Summer is here! Is your house ready to handle the heat?

With temperatures gradually increasing, summer’s sunshine is undoubtedly making its way to stay in Texas for the next few months. But with the summiting degree weather comes possible damage threats and the need for maintenance on one’s home in order to survive the conditions. By focusing a bit of time on your house, you can rest easy during the remainder of the summer, knowing that your property is sufficiently prepared for the weather ahead.

The best way to not get overwhelmed when it comes to home maintenance is to break up the property into these sections respectively: exterior, interior, garage, and walkways. By giving yourself a month-deadline and dedicating one weekend to each of these sections, you can efficiently and calmly upkeep your house without any added stress.

Maintain Your Garden at HomeStart with the exterior. This includes your property’s landscape. With the sun shining and heating everything up, now is the time to give your house a “bath.” Using a garden hose, wash your windows and your house’s siding. If you can do so safely, also try to clean your rain gutters, as the harsh winter weather may have caused buildup. By cleaning your home’s “canvas”, so to speak, you can better check for damage (including termites, paint peeling, and any missing aluminum or vinyl parts). If you do notice damage, the next step would be to assess and correct it. If not, it is time to move on to the landscape. Gardens are the “show-and-tell” of house up-keeping, and are often times a stranger’s first impression marker of the resident within. Although it may seem tedious, set out some time to mulch and weed your garden. You should also plan a time to water your lawn in the morning, whether by hand or sprinkler (as allowed by your state’s water supply).

When you have finished your first maintenance weekend, give yourself a pat on the back! The hardest and longest part is over. If you accomplished the first section, the rest should be smooth sailing. Now, it is time to move on to the interior. Texas can get up to dangerously high degrees in the summer (last summer was Texas’ record for the hottest summer in years!). If you haven’t done so already, make an appointment with your air conditioning system provider in order to check for efficiency. This will not only allow for a check-up to make sure your unit won’t break down on you during the heat peaks, but will also provide for a verification that your air conditioner is energy efficient and is not sky-rocketing your electricity bills. Also consider dusting and using your ceiling fans, instead, in order to save on energy while keeping cool. The last step in this section is to check for air leaks in your doors and windows. While seemingly small, these leaks can not only let out your paid-for cool air, but can let unwanted critters in.

Fill any cracks on your property!Two down, two more to go! Let’s focus on that garage. Because temperatures soar so high, it is unsafe to store combustive chemicals and heat-sensitive products in your garage. Either move them to somewhere cooler indoors, or dispose of them properly. It is also important to check the floor for any oil leaks. If you see any, have your car checked out. If you have children, make sure to child-proof your garage by placing dangerous objects above reach and putting a childproof lock on the garage’s door (if your garage is attached). Check the corners for any spiders or other pests.

With the first three down, you are only one week away towards summer-proofing your home! The last section is the most simple to assess, but it is just as important as the other three. Check your driveway and walkways around your home for any cracks or uneven pavement. Although it may seem like a hassle, do your part to remedy the situation if you should find any. While it may seem like a nuisance, fixing a crack can prevent potential injuries from slips and falls. Use an effective weed killer or boiled water to remove any weeds in between the pavement.

Once accomplishing these four sections, give yourself a pat on the back, and relax and enjoy your summer-ready home! A little love goes a long way towards a safe, happy home. Good luck on your house maintenance! If you need more information on how to better treat your home for summer weather, be sure to check out Summer Maintenance for Your Home . Have a wonderful summer!

Author
atomicdc