Top 5 End-of-Summer Home Maintenane Tips - Exterior Maintenance

Summer is for warm weather, relaxing vacations, and spending time with friends and family. Before the summer season ends, there are some routine maintenance steps you can take to ensure your home looks good and functions optimally. The best time to pay attention to your home needs is now. Procrastinating on home maintenance could result in future costly repairs. Here are the top common issues to check off before the summer season ends:

Exterior Maintenance Checklist
 

Clean your gutters

Use a sturdy ladder to inspect your gutters safely. Remove any leaves or debris.
 

Fix cracks in your driveway or walkway

Small cracks can quickly worsen if left untreated as water collects and temperatures fluctuate.
 

Inspect your home’s siding

Look for anything loose or rotting. Then, consider power washing to remove dust, bird droppings, dirt, abandoned wasp nests or tree sap. You may want to repair or repaint the siding to protect it from harsh weather or make it look nicer.
 

Prevent bugs from entering your home

Use sprays or re-caulk doors and windows if necessary. A minor pest problem could become a big one quickly.
 

Wash your windows (both inside and outside)

Look for any leaks and re-caulk as needed. Fixing any gaps will help with energy efficiency, and cleaning the windows will allow more natural light to enter your home. Your window screens may need to be replaced, too.
 

For more information on home maintenance you can do yourself, and when and how to hire a licensed professional, visit www.CHWBA.org or contact the Central Washington Home Builders Association.