As the temperatures rise and the days are longer, there is no better time to perform some summer home maintenance. Here are a few projects to tackle to maintain your property and boost curb appeal.
Summer Home Maintenance Checklist
Maintaining your property improves its curb appeal and potentially boosts its value. Here are a few tasks to add to your summer home maintenance list this year.
1. Power Wash the Sidewalks and Driveway
This summer, start by thoroughly inspecting and cleaning your driveway, sidewalks, patio, and deck. For the best result, use a pressure washer. If you don’t have one, rent one at a local home improvement store.
Before you begin pressure washing, inspect driveways and walkways for cracks and other signs of damage. If the cracks are of considerable size, repair them sooner rather than later.
While you have the pressure washer, wash the exterior of your home to remove dirt and mildew.
2. Summer Home Maintenance: Clean the Gutters
Since thunderstorms are expected during summer, make sure the gutters are clean and clear of debris. Clear gutters allow rainwater to move smoothly through the channels and away from your home’s foundation.
Use a ladder to perform an inspection of the gutters. Remove twigs, leaves, and debris while checking for holes and damage. After cleaning, use the garden hose to rinse the gutters and verify the water flow.
3. Maintain the Landscape
Make your property more attractive by taking care of your yard, including the lawn, shrubs, and trees. Begin by pruning dead limbs from trees and pulling weeds from the garden beds. Add a fresh layer of mulch to your flower beds to keep weeds at bay and help the plants retain moisture. Trim the shrubs, mow the lawn, and add new plants to brighten the garden.
4. Upgrade the Windows
Although this task is generally left to the professional, replacing old windows will improve your home’s energy efficiency. Modern windows are better insulated and more airtight than older models, keeping the cool air inside and the hot air outside. They will also reduce your energy bills for years to come.
5. Take Care of Roof Maintenance
Keep your home protected from the elements by maintaining the roof. Inspect the area, looking for broken or missing shingles, rusted flashing, and mold or algae growth. Hire a professional to make repairs and replace damaged materials. Mold or algae may begin to form if the shingles are nearing the end of their life span. Moisture can seep into the roofing materials, creating an environment conducive to mold, mildew, and algae growth.
These tasks are just a few of the summer home maintenance projects you can perform to keep your property looking great. They serve as an excellent start to improving the exterior appearance and the energy efficiency of your home.
Elite Home Inspections provides inspections to home buyers and sellers in Louisville and the surrounding areas of Kentucky. Contact us to schedule our services.