Summertime Home Maintenance Checklist
Here in the Pacific Northwest, winters are especially harsh on our homes. If you’re not keeping an eye on things, the incessant rainfall and moisture can lead to all sorts of home problems.
One of the best things you can do for your home is to perform a summer maintenance check. You don’t need to be an expert to walk around your home for a basic inspection.
We suggest making this an annual tradition. Maybe you perform your check on the first weekend that school is out (Make it fun! The kids can help!), or on the first day of summer. Keeping to a regular schedule will ensure you stay on top of this important project every year
It’s so much easier to walk around your home looking for slight imperfections while the sun is shining! Grab your sunhat, an iced tea and your notepad and get ready to appreciate and protect your investment!
Urban Nest Guide to Summer Home Maintenance
Here’s our six-step checklist of what to look for when inspecting your own home.
1) Check the Foundation Line
Are there any cracks? Has yard debris or foliage begun to grow up around the edge of your house?
Suggested Maintenance
Call in an expert to repair any cracks or damage.
Clear away debris, bugs or foliage from the foundation line. All of these can create lasting damage to your home.
2) Roof Check
If you have a standard composite roof, check for moss or other growth. Are any shingles curling or lifting?
Suggested Maintenance
Clean your roof every year. Sweep off debris, remove moss. Some homeowners are comfortable doing this work themselves, but it’s also easy to hire some of this simple job.
3) Gutter Check
Are your gutters still fully in place at all attachment points? Are there any significant dents or dings? Is water flowing through them okay? Is there any debris in the gutter (there probably is)?
Suggested Maintenance
Remove debris from your gutters and flush them with water. If you have a one-story house with easy to reach gutters, this may be a straightforward project. Otherwise, you will want to call in a gutter cleaning service, and most can also do your roof cleaning.
If your gutters have any damage, schedule a gutter repair company to get them fixed before the Portland rainy season begins
4) Check Your Siding and Paint
Do you notice anything unusual? Termites can quickly cause severe damage to your siding, so if you see any slight indications of the presence of termites, call in an expert.
How does the paint look? Is it peeling or damaged in any areas?
Suggested Maintenance
If you have any slight areas where paint is peeling, clean the area than touch it up with the spare paint you have in your garage. Didn’t keep the spare paint? No problem! A reputable paint store can match the color. Simply bring a small chip of paint from the peeling area.
If you notice large areas of paint damage, that’s an indication that it’s time to re-paint you home. Keeping your house well painted isn’t only important for making your house look good, the paint also seals wood siding and prevents weather damage.
5) Check Your Trees
Are there any trees beginning to grow into your home? Do you have creaking branches? Do your large trees seem stable?
Suggested Maintenance
Trim back trees and hedges to keep them away from the sides and roof of your home as best you can.
If your trees are growing into power lines, the neighbor’s yard, a fence, your house or other unwanted areas, it’s time for a pruning! If your tree is large, you will probably need to hire a tree service.
6) Check for Rodents and Pests
Do you see any signs of rodents or other pests in the area? No one likes to think about it, but there are insects and rodents living all around us. You don’t have to have a dirty home for these critters to want to move into your yard. It’s better to catch them early before they are too settled in and cause damage or otherwise become a nuisance.
Suggested Maintenance
If you find any signs of rodents, insects or other pets, call in the experts.