on your air conditioning and heating unit twice a year, once at the beginning of summer and again just before winter. Have the professional complete a full tune up including cleaning the interior of the condenser and check for separated ducting in the attic. Lastly, be sure to change your air conditioning filters once a month for optimal performance.  A good rule of thumb is change the air filters when you pay your mortgage payment each month.

Roof Checkup

With the spring rainy season behind us, it is time for another roof checkup.  Tree branches touching the roof line and heavy rains cause granule loss over time or nails heads that are no longer sporting caulking allow water to penetrate inside the attic.  Most roofing companies will swing by to inspect the roof at no cost.  Beware and steer clear of companies that will want to charge you for an inspection.  It is advised to also have the roofing professional gain access to the attic to also inspect the roof decking underneath the roof. This additional layer of inspection will indicate any recent or prior signs of roofing issues.

Window & Door Check

Check the caulking around windows and weather stripping around exterior and garage doors is something to tackle to ensure air conditioned air isn’t escaping from your home. Over the course of years varying hot and cold temperatures, caulking and weather stripping begins to break down. This is also a great time to stand back and look at each window just after the sun rises. If you see any color discoloration (think prisms) or fogginess, it may be time to consult a window professional to take an additional peek as windows that have broken seals allow the outside air to escape in and inside air escape outside.  Once you have checked the windows and the exterior caulking has been dry for a few days, remove your solar screens and wash the windows.

Check Detectors

Once a year at the minimum or twice a year if you have small children or someone elderly living in your home, you should have the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors checked to ensure they are fully operational. It is wise to replace the batteries in each detector at the time of inspection. The last thing any homeowner wants is to have a 2 a.m. wake up call due to a chirping detector in need of a fresh battery.

Deck Maintenance

Analyze your deck for any signs of rotting. Hammer any nails that are trying to wiggle themselves free. Investigate if it is time to re-seal the deck. Spay water on the deck, if the water beads your deck is in good shape but if the water soaks right in it’s time for a fresh coat of sealer.  Before resealing a deck, but sure to sand down any rough portions to prevent a even coat and to be sure those who trek across the deck barefoot do not get a splinter in a toe.

Clean Gutters

Take advantage of dry weather to clear debris from your gutters. Once cleaned insert a water hose into the gutter aiming the hose for the down pipe/spout to ensure all debris has been removed.  After being cleaned, investigate the possibilities of installing gutter covers to help with future maintenance.  If you do not have gutters, this might be a good time to check into having them installed but be sure that downspouts flow away from the foundation.  Too much water near the foundation is never good.

Exterminate for Critters

Summer is the time of the year when tiny critters try to escape the harsh outdoor temperature for your cooler A/C’d climate. If you do not use a regular pest control company visit your local hardware/gardening store to pick up a solution that will combat ants, spiders and scorpions.

Spruce Up the Exterior

If your home is due for a fresh coat of paint, now is the time to tackle it. Blistering or cracking paint can lead to wood rot.  Typically a fresh coat of exterior paint is due about every 10 to 12 years or earlier in a rainy climate.  Prior to having the house painted, it is suggested to have the home pressure washed – including the brick, stone or siding.