Summertime Home Maintenance Tips

June 17, 2024 10:19 am
Published by Brighton Homes

Even newly constructed homes need regular care and maintenance to keep looking and functioning at their best. If you live in a community like Brighton’s Award Winning 55+ Cadence Communities, exterior maintenance is included and some of these tasks will be taken care of for you. Other new-home communities will require you to either hire someone or roll up your sleeves for some DIY.

Summertime in Treasure Valley can be hot and dry, which presents unique challenges for home maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your home in great shape during the summer months:

Exterior HOme Maintenance

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters: Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris to prevent water damage from summer thunderstorms.
2. Check for Exterior Damage: Look for any signs of wear and tear on your siding, roof, and foundation. Address any cracks, loose shingles, or damaged siding.
3. Paint and Seal: Summer’s dry weather is excellent for painting and sealing exterior wood surfaces to protect against sun and moisture damage.
4. Clean and Repair Decks and Patios: Power wash decks and patios, and check for any loose boards or cracks that need repairing. Apply a sealant if necessary.

Yard and Garden Care

1. Lawn Maintenance: Water your lawn early in the morning to minimize evaporation. Mow regularly, but avoid cutting the grass too short to prevent it from drying out.
2. Irrigation Systems: Check your sprinkler system for leaks or broken sprinkler heads. Clean the filters in your sprinkler system to ensure consistent water pressure. Adjust the watering schedule based on weather conditions.
3. Pruning and Trimming: Trim bushes and trees to encourage healthy growth and improve airflow. Remove any dead or diseased branches.
4. Mulching: Apply mulch around plants and trees to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

HVAC and Ventilation

1. Service Your Air Conditioner: Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and cleaning to ensure your system is running efficiently.
2. Change Filters: Replace air filters regularly to maintain good indoor air quality and improve system efficiency.
3. Check Ventilation: Ensure that vents and fans are working correctly in attics and crawl spaces to prevent heat buildup and moisture problems.

Interior Maintenance

1. Window and Door Seals: Inspect and replace weatherstripping around windows and doors to keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
2. Ceiling Fans: Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to create a cooling breeze. Typically, fans should run counterclockwise in the summer.
3. Plumbing Check: Inspect plumbing for leaks, especially in areas that may be exposed to heat. Check for any signs of water damage.

Home Safety Checks

1. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly.
2. Grill Safety: Inspect your grill for any leaks or issues and clean it thoroughly. Ensure it is placed away from any flammable materials when in use.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your home remains in great condition throughout the summer months, even in the hot and dry Treasure Valley climate.

Regular maintenance will help keep your new Treasure Valley home looking and functioning like new for longer. Make sure your home has the right start by considering a thoughtfully designed and well-built Brighton home in one of our planned communities in, Boise, Meridian, or Nampa, ID.

Categorized in: HOME CARE TIPS

This post was written by Brighton Homes