Though we usually think to protect our home from cold and inclement weather, there are also important steps to take to get ready for summer. Follow these simple steps to get your house ready for the warm weather months.
Safety check
- Heating and cooling: This is the time to change the filter in your heating/cooling system and get the heater serviced. There is less demand as the weather warms, which means shorter waits and perhaps lower service rates.
- Check the ducts: If you suspect that dampness may have entered your ducts, now is the time to get them cleaned and checked for mold. Warm weather moisture and dampness from your air conditioner can foster the growth of mold, which is bad news for your family’s health. As a rule of thumb, homes with daily use of heating/cooling systems should have ducts checked yearly.
- Fire safety: Change out batteries in your smoke detectors. Also, make sure that fire extinguishers are in key places around your home, such as the laundry room.
- Fireplace: Consider having your chimney checked and cleaned as well to remove residue that built up during winter use.
Inspect the deck
- Check the boards: Rain and sun can take their toll on your deck, so now is the time to nail down loose boards and apply a sealant to protect the wood from water.
- Crack check: If you have a concrete patio or walkways around your home, check for cracks and separation. Resurface or apply filler to any problem areas. The deeper cracks get, the more difficult is it to repair damage caused by shifting earth underneath.
Roof first aid
- Inspect for damage: Check for missing shingles, cracks, moss or damage from fallen tree limbs. Have any damaged areas fixed immediately, as roof repairs can be very costly. If you are not comfortable getting up on your own roof, contact a professional roofing service, who can also make the repairs.
- Gutters: This is also the time to clear gutters of leaves, branches and other debris.
Swimming pool
- Be sure to check that all systems are working, including the filter and heater, if you have one.
- Inspect for any cracks in the tile and in the pool itself or tears in the liner and have them repaired immediately.
- Check the diving board to be sure all bolts are properly tightened.
- Time for good cleaning of dirt and leaves and making sure that the chemical levels are balanced.
- Be sure your yard is properly fenced, according to local codes, to keep unattended children out.
Get the yard ready
- Check garden hoses for splits and cracks.
- Clean yard furniture and turn upside down for drying. Wooden picnic tables can be cleaned with vinegar diluted in water; plastic furniture with dish soap and water; and wicker with a clean paint brush or your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment.
- Check bolts on swing sets and play structures and look out for any loose attachments or exposed metal edges.
- Clean barbecue grills with dish soap and water. Rinse and dry well.
- Empty and clean bird feeders.
- Replace all blown-out outdoor lights.
Check windows and doors
- Caulk any gaps around window or door frames.
- Remove storm windows and put up screens. Be sure to clean windows outside while you’re at it.
- Make sure that all windows open easily when unlocked.
- Check locks on all exterior doors and windows.
Now that you’ve performed home maintenance inside and out, you can rest assured that your most valuable asset is ready to greet the warm months ahead. So invite your friends, fire up the grill and put on the mosquito repellant — you’re ready to dive into summer.
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