Putting off home improvement tasks can be extremely risky. The compounded effects can lead to home disasters, which are costly and dangerous. It’s much better to perform routine maintenance on your home to prevent issues.
With warm, sunny weather, and more hours of daylight, summer is the perfect time to put all those design tips you’ve filed away to good use, and finally take care of those home improvement tasks you’ve been putting off. Check out these seven essential home improvement tips, and aim to tackle them all this summer.
1. Powerwash Your Exterior
Your siding and shutters play a huge part in your home’s curb appeal. When they’re dirty, it detracts from the aesthetic of your home. This is especially noticeable in the summer when the bright sunlight illuminates these flaws. Now is the time to make your home shine.
As long as you don’t have painted wood siding, use a powerwasher to easily remove all that grime. Siding cleaner will remove stubborn mold and mildew, dirt, moss, and shingle grit. Be aware that some cleaners contain chemicals which are harmful to plants, animals, and small children, so look for one that meets your specific needs.
Hold the nozzle of the powerwasher straight ahead, at least a foot away from the siding and shutters, for best results. Work carefully around windows, vents, and doors so that water doesn’t find its way inside. Also avoid angling the nozzle, which can allow water to seep behind your siding.
2. Restain Your Deck
If you’ve got a wooden deck, chances are you haven’t restained it in a while. It’s time to change that this summer, before your backyard barbecues and pool parties. This task can be physically challenging, so carefully consider whether you want to DIY this one. A professional may be a better option if you have any limitations.
You probably won’t want to restain your deck every summer, so follow conventional design tips and choose a color that complements your home well. In addition, pick a product that is long-lasting. Follow the directions on the packaging closely for a final product you can brag about. Check out this article for more deck maintenance tips.
3. Replace Windows
Old windows will drastically decrease your home’s energy efficiency. You won’t want to air condition the outdoors this summer, so replace your windows to keep your home cool and your energy bills low.
Installing new windows is no easy task (the last thing you want to do is accidentally drop an expensive new window), so call a professional window installer to take care of it instead.
4. Clean and Protect Your Gutters
When summer storms hit, leaves and other debris will find a way into your gutters. Clogged gutters are the last thing anyone wants to think about, but are important to take care of as soon as possible. However, due to the dangers of climbing a ladder, this task isn’t one to DIY.
Eliminate the need for gutter cleaning altogether with gutter protection, which keeps leaves, pine needles, and other debris out of your gutters. In addition to installing the gutter protection system, certain professional gutter protection companies will clean and seal your gutters one last time as part of their services, so you won’t ever have to worry about your gutters again.
5. Change Your Air Filters
Your HVAC system’s filter needs changed every 3-4 months in order to keep it working properly. This is a quick task that makes a big difference, so don’t put it off any longer. During the spring and summer, pollen and dirt build up on the air filter, which can cause aggravated allergies and poor air quality.
Look at your HVAC system’s manual to find the size and type of air filter you’ll need, where it’s located, and how to replace it, and you’ll be good to go for the next couple months!
6. Seal Your Driveway
The freeze and thaw of winter can wreak havoc on driveways, causing heaving and cracks in weak spots in the concrete. A crumbling driveway detracts from your home’s curb appeal, so it’s important to keep up with concrete maintenance. Sealing the concrete can extend the life of your driveway and give your home a polished look.
This summer, aim to give your driveway some attention. You can DIY this project fairly easily, just check the weather first, and work when the forecast shows a few sunny and dry in a row.
First, pull weeds and sweep off debris so that the sealer will stick to the surface. Hose off or powerwash to remove any remaining grime. Then, fill gaps or sinking spots in the driveway, and use crack filler to fix cracked concrete. Wait until the driveway is completely dry, and then apply the sealer as directed on the packaging. You may want to put caution tape around your driveway so that no one walks or drives across your freshly sealed concrete for a few days.
7. Trim Your Trees
You’ve probably read countless design tips directing you to maintain your landscaping for better curb appeal, so don’t neglect your trees. Not only will you improve curb appeal, but you’ll also protect yourself and your home from disaster by eliminating dead or dying trees, and precariously hanging tree limbs. These pose a significant safety risk, especially once the heavy snow and ice begins to fall.
This summer, before the trees drop their leaves in autumn, hire a tree inspector to determine whether any of your trees are in need of trimming or complete removal. They’ll search for dead spots, insect infestations, blights, fungus and rot.
Trimming trees can be extremely dangerous, so don’t attempt to DIY it. Bring in a bonded and insured professional tree trimmer to take care of your trees for you.
By following these home improvement tips, you can ensure your home will be in perfect working order for the seasons ahead.