Are you ready for summer? The most beautiful time of the year that comes with warmth, sunshine, and relaxation? I bet it makes you as excited as I am because it is an excellent time to take it easy, spend time outside, and hang out with family and friends. However, you should ensure your home is ready as you prepare to enjoy the warm weather.
One crucial way to prepare for summer is by getting expert home repairs to spruce up your home. This article will focus on 11 areas you should elevate to the top of your priority list. Read on.
1. Replace or Repair Windows and External Doors
Keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summer is essential. One of the ways to enhance your spaces is by checking the seals around your windows and doors to ensure they are tight to prevent air leaks. It can help keep your house cool and lower your energy bills during summer. Otherwise, air leaks will lead to overworking the air conditioner, which will translate to more energy bills.
Cracks often form in doors and window frames over time due to daily use. The good news is that you can fix these frames by replacing the caulk and ensuring the seal on the window or door is as tight as possible. If there are noticeable gaps between the window/door and the frame, contact expert home repairs for window replacement or door installation.
It is also advisable to check whether the window or door is insulated. For instance, does the window have one or two panes of glass? A window with two panes of glass supports air conditioning better by preventing cooled air from escaping. During summer, you want to cool the air as efficiently as possible; hence it is crucial to repair doors and windows.
2. Conduct a Roof Inspection
The summer weather can get pretty hot. Interestingly, summertime can also surprise you with heavy rain and strong winds. Therefore, it’s imperative that you ensure your roof is in top-notch condition. A damaged roof also makes it hard to cool the air during summer. Who wants to live in a home with a damaged roof, anyway?
Ideally, hire roofing services to inspect your roof for signs of damage, including signs of missing or broken shingles, cracks, and leaks. Expert home repairs also clean the gutters so that water doesn’t get stuck and cause damage when winter finally comes.
While most expert home repairs specialists are busiest in summer, that should discourage you from doing roof repairs. The pleasant weather lets you shift and gives the roofer ample time to do proper repairs. In any case, you don’t want to be caught in harsh weather with a defective roof. In fact, some roofers might extend discounts during the summer. Get the job done in summer because winter is coming!
3. Revamp Your Outside Space
Give your outside space a makeover before summer arrives. You will probably spend most of the time outside soaking in the summer breeze, especially in the evenings. Start by ensuring the yard is in good condition before you handle more complex fixes. Some plants are perennial favorites because they look great year after year, but others may need replacing if they’ve gotten old and unruly. An arborist can help maintain your yard in preparation for summer.
Expert home repairs have incredible fencing solutions for you. A well-cared-for fence enhances your family’s security and the compound’s aesthetic appeal. Is your outdoor lighting functioning properly? Repair the fixtures and replace the lights where necessary. Nothing beats a chill out on a bright summer night.
The next stop is the patio. Repair the paving slabs and the yard pavements. The repair process isn’t a cakewalk, but you can manage. Simply dig out old material, use cement and sand mixture to fix the gaps, and install new gaps. By redesigning your outdoor space’s treescape, you can make it a more beautiful and valuable space for you and your family to enjoy in the summer.
4. Verify That Your Thermostat Is Properly Set
A thermostat detects temperature changes in your space, making it one of the essential devices during summer. You don’t want to discover your home’s thermostat isn’t working right when the first heat wave hits. So, set your thermostat to air conditioning and turn on air that’s five degrees cooler than the current temperature in your home. You should be able to hear your system startup and feel cool air coming out of the vents. If the flow of air blocks in any way, something is wrong.
Now would be a good time to switch to a smart thermostat if you need to upgrade. A new system will not only give you peace of mind that everything is working as it should (assuming you don’t have any problems with ventilation), but it could also save you about 15% on your summer cooling bills. Expert home repairs will come in handy for the upgrade.
5. Do Regular Checkups of the HVAC System
Ensuring your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is in top shape is another crucial step in getting ready for summer. It keeps the temperatures bearable, cooling your home during summer. It is advisable to have expert home repairs check out your HVAC system before the heat of summer sets in. Ensure your air filter works well to prevent summer allergies. Remember that most filters need to be replaced every 90 days. Therefore, note the type of filter you have and how long it’s been since you last swapped it to determine if it needs a complete replacement.
On the bright side, keeping your HVAC system clean improves your home’s air quality. Over time, dust, dirt, and other particles can build up in your system and spread around your home. Regular maintenance can help keep your system clean and your air quality high.
6. Polish Your Concrete Floors
A great way to prepare for summer is to polish your concrete floors. With concrete floor polishing, you can make a beautiful floor that will last for a long time. This floor type is a great choice for homes, and experts can change the level of shine and finish to meet your needs and preferences. The process is usually less expensive and easier to maintain than other flooring options like tile or carpet.
Professionals from a concrete company can handle repair and maintenance processes, from finishing to polishing and upkeep. They have the knowledge and experience to know what kind of concrete is best for different uses and how to polish it to get the shine and finish you prefer. They do high-quality work designed to last. The final product will be strong and long-lasting, essential for commercial and residential uses. So, they got you covered.
7. Check the Plumbing System
Before summer, it’s a good idea to check your plumbing system to ensure everything is in good shape and prevent costly problems. High heat levels during hot months significantly affect the pipes’ condition. For this reason, they tend to burst during summer.
First, look for leaks in your pipes, faucets, and other fixtures. Then check your pipes for damage or signs of rust and ensure your water pressure is safe and effective. Remember to check your outdoor plumbing, like your sprinkler system and outdoor faucets, to ensure they work well and don’t leak. If you see any problems or concerns, it’s best to have a professional plumber versed in expert home repairs take care of them so that no more damage occurs.
8. Repair Your Countertops
Granite countertop is popular with homeowners because they are durable, versatile, and stunning. Spending more time in the kitchen or having people over in the summer can cause your granite countertops to get messed up and stained. It’s a great time to repair them before summer knocks.
Ensure you take care of the countertops to ensure they are in pristine condition during summer. Clean up any spills immediately with mild soap and water to prevent damage. Additionally, you can use trivets or hot pads to prevent your granite countertops from getting damaged by heat from the cooking stoves. Also, remember not to put hot pans or pots directly on the surface. The idea is to keep the countertops in good shape during the summer and looking beautiful for years.
9. Inspect Your Driveway for Renovation
Asphalt driveways are popular with homeowners because they last a long time and are affordable. However, they need regular maintenance and repairs to stay in good shape.
Weather and traffic can cause cracks in asphalt driveways over time. When water can get into these cracks, it causes more damage to the asphalt. Expert home repair professionals fill the gaps with a sealant to prevent further damage.
If your driveway has potholes or broken or cracked asphalt, you may need to patch it. A professional asphalt contractor can cut out the damaged part and replace it with new asphalt to make a smooth, seamless surface. You can rest assured that your driveway will be in excellent shape for the summer if you invest in asphalt driveway services. A well-kept driveway makes your house look better and gives you and your family a safe and valuable outdoor space.
10. Give Your Surfaces a Good Power Wash
The next home improvement project in the summer is to powerwash your outdoor surfaces. Most people power wash their outdoor kitchen, deck, or patio, but many other homeowners go the extra mile and clean the siding or stucco. Additionally, you should work on your front door for good measure. Once you’ve cleaned all the outside surfaces of your home, you’ll feel ready to take on the summer.
The best thing about pressure washing is that you don’t have to run out and buy another expensive piece of equipment. You can rent power washers from nearby stores for a day or on weekends. Even though it may seem like a lot to do at once, doing all your pressure washing at once will help you refresh the look and feel of your outdoor space and home.
Even though power washing is a relatively simple process, it is also a potent maintenance task. If you do it right, it can protect your surfaces. In fact, it might be a prerequisite task before embarking on an exterior repair task. Expert home repairs can help you understand the right way to use a power washer to avoid damaging your surfaces.
11. Get Professional Fireplace Chimney Inspection, Cleaning, and Repairs
Even though you plan on using your fireplace in the fall or winter, having the chimney checked and cleaned during the summer is a good idea. During the winter, you tend to overwork the chimney. Smoke can cause soot buildup in your chimney. Cleaning the chimney helps eliminate any buildup accumulation during the previous seasons.
Soot and other substances stuck in your chimney can make it more likely to cause a fire. Having expert home repairs look at and clean your chimney can help you find and fix potential problems, thus keeping you and your family safe. Cleaning your chimney also eliminates awful burnt smells.
Open the windows whenever you can to let in the fresh air and get rid of the stuffy air of winter. If it’s already too hot and sunny, open your windows at night when everyone is asleep and allow the cool breeze in.
Is your house summer-ready? Or do you need help from expert home repairs? Schedule an entire weekend (and even an extra day if you still need to do your spring cleaning) to accomplish these vital errands. When the weather gets nice, I’m sure you’d rather spend more time enjoying it than doing chores, so it’s easier to get them done now. Go ahead and get ready for summer!