Don’t Sweat It! Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Summer is the time of the year most of us long for. If you live in the northeast then summer is always on your mind. Beaches, biking, hiking, outdoor activities and just hanging out on the deck grilling your dinner, all these activities say, summer is here!
In addition to all that relaxing, summer is a great time to get a few things done around the house. We asked our Emergency Moving Expert, Joe Geary, to share what he thinks are the most important summer home maintenance tips.

Gutters

Summer is a great time to clean out those gutters and take care of any drainage issues that can cause damage to your home. If you have any kind of pine trees, your gutters can get filled up quickly in the fall with pine needles. Those need to be removed before any type of heavy rain comes in. you’ll also want to inspect your property for any other types of drainage issues.

Air Conditioners

If you haven’t already, get your air conditioners tuned up. Don’t wait until that 95 degree day when they fail to start complaining. Plus, if you do wait, and have to go buy one at the home improvement store, you’ll have slim pickings to choose from. Get them serviced now before it’s too late.

Heating System

By the same token, get your heating system serviced. That first cold night will be even colder if you wait to find out if your heating system is still working properly.

Roof

It’s also a great time to have your roof inspected. For many reasons, you want to make sure your roof is in good shape and free from potential leaks. Water damage which we’ve talked about can be a home’s worst nightmare aside from a fire so get your roof looked at. Plus, all types of animals and critters can access your home through the roof so it’s best to solve those issue in the warm weather. While you’re at it, check the attic if you have one as well as any exterior issues such as loose siding or clapboards.

Windows

Clean those windows! Yes, we all dislike cleaning windows but it’s a great time to do this, or have someone else do it. First, you’ll have clean windows. It’s remarkable after a winter what you can see through clean windows. But, it’s also an opportunity to see if any of your windows are leaking or there are any structural issues around the window casings.

Garage

Clean out that garage. While a cluttered garage can be stressful, it can also be a fire hazard. If you’re like many of us, we stuff items in our garage all winter long and don’t really pay any attention to them. If you have lawnmowers and gas stored in there, the potential for a fire is greatly enhanced. Plus, a clean garage feels great!

Trees & Landscaping

The summer is also a great time to cut back any trees that might be encroaching on your home. Trimming any tress that are hanging over any roof line will go a long way in preventing any type of damage created by storms during the winter months.

Emergency Contact List

The summer is also a great time to update any type of emergency list. Numbers you want to have include police and fire and your insurance company or agent. But phone numbers you might not have thought of include a tree company, a moving company if you have a home emergency and need to get things out of your home, and of course any others such as your electrician, plumber and others.

Once you get this list done, you’re free to enjoy the rest of your summer. So relax and enjoy your home!