As summer settles in, keeping your home well-maintained is critical. While temperatures continue to rise and humidity levels fluctuate, it’s essential to focus on key areas of your home to mitigate any ill effects of the intense summer season in Louisiana. From the exterior surfaces to the roof and landscaping, just a few, simple DIY maintenance practices can make a significant difference in the comfort, efficiency, and longevity of your home. When you stay proactive with regular maintenance, you can protect your home’s value and ensure a comfortable living environment throughout the summer months.
To guide us through some essential summer home maintenance tips and practices, we turn to Daniel Greer, Superintendent at Bardwell Homes, whose expertise will ensure that our homes remain in optimal condition year-round. Check out these 5 simple summer maintenance tips that you can do yourself.
1. Clean Your Exterior Surfaces
During the summer, the excess heat and humidity create ideal conditions for mold and mildew growth on your home’s exterior surfaces. Louisiana residents know that while these can detract from your home’s appearance, they can also lead to structural issues over time. Regularly cleaning your walls and siding with a pressure washer can prevent bacterial buildup. Spend an early morning outside or a late evening outside and tackle this project with your pressure washer. Make sure to pay special attention to shaded areas and spots where moisture tends to accumulate. It’s always satisfying to see what an incredible visual refresh this gives to your home’s exterior appearance.
2. Inspect Your Roof
As hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to inspect your roof for any signs of wear or damage. From the ground level, you can perform a visual inspection to look for missing, ripped, or torn shingles, as well as any debris that may have accumulated. If you’ve got an errant branch or a wet pile of leaves, it’s important to go ahead and remove them now as debris can compromise the roof’s ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. But, if you notice anything questionable or if your roof is difficult to access safely, it’s always a good idea to enlist the help of a professional roofer for a thorough inspection and repairs.
3. Water Your Landscaping Properly
Sometimes we put watering the lawn and landscaping on the backburner since Louisiana summers are often full of afternoon rain showers. But, that’s not always the case. And, proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy landscaping, especially during the summer months. Aim to water your yard and landscaping deeply to ensure they receive a minimum of 1-1.5 inches of water each week. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening minimizes evaporation, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots effectively. But, be mindful not to overwater, as this can lead to waterlogging and promote fungal growth, particularly in humid climates like ours.
4. Reseal Windows and Doors
The summer heat can cause materials around windows and doors to expand and contract, potentially creating small gaps or cracks over time. Not only do these gaps provide easy entry ways for bugs and other pests, but they can also compromise energy efficiency by allowing cool air to escape and hot air to enter your home. To maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and lower energy bills, inspect and reseal windows and doors annually using 100% silicone sealant. This is another easy task that you can DIY on a Saturday afternoon. We recommend that you reseal every year, especially before hurricane season begins.
5. Clear Gutters and Weep Holes
Gutters and weep holes in brickwork are crucial in directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation and exterior walls. During the summer, debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt can accumulate in gutters and block these drainage systems. If you regularly clear out your gutters and weep holes, you can ensure proper water flow and reduce the risk of water backup, moisture infiltration, and potential damage to your home’s structural integrity and your landscaping. This simple maintenance task can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your home’s exterior.
Experience the Bardwell Difference
At Bardwell Homes, we are proud of our expert craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. However, a home is a living thing that requires care and maintenance long after we walk you through the front door on final inspection day.
With Bardwell Homes, you’re not just buying a house; you’re investing in peace of mind and the assurance that your home is built and maintained to the highest standards. Whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional, we are committed to helping you keep a high standard of living by sharing and promoting proactive maintenance practices for every season of life.
Discover the Bardwell difference and experience what it means to invest in your ideal home.