Property Maintenance for Summer

Property Maintenance for Summer
Seasons
May 26, 2023


Introduction


You've got the best lawnmower and the most powerful hose, but you still can't beat nature. During the summer months, it's essential that your home is in good shape so it can withstand intense temperature fluctuations as well as any natural disasters like rain or windstorms. The key to keeping your house safe from these elements is paying attention to your foundation, walls and windows. Here are some easy maintenance steps to keep in mind this summer:


Replace your HVAC filter


Make sure to replace your HVAC filter every 3 months. A dirty filter can cause your HVAC system to work harder and use more energy, which will cost you money on your utility bills. A clean filter also helps keep your home comfortable and reduce allergens, so it's important that you change them regularly! You can buy a new filter at a hardware store or online if needed.

Check for leaky windows and doors


Check for signs of water damage. Look around your home to see if there are any signs of water damage, such as mold or rot. Check the basement and attic, as well as under sinks and in bathrooms. If there is any damage, make sure you fix it right away!
Check for signs of mold. Mold can grow anywhere moisture has been present for an extended period of time--so check behind appliances such as stoves and refrigerators too! If you find any molds growing on these surfaces or elsewhere in your home (such as on walls), remove them immediately with an anti-fungal cleaner like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes or Lysol Kitchen Cleaner with Bleach . You may also want to consider contacting an expert at this point; if left untreated for too long molds can become dangerous health hazards themselves!

Mow your lawn


Mow your lawn regularly. If you're one of those people who leaves their mower in the garage until spring, it's time to change your ways. Mowing regularly keeps the grass healthy and helps prevent disease and pest problems, but don't cut it too short! A good rule of thumb when deciding how often to mow: if there are more than two inches of growth, then it's time for a trimming session. Don't leave clippings on your lawn either--they'll make it look messy over time (and they can also become a breeding ground for fungus).
Don't mow when the grass is wet or dry: wet blades tend to break off at sharp angles rather than cleanly slicing through stems; dry blades dull quickly due to friction against other parts within the machine such as gears or bearings--this leads us back towards our first point about keeping them sharpened! Also avoid cutting during extremely hot weather since this can damage plants' roots which need oxygenated soil around them so they stay healthy enough throughout summer months without dying off completely due to lack thereof.


Check the ground around trees and shrubs for signs of damage from insects, disease or animal activity

  • If you spot any of these things, call a professional to help you
  • Insects such as caterpillars or beetles that have been feeding on leaves or roots; they can leave behind telltale webbing and droppings (caterpillar poop) when they move on to another plant
  • Signs of plant diseases such as leaf spots or wilting due to fungal infections


Clean gutters, downspouts and rain barrels

  • Gutter cleaning should be done every year by a professional to avoid clogs that can cause damage to your home's exterior.
  • Downspout cleaning should be done every two years or as needed (if there are signs of rust). If you have an older home with galvanized metal downspouts, it's best to replace them with PVC or polyvinyl-coated steel ones for safety reasons--especially if you live near salt water.
  • Rain barrel maintenance is recommended every three years because algae can grow inside if it isn't cleaned often enough, which can affect plants' health by depriving them of oxygen or releasing toxins into the soil around them
    Inspect the foundation of the house for cracks or other damage caused by shifting soil or shifting temperatures throughout the year.


Inspect the foundation of your home for cracks or other damage caused by shifting soil or shifting temperatures throughout the year

Check for signs of water damage to the foundation, such as mold or mildew, which can indicate a leak in one of your pipes. Inspect around windows and doors, looking for gaps where pests can enter your home.

Inspecting Your Roof


Check that all shingles are properly installed and free from cracks or missing pieces. Look at vents and make sure they're clear of debris that could block airflow through them; if not visible from ground level (such as those atop dormers), climb up on ladders to check these areas out!


Summer is a great time to make sure your home's infrastructure is still in good shape

Here are some things you can check for:

  • Leaks. If you suspect that there are leaks, check the roof and plumbing for signs of moisture damage or mold growth (mold can cause respiratory problems).
  • Pests. If pests have been getting into your house through cracks in the foundation, it's best to call an exterminator as soon as possible before they spread any diseases throughout the rest of your home.
  • Mold growth on walls and floors could indicate foundation damage or water leakage issues; if left untreated, this can lead to serious health problems down the line!


Conclusion


If you're looking for ways to improve your home's infrastructure, summer is an excellent time to do so. With all of the above tips, you can ensure that your home will stay in good shape for years to come!

Written by
Brian Borchert

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