Summer means a lot of fun things. Hitting the links, pickleball or tennis court, or softball diamond. Watching the kids do their summer activities. Hanging out at the beach or pool. Or simply relaxing in the backyard, possibly while you’re grilling something delicious. But there are also a lot of things you need to do to prepare for summer. Perhaps you have done some already. But here is an exterior checklist you can use.
1. Retire the winter stuff. Drain the gas from the snowblower and put it away. Move your shovels to the back of the garage or shed.
Home Exterior
2. Wash your windows. Green grass; multi-colored garden. Make sure your windows are clear (inside and out) so you can enjoy the view.
3. Repair your screens. If you keep your windows open to give your AC a rest, you’ll want to make sure the screens are not damaged so flies and other insects cannot come into your home
4. Power wash siding. Power wash your siding to get rid of mildew, cobwebs and dirt to give the siding a clean look.
5. Inspect the roof. When there is moisture on the roof, freezing and unfreezing can damage the shingles. And damaged shingles can lead to water damage on the roof and in your home. If you see damaged shingles, call a roofing contractor.
6. Cut branches hanging over the roof. Protect your home’s exterior by cutting branches that overhang your roof. In a storm, those branches can cause damage.
7. Inspect gutters and downspouts. Make sure that the gutters and downspouts are clear so that when it rains, water will not clog them.
Prevent Flooding
8. Make sure water flows away from your home. Now that the gutter and downspouts are clear, water will end up at the base of your home. Make sure that water flows AWAY from the house to prevent flooding.
9. Rod your sewer line. A clogged sewer line is a flood waiting to happen. So have a plumber rod your line. At the same time, see if a sewer line video inspection makes sense.
Driveways, Patios, Decks and Garages
10. Inspect the deck. Check the deck for splintered boards and tighten any bolts. Seal it if need be.
11. Sweep before power washing. To save water, sweep away debris before power washing.
12. Start your power wash at the lowest setting. This is also to save water. Dial up the pressure as needed.
Landscaping
13. Clean up. Go around your house and clean up debris such as fallen branches on the lawn and in your shrubs. Also remove any dead bushes and trees. Importantly, also clear the debris around your air conditioner condenser.
14. Watering with a sprinkler system. If you have a sprinkler system the best time to water is very early in the morning – before the sun rises.
15. Watering without a sprinkler system. If you do not have a sprinkler system, and don’t want to wake up in the wee hours, at least avoid watering in the middle of the day when the temperatures are at the highest. Early morning or late afternoon or evening are the best.
16. Aerate your lawn. To make watering more effective, make small holes in the lawn to enhance water absorption.
17. Want to seed your lawn? Don’t. Seeding is more effective later in the summer when the temperatures are not quite as hot.
18. Prune and trim your trees. Even though this is not the best time to seed your lawn, it is the best time to trin your trees.
Fun Stuff
19. Break out the lawn furniture. Wipe it down so it is clean and ready for guests.
20. Clean the grill grates. Don’t use a wire brush as the bristles can break off and end up in your food.
21. If you have a propane grill, have an extra tank on hand. You don’t want the tank to run out of gas mid grill. So make sure you have an extra tank handy.
22. Get the pool ready. Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning products.
23. Check your RPZ valve. To ensure safety and keep the fun going, check your RPZ valve to make sure dirty water does not backflow into your home’s water supply.
24. Keep the mosquitoes and other bugs away. Make sure you have the appropriate products to keep those pests away.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric for Help Preparing Your Home for Hot Weather
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric’s knowledgeable and certified plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians offer a variety of products and services to help you prepare for warm weather. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 98 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we are the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.