Sunny days, family BBQs and more time outside are just a few of the best things about summer in Oklahoma. It’s easy to see why summer home maintenance is often the last thing on most homeowners’ minds! But completing a few simple tasks now can help you enjoy the summer and help prevent costly repairs that could derail other plans. If you are also putting off the idea of home maintenance tasks, now is the best time to give your home some extra TLC.
Why put summer home maintenance tasks at the top of your to-do list?
- The extreme heat of the summer can make existing problems worse
- Finding small issues now prevents expensive roof repairs later
- Spring hail storms can wreak havoc on your home
- Save money, time, and get peace of mind that your home is safe
Not sure how to get started? We’ve made it easy with our Ultimate Summer Home Maintenance Checklist, and the best part is that you can get it all done in less than a day!
Summer Home Maintenance Task #1: Inspect Home’s Exterior
Inspecting your home’s siding is essential for two reasons: (1) pests/animals will be trying to escape from the summer heat, and (2) existing storm damage can cause roof leaks.
Here’s how to check for exterior home damage:
- Starting from your front door, walk around the exterior of your home
- Start at the top of each side of your home and look up and down
- Signs of damage include holes, dents, soft spots, and discoloration
- Pay special attention to where your home’s siding meets the roof and foundation
- Make a note of any areas with damage and call for a professional inspection
Summer Home Maintenance Task #2: Inspect Home’s Windows
Old, drafty, leaking windows can strain your wallet significantly and let money go out the window! So while walking your home’s exterior, make sure to check the conditions of your windows.
Here are some warning signs it may be time to replace your home’s windows:
- Dents, dings, or other signs of storm damage
- Warped or separated window panes
- Soft or water-damaged areas in wood around each window
- Make a note of any areas with damage and call for a professional inspection ASAP
If your home’s windows are old and need more than minor repairs, or if you see your monthly energy costs increase, it may be time for replacement windows. As an experienced general contractor, we can help! Learn more about our replacement window services and request a free estimate today.
Summer Home Maintenance Task #3: Inspect Your Roof
Roofs are the most critical part of a home’s protection system. Storm damage, missing shingles, and even old age can open up your home to expensive problems. Our roofing company experts recommend a yearly roof inspection to find any potential issues (and roof leaks!) before they turn into costly repairs.
While you may be ready to pull out a ladder and climb up there to inspect it yourself, we recommend calling a certified roofing expert. Roof inspections can be dangerous, and if you are not careful, walking along your roof can cause damage to the shingles.
Here’s how to safely check for roof damage:
- Missing shingles
- Debris build-up (leaves, branches, etc.)
- Uneven, curling, or blistering shingles
If you see signs of damage or your last roof inspection was over a year ago, contact a licensed roofing contractor ASAP to prevent costly repairs!
Summer Home Maintenance Task #4: Inspect Home’s Gutters
Gutters are probably the most neglected area of a home, and that can mean BIG problems later if you don’t catch issues early. A gutter system’s main job is to direct water away from the home, but they often collect fallen debris from nearby trees. This causes clogged gutters and leads to water backing up into the home’s roof and siding. The best way to prevent it is to inspect your gutters during the summer.
Here are some warning signs it may be time to replace your home’s gutters:
- Areas are loose or sagging
- You see signs of rust or rot
- Dents/dings are present after a hail storm
- Water is not flowing through the system
- Make a note of any areas with damage and call for a professional inspection ASAP
Summer Home Maintenance Task #5: Inspect Home’s Attic
Did you know the top of your roof can reach temperatures of over 150 degrees? That heat transfers into your home and sits in the attic. The only thing that prevents all the heat from moving further into your home is the layer of insulation. Too little, and you’ll notice skyrocketing cooling costs in the summer and an uncomfortable home in the winter.
Determining the right amount of insulation for a home is done by calculating the R-Value of the material. An R-value measures a material’s thermal resistance or its ability to inhibit warm air movement toward colder spaces. Sometimes this rating is printed on the underside of the material for easy reference. Other times, you will have to measure the height of the material and calculate the R-Value by hand.
Here are some warning signs your home needs more attic insulation:
- High heating costs in the summer
- Some rooms/areas of your home never seem to get cool
- Mold/moisture build-up on attic insulation
- Drafty/uncomfortable winters
- If you notice any of these signs, call for a professional inspection
Home Maintenance Task #6: Trim Trees Around Home
After heavy spring rains, many areas of Oklahoma experience a surge of growth in the summer. This includes the landscaping around your home! It is a good idea to keep them trimmed and at least 6 feet away from your home. Here’s why:
- Strong winds can cause trees to scrape your roof and damage shingles
- Debris can build up on the roof and inside gutters
- Heavy rains can cause trees to fall over onto your home
- High wind can break branches
Keep all trees and bushes at least 6 feet away from your home and roof to prevent damage!
Need Someone To Complete Summer Home Maintenance For You?
The home exterior experts at Triple Diamond Construction are here to help! We offer comprehensive home exterior inspections that include a fully documented report on the condition of your home. As part of our process, we will inspect all the above areas to ensure your home is in peak operating condition.
This complimentary inspection can be handy for those busy with kids and work or those who want to take advantage of all summer offers without the hassle of home maintenance tasks. We proudly serve Moore and the surrounding Oklahoma City areas, so give us a call at 405-895-9972 or use our online contact form to schedule today!
