6 Summer Maintenance Tips That Every Homeowner Needs to Know

You might be dreaming of your upcoming vacation, but the warmest months of the year also require some home maintenance. Your house could benefit from minor projects that save time and money later.

1. Empty Your Gutters

Winter snow and spring rain showers make natural debris fall. Your gutters may have leaves, sticks, pine straw and other organic buildup after months without an inspection.

Given how roof repairs can cost between $391 and $1,929 on average, spending a few minutes on your gutters could save your budget from an expensive water damage bill. Summer rain might accumulate on your roof if it can’t flow from your gutters. Clear away debris by chucking it into a bucket to prevent that from happening.

2. Seal Porch Floors

If you have a wooden front or back porch, there are likely small gaps between each board. Spiders and other seasonal bugs will get through those cracks before long. Seal your floors with a caulking gun and an edger so they don’t have a chance to form nests. You’ll get to enjoy sunsets on your porch without worrying about insects interrupting your evenings.

3. Clean Your Garage

Garages are some of the most overlooked household spaces. Spend an afternoon cleaning yours to prepare it for summer. You’ll eliminate cobwebs, dead bugs and potential mouse infestations before they get too bad.

Your cleaning session could also become an opportunity to prevent other issues. When garages have excessive clutter, they retain more heat in summer weather. Donating unused belongings will keep it cool, so less hot air enters your home when the door opens.

4. Repair Broken Fence Panels

Fence panels are sturdy, but they can still experience damage. Check the length of your fence for cracks or loose nails before summer gets going. If your region experiences a strong thunderstorm or hurricane, you’ll know your fence is in the best shape to withstand winds.

You should also gently push on each fence post to test its stability. If any of them wiggle noticeably, you may need to dig them out and add quick-drying concrete to the hole with a shovel and water. Even if the panels look perfect, a leaning post will make the structure unstable when high winds rip through your property.

5. Replace Your Smoke Detector Batteries

Consider how many smoke detectors you have around your home. Experts recommend testing each unit monthly, which may look different depending on the models you own. Most have a test button on the front panel that you press and hold. If an alarm sounds, you’ll know it’s working. You can also proactively replace the detector batteries every six months to avoid the chirping sound that indicates a low battery issue.

6. Vacuum Dryer Vents

The silver tube connecting your dryer to the nearest wall will gather lint over time. Given the natural amount of moisture in the air, fuzz buildup can occur and clog the vent. You may have more than a few clogs if your clothes never get completely dry, which you don’t want before laundry loads get bigger after pool days.

Remove the silver clamp holding the tube to the wall opening and use a shop vacuum to reach deep into the vent. Once you remove the buildup, you can grab a ladder and repeat the process where the external vent appears on the side of your house.

Get Your Home Ready for Summer

Once you save time for the most popular summer maintenance tips, your house will thrive during the year's hottest months. You’ll prevent roof damage, broken fence panels and bug infestations. Take a few minutes to complete two projects a week, and you’ll prepare your property for summer without breaking a sweat.