With summer approaching, it’s time to prepare your house for the hot months ahead. After winter, your home will most likely require some work and maintenance in preparation for summer. Starting work early in the year can help reduce costs and improve your home’s health. The potential spills and water damage may warrant using a buffer tank during the spring cleaning, especially if you are aiming for some deep cleaning for your property.
Getting your house ready for summer may seem to be a time-consuming and unnecessary effort. However, the financial benefits will outweigh any irritations. Having well-insulated windows, a well-functioning HVAC system, and good plumbing may significantly reduce your energy expenses throughout the summer.
Roof
A short inspection of your roof and home’s exterior may show minor problems developed during the winter, and they may be remedied before they become significant concerns. Check for crooked, damaged, or missing shingles since these may all allow water to enter. Inspect the flashing for rust and the caulk around pipes or skylights to ensure it hasn’t broken. Regularly check the chimney and the seams between the bricks or blocks for broken pieces or vegetation growing in them. Both might be indicators of a water issue.
Windows
Clean your windows on a cloudy day. Otherwise, the sun may heat the substance too quickly, resulting in streaks. While you’re cleaning, consider how your windows fared through the winter. Examine the area for evidence of dry rot or water damage. Check the seals around the windows and re-caulk, re-paint, or replace any damaged weather stripping. The incoming warm weather will help keep the hot air out and the cold air.
Finally, clean and check your window screens, fix any damages, and replace them in your windows. Use a hose and a light detergent to wash them, but don’t pressure wash them since the power of the spray might harm them. You can purchase a kit at most home improvement or hardware shops to fix broken screens.
Cleaning
Clean out any furniture that has been sitting in storage for a while. Metal components should be inspected for corrosion and treated with a rust preventive. Start from the roof and move downwards. The gutters and drains need a regular inspection to keep them clear of dried leaves and other debris. Blocked drains can cause leaks and may also damage the roof and walls. Clearing your gutters reduces the possibility of water damage.
Water
Even with clean gutters and drains, water accumulated during winter may flow to your basement via the leader pipes. It is essential to dig trenches and install underground pipes to divert roof water from your house. You must also ensure that landscaping is slanted away from your home.
Insulation
By having professionally installed insulation, you may save money on your annual energy costs. Almost a quarter of the generated heat in your house is lost via the roof. Hence, you need to insulate the loft and attic to keep your heating costs low. Insulating a hollow wall also helps to reduce utility expenditures. If you do not have enough funds to pay for the cost of installing insulation, you may seek government grants and programs to help pay for such projects.
Yard
You may preserve most trees injured during winter storms if you take sufficient precautions. Hire a qualified arborist to assess your property and assist you in identifying and removing rotten trees or curing those that may be spared. Remember that several decorations may revitalize your room. Add some plants and flowers. You may also install grow lights if you want them to develop more quickly.
Chimney
If you haven’t cleaned your chimney in a long time, you should engage a professional to do it. Because the chimney tends to fill up throughout the winter months, summer is ideal for cleaning it. Having your chimney cleaned may dramatically reduce the danger of a chimney fire.
Damages
Driveways and pavements need regular care. You should also add the back porch, patio, or gazebo to the repair and maintenance list. Repairing and sealing cracked joints or cracks in the masonry may help to avoid a much worse issue from developing. Wooden decks and railings should also be stained for water protection and sealed to prevent insect damage, rotting, and splintering.
Takeaway
Considering that your house will most likely need more significant maintenance to be operational during the summer, beginning measures early in the year will assist reduce energy expenses while also improving the efficiency and longevity of your house’s components. Regular upkeep is crucial if you want to keep your home’s value stable. When the seasons change, take the opportunity to freshen up your home’s exterior and inside and make any required repairs.
