Summer Exterior Home Maintenance Tips

Summer is here, and with it – the warm weather. This makes it the perfect time to tackle exterior home maintenance. By being proactive during the warmer months, you could be saving thousands of dollars when the colder months come around. The key to keeping your home exterior maintained lies in timing and consistency.  

The warm weather of summer, plus the extended daylight hours, create ideal conditions for exterior work. Some climates are humid while others are dry, so be sure to consider your local conditions. On top of that, some places like Arizona may reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. When the weather gets too hot to handle, try to limit your work times to mornings and dusk, to avoid overheating. 

Start at the Top: Roof Inspection

A roof is a home’s first line of defense against inclement weather. Summer storms tend to happen in many areas of the country, and they’ll eventually transition to winter storms. So, it’s crucial to check your roof regularly. Assess your roof from ground level and watch out for things like missing or damaged shingles—mainly after bad weather. Also keep an eye open for warped edges or cracks. In humid climates, dark spots and green patches may appear, which may indicate algae or moss growth. This can gradually lead to more roof damage if not addressed. Be sure to also note any structural changes like sagging or bending.  

Many homeowners can handle basic maintenance and cleanup, but that doesn’t mean you should do everything yourself. In fact, there may be certain situations that warrant a call to a professional. Extensive damage and structural concerns are both good reasons to call an expert. Also, if you’re not comfortable working on a ladder, don’t do it. There are people who specialize in this type of work and can help.  

Pro tip: For tasks that you can manage yourself, like removing leaves and smaller branches, be sure to prioritize safety by using proper ladder techniques, working only during calm weather, and never attempting to work on a roof alone. When in doubt, farm it out. 

Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

The purpose of gutters is to direct water away from your home’s foundation and walls. If they’re clogged or broken, the resulting damage to your home can be expensive to fix, and it may even cause further damage to your property. Summer is a good check-in time for your gutters as spring debris may still be there, but the fall leaves haven’t started falling yet. The best way to see how your gutters are working is to take a peek at them during rainfall. This will show you if any water is overflowing or pooling around the foundation—issues that should be addressed quickly to avoid property damage. 

Tools like a sturdy ladder, gloves, a hand shovel and a garden hose can all be helpful. Try to remove as much debris as you can easily with your hands, then use other tools if needed. When you’re done clearing as much debris as you can, flush the system to check for proper water flow. You’ll be able to see any leaks, loose connections or areas where the gutter may have pulled away from the house.  

Pro tip: Gutter guards can be a useful tool if there are lots of trees near your home. They come at a cost, but they are designed to reduce maintenance on your part, and to protect your gutters year-round. 

Window Washing and Maintenance

Not only do clean windows improve your home’s outward esthetic, they can also allow more bright, beautiful natural light into your home. Invest in a good squeegee and commercial window cleaning solutions. Try to avoid cleaning windows during peak heat hours as the cleaning solution can dry too quickly and leave streaks. Early morning or late afternoon are a great time to clean your windows. 

Similar to your roof, if you’re not comfortable with higher windows, hire a professional window cleaner to do the work safely and properly. 

Start with the highest windows and work your way down, to help prevent dripping on already washed windows and surfaces. While cleaning your windows, keep an eye open for any window damage or caulking that may need to be addressed. Making sure your windows are property sealed helps maintain indoor temperature and can reduce air infiltration. 

Pro tip: Don’t forget about the screens! They can often accumulate dirt and debris, both inside and out. Remove screens carefully and wash them with mild soap and water before reinstalling. 

Tree and Bush Trimming

Trimming and maintaining your landscaping not only improves your home’s curb appeal, it can also help prevent damage to your home’s exterior. For example, older dying trees can pose a risk if they fall. 

Summer is a great time for pruning your greenery. Start by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches or leaves. Always use sharp, clean tools for the branch size you’re cutting. Hand pruners may work but use a saw or chainsaw (responsibly!) for larger branches and shrubs. Try to avoid leaving any stubs or cutting too close to a tree trunk. These can harm a tree’s long-term health. 

Pro-tip: Be sure to keep an eye out for any greenery growth near your home’s exterior walls, roof, or power lines. Bushes, shrubs, or trees touching your house may damage your home’s siding, accelerate pest infiltration, and create fire hazards. 

If you don’t consider yourself an expert, this could be a job for a professional arborist, who will consider what’s best for your trees and shrubs, and will take care of them safely and responsibly. 

Pressure Washing Driveways and Walkways

The driveway is one of the first things people see. Keeping a clean driveway is not only important for the curb appeal aspect of your home, but also for the structure of your driveway. Pressure washing a driveway can help keep moss and algae away. It can also help if there are any slick or slippery spots from oil or other car liquids. 

Be sure to check out what material your driveway was laid with. For example, concrete can handle higher pressure settings, while other surfaces like asphalt or wood may need a more delicate approach. Try to prepare the area by removing everything from the driveway: cars, outdoor furniture, and any other portable items. Sweep away loose debris before beginning the washing process. 

It’s a good idea to compartmentalize and work in smaller sections as you power wash. Try to maintain consistent spray patterns to get even-looking results. For more stubborn spots like oil stains, pre-treat those areas with cleaning products before spraying. Allow adequate drying time before returning vehicles or furniture to cleaned areas. 

Pro tip: Cover or move plants that might be damaged by high-pressure spray or cleaning chemicals. 

Protecting Your Investment

Keeping your home’s exterior well maintained is one the best investments you can make for your property. These small tasks may prevent major headaches in the future. They will also help to maintain your property’s value. Keeping up with home maintenance in the summer may help reduce future repair costs, improve energy efficiency, and make your outdoor space more enjoyable. 

Don’t forget! Some tasks may require some professional help and there’s no shame in calling in some reinforcements. Just be true to what you can do safely and your own comfort level when it comes to these fixes. Take advantage of this summer’s beautiful weather to give your home the attention it deserves.