The longer days and higher temperatures of summer mean that residential properties are subject to more heat and sunlight than other seasons of the year. You might also experience extra rainfall or a drier climate depending on the region you live in. Both of these elements can have a great impact, particularly on your home’s exterior. The ideal time to perform pre-fall cleaning and maintenance on your home is the end of the summer season. End-of-summer maintenance will help you prepare for the cool weather to come and ensure your home is running efficiently and comfortably. This detailed guide highlights the common areas around your residential property that can significantly benefit from end-of-summer upkeep.
1. CHECK YOUR INSULATION
One of the most important components to keeping your home warm during the cold winter days is insulation. You can get insulation problems anywhere around your home, from the attic to the front door to cracks in the garage door. With the high cooling costs during the summer season, now is the perfect time to seal all insulation gaps you encounter in the house. Check your home’s exterior for some areas that may require new weatherstripping. Also, look for any spots that might need new caulking. Lastly, check your doors and windows to ensure that none of them are seeping out warm air or letting in cold air from outdoors.
2. CLEAN THE GUTTERS
Gutter debris is quite hazardous, especially during the winter and fall season. Regular cleaning of all your gutters can prevent overflowing gutters from damaging your residential property. You can clean the gutters by safely climbing up to them using a ladder. Remove all the twigs, leaves, and any other debris that may clog your gutters during the winter. Once you finish, you can use a garden hose to check if the gutters are clear of any clogs. If the water flows freely through every gutter and down the spouts, then you are ready for the cooler season. Also, look for any signs of damages when you’re up there. That includes splits, rust, paint damage, pools of water, mold, or cracks. If your gutters have severe damages, you need to consider replacing them.
3. SCHEDULE HVAC MAINTENANCE
In the summer season, trees, weeds, and brush grow near your outside unit. As the season comes to an end, you need to trim any foliage growing too close to the unit. That includes removing leaves and dirt. Leaves attract ants and bugs that can easily find their way into your HVAC unit and cause some problems. Make sure you keep this part of your home free of any obstructions that can interfere with the performance of your HVAC system. Apart from cleaning the area around your system, regular HVAC maintenance is just as important. You can hire an expert to check your unit, change filters, clean the ductwork and perform the necessary repairs. Maintaining and cleaning your HVAC system and air ducts will keep them in good condition and enhance air quality throughout your living space, keeping all your family members healthy.
4. CLEAN AND PROTECT YOUR DECK
Clean away debris and dust buildup from your deck surfaces. Check for any signs of chipped paint, holes, or cracking. Use stone filler or wood putty to repair any areas that got damaged during the hot summer. You can also apply a new layer of sealant on your deck before the winter season to protect it from excessive moisture and strong winds. Also, look for any loose joints and raised boards and check the overall stability of the deck.
5. INSPECT YOUR ROOF
Checking your home’s roofing goes beyond having a visual inspection. It entails checking the roof for any soft spots and checking the integrity of your shingles. Replace all the loose shingles and scrutinize all the soft spots closely. Detached shingles, brittle or curling shingles, or stones in your downspouts or gutters are other signs that you need a roof replacement. Also, check your soffits for any discoloration, which may indicate some leaks. Lastly, check the attic for ceiling stains that may also indicate trouble. Roof problems and loose shingles can cause potential water leakage during a harsh hailstorm or rainstorm, leading to property damage.
6. CLEAN ALL THE WINDOWS AND REPAIR GAPS
Windows must shut properly to ensure temperature control. One of the best ways to inspect your windows is by cleaning them. Ensure there are no gaps in your windows where cold or hot air can escape and make caulking repairs where necessary. Inspect the sealant around outdoor and indoor windows and make the necessary repairs before the weather gets cold.
7. CHECK THE SIDING
Blistering paint, buckling siding, or any other surface anomaly may indicate bigger issues, so you need to inspect it thoroughly. Fading may tell you it is time for an upgrade, mold can mean water damage, and holes can indicate insect infestations. If you are considering replacing or repairing your siding, do not wait until the cold season arrives.
8. INSPECT YOUR WALKWAYS AND DRIVEWAYS
As your walkways and driveways age, they get exposed to weather elements, and cracks may appear with time. You can fix loose pavement and fill the cracks before winter comes to avoid bigger problems and expensive resurfacing later. You can fill in the loose pavers using sand to avoid shifting during the colder and wet months for patios. You can use cement, asphalt, concrete crack sealant, or any other filler to fix the cracks on your driveways. If you are not sure of what filler to use, you can ask someone at a home improvement store near you.
9. TUNE-UP YOUR LAWNMOWER
The accumulation of grass and clippings on your lawnmower can lead to rust or discharge chute clogs, leaving clumps on the lawn. Regular inspection and cleaning can help prevent future problems. Therefore, take time and do a thorough checkup at the end of every summer. Disconnect the lawnmower’s spark plug before removing the blade and use a wire brush and putty knife to dislodge debris. Finally, utilize a garden hose to get rid of any remaining clippings.
10. CLEAN THE GARBAGE DISPOSAL
Bacteria population in the garbage disposal increases due to the sun and humidity during the summer season. Pour garbage disposal cleaner in the drain to disinfect and break any clogs. If you are not comfortable cleaning the garbage disposal, you can have your plumbing contractor do a full inspection. Also, remove rust and food stains from your sink and check your kitchen for bug or ant infestations.
LET THE EXPERTS HANDLE YOUR END-OF-SUMMER MAINTENANCE TASKS
Conducting end-of-summer maintenance is vital regardless of where you live and the property you have. These maintenance and cleaning tips will help keep your residence in tip-top shape and may even boost its market value while at it. Do you need help getting your residential property maintained at the end of the summer season? Let our experienced team of professionals at Alberta Mountain Air Heating and Air Conditioning help you out. These experts can cover anything from HVAC maintenance and home insulation to new construction and remodels. We also offer reliable cooling, heating, and air quality services to the residents of Calgary, AB, and its surroundings. Contact us today for any end-of-summer maintenance questions or to request any of the listed services.
