Recommendations for Summer Maintenance

With the warmer summer months here, it's the perfect time to turn our attention to the exterior maintenance of our homes. The summer season offers favourable weather conditions and longer daylight hours, making it an ideal time to address any issues and keep your home in top shape. By following some essential maintenance tips, you can protect your home from potential damage, enhance its curb appeal, and ensure a comfortable living environment. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide, covering everything from landscaping and exterior cleaning to inspecting and maintaining key components of your home's exterior.

Inspect your exterior surfaces: Summer is an ideal time to take a closer look at your exteriors and make repairs as needed. Check your roof for any signs of damage such as loose or missing shingles or leaks. Make sure to do this safely with the proper equipment and knowledge, or get a professional in to do this for you. Repair/replace any damaged shingles as soon as possible in order to stop water infiltration and other potential problems. Next, be sure to inspect your exterior walls for damage such as cracks, peeling paint, or rotting. Sandtex Ready Mixed Masonry Filler works great for small repairs to brick, render, or stone. Repair and/or repaint the damaged areas in order to shield against moisture ingress and ensure insects don’t have the chance to invade.  Be sure to also check your home’s foundation for any issues.

Next, look at your deck or patio for signs of wear and tear—loose boards, cracks, unstable railings, etc. Clean and treat the wood if necessary in order to ensure it remains beautiful and functional for as long as possible. Doors and windows should also be inspected to check for drafts, cracks and damaged seals. Promptly making repairs will help stop smaller issues from becoming much larger problems.

Give your exteriors a good cleaning: Regular cleaning helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of your property. Cleaning removes dirt, grime, mould, and other contaminants that can deteriorate the surfaces over time. By eliminating these elements, you can extend the lifespan of your exteriors and promote a healthy living environment by reducing allergens and potential health hazards. Regular cleaning can also uncover hidden issues early, allowing you to address them promptly and prevent further damage.

Summer is the perfect time to give your home's exterior a thorough cleaning. Begin by power washing the walls, deck, patio, and driveway to remove dirt, grime, and mould buildup. Clean the windows to enhance natural light and clarity. Inspect the gutters for debris and clean them to prevent clogging and water damage. Don't forget to clean outdoor furniture, removing any dust or stains. Regular cleaning not only maintains the aesthetics of your home but also preserves its structural integrity.

Focus on your landscaping: Maintaining a well-kept and vibrant landscape not only adds beauty to your home but also provides numerous benefits. It has the power to transform a house into a welcoming and visually appealing home. Using a harmonious blend of natural elements, landscaping enhances kerb appeal and increases property value. By thoughtfully designing your landscape, you can increase privacy, shade, insulation, and create a peaceful oasis to enjoy throughout summer and beyond.

Make sure to mow your lawn regularly, keeping grass at an ideal height. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, removing any dead or diseased branches. Mulch flower beds to retain moisture and prevent weed growth. Select plants that thrive in your climate and are suitable for the specific conditions of your yard, such as sunlight exposure and soil type. Aim for a mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, and groundcovers to add depth and variety to your landscape. Incorporate hardscape features like paths, patios, and retaining walls to define spaces and create visual interest. Choose materials that complement your home's architecture and blend well with the surrounding environment.

Consider painting your exteriors: Painting your home’s exteriors offers a wide variety of benefits, both from an aesthetics point of view and functionally.  A new colour can instantly transform the look of your exteriors and alter its whole style. It also makes a big difference when it comes to first impressions.

Beyond aesthetics, painting your exteriors provides vital protection from the elements. A top quality paint formulation acts as a protective barrier, shielding your home from moisture ingress, penetrating UV rays, extreme temperatures, and other environmental factors that can lead to deterioration. By preventing pesky issues like fading, cracking, peeling, and rot, a fresh coat of paint helps maintain the integrity of exterior materials and extends the lifespan of your house.

When it comes to painting your home exteriors, proper preparation is key. Thoroughly clean the surfaces to remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint. Repair any damages or cracks and ensure a smooth and clean surface. Choose the right paint for the job (both colour and formulation wise), considering factors such as weather resistance and durability. Applying a coat of primer is essential to create a suitable base and promote paint adhesion, especially for surfaces with bare wood or where old paint has been removed.

You can use a combination of sprayers, rollers, and brushes to ensure a smooth and even paint job. Check the instructions on your paint can regarding application tips, drying times, and recoating and be sure to let it cure properly between coats. Examine your newly painted exteriors regularly for signs of damage and touch up as needed to maintain the protective and aesthetic benefits of the fresh paint job.