Power-Washing
Whether you're power-washing the house, the deck, the walkways, or the front porch, this is a job that's best tackled in warmer weather, so it's a perfect summer project. And with the sun beating down, you won’t mind too much if you get a little wet.
Related: The Best Pressure Washers, According to Consumers
Cleaning the Gutters
It’s not anyone’s favorite pastime, but cleaning the gutters is an important maintenance chore. Gutter-cleaning should be part of your spring and fall checklist, but it’s also wise to clear your gutters out before a heavy summer storm hits, to get rid of any clogs that may have built up.
Sealing the Driveway
Your driveway will last longer if you seal it regularly. When you factor in curing time, this project takes three to four days, so check the forecast before you begin to make sure you'll have a few consecutive days of good weather.
Checking the Chimney
Regular chimney inspections and cleanings help prevent fires and keep your home safe. Schedule some time each summer to have your chimney inspected so you can complete any required repairs before cool weather arrives in the fall.
Painting Shutters
Replacing tired, faded shutters can be costly, but you can give them a fresh, clean look with nothing more than a few coats of paint. Even better, if the shutters are structurally in good shape, this is a very DIY-friendly job that's ideal for your summertime to-do list.
Sealing the Deck
Constant exposure to sun and rain takes a toll on your deck’s appearance. Plan some time during the temperate summer weather to spruce up your deck by making any necessary repairs, giving it a good cleaning, and sealing it.
Related: The Dos and Don’ts of Deck Maintenance
Clean the Grill
The grill gets a real workout in the warmer months, with quick weekday meals, holiday cookouts, and all the outdoor entertaining that summertime brings. Take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the grill from top to bottom at the beginning of the season, and be vigilant about burning off old grease and removing food residue.
Related: 13 Reasons You Really Need to Do a Better Job Cleaning Your Grill
Wash the Windows
The summer sun looks best streaming through clean windows, so set aside a weekend to wash them early in the season. Choose a cloudy day so the cleaner won’t dry too quickly and leave streaks behind.
Touch Up Your Front Door
Freshening up the paint on your front door is an easy maintenance task that will pay off big in curb appeal.
Repaint Your Fence
Fence-painting can be tedious and time-consuming, but attending to this outdoor maintenance task will keep your fence looking sharp and make it last longer. Commit to taking it on, one section at a time, during the warm summer months.
Inspect the Roof
Inspect your roof in summer to ensure that you'll have plenty of time to schedule repairs before the tough winter weather returns.
Related: Should You Replace or Repair Your Roof?
Install Security Lights
Installing lights with motion sensors is an easy summer DIY project that will improve both safety and security around your home.
Repair Your Walkway
Whether your walkway is concrete, pavers, or stepping-stones, take some time to rehab and repair it in summer when you're more likely to have several consecutive days of fair weather. When the rain, ice, and snow arrive, you'll be glad that your walkway is safer for you, your family, and guests.
Remove a Stump
A dead tree stump can really bring down the look of your yard, so use the pleasant days of summer to get it out of there. Depending on the condition and size of the stump (and your DIY experience), you may even be able to do it yourself. There are several methods you can use—renting a stump grinder, applying chemicals, or going at it with an axe and shovel. Just pick the one that’s best for your needs and go for it.
Clear Brush
Accumulated dead vegetation can create a fire hazard during hot, dry summer months and provide shelter for pesky animals. For safety's sake, clear away any dead brush from your yard to stave off both fires and pests.
Grease the Garage Door
You may not give much thought to your automatic garage door—until it stops working, that is. To keep it running properly, make sure everything is tight and lubricate the hinges, rollers, and other moving parts at least once a year.
Prune Dead Branches
It's easy to identify dead branches in summertime after all the leaves have come out on your trees. Pruning dead wood is safe at any time of year, and summer is a great time to do it.
Update the Mailbox
If your mailbox is looking tired but doesn’t need to be replaced, just take it off the post or wall and brighten it up with a fresh coat of paint and new numbers.
Repair the Window Screens
Window screens occasionally get torn, but fortunately they're not difficult or expensive to fix. As long as the frame is in good shape, you can easily apply a small screen patch or even replace the mesh, if necessary.
Recaulking Trim
Exposure to the elements and the passage of time can cause caulk to fail, and this can lead to rot around your windows, sills, and doorways. It’s a good idea to inspect the caulk around the outdoor trim of your house every year and do repairs as needed.
Summer Maintenance Checklist
Tackle one job at a time, and you'll stay on top of your outdoor maintenance without having to miss out on summer fun.
Don't Miss!
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