10 Summer Home Maintenance Must-Dos to Prevent Costly Disasters

By John Salkowski

The JRS Realty Group, founded by high-producing Real Estate Broker & Author John Salkowski was built on the notion that the secret to achieving incredible goals and getting true results is to dominate real estate with a team approach.

As summer approaches, it’s essential to prepare your home to ensure it remains in good condition throughout the season. I recommend reviewing the following ten summer home maintenance tips. These are simple yet essential tasks, and if you need help completing any of them, I can recommend a reliable and affordable handyman.

1. Inspect gutters and downspouts. After winter and spring, gutters often accumulate leaves and debris. It is important to make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear to prevent overflow. Overflowing water can damage your attic and other parts of your home, especially with the rain that summer brings.

2. Service your air conditioning system. Air conditioning systems should be serviced annually, along with your heating system. This ensures that both are working efficiently and can help prevent costly repairs later on.

3. Check for pest entry points. Walk around your property and inspect it for any openings that pests or rodents might use to get inside. If you find any, these should be sealed with caulk or foam. A handyman can easily assist with this if needed.

4. Maintain landscaping and lawn. Landscaping should be kept clear of your home. Trees and bushes should not touch the structure, as this provides a path for rodents to enter. Cut back any vegetation that is hanging over your roof or leaning against your walls.

5. Inspect the roof and siding. Visually check for loose or missing shingles or siding. If you are unable to do this yourself, I can provide a basic visual inspection from across the street and let you know if I see anything that needs attention. There is no obligation involved.

6. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure your detectors are working properly and have fresh batteries. This is something that should be done at least once a year to keep your household safe.

7. Clean decks and wash patios. Whether your deck is wood or maintenance-free, inspect it for loose nails or screws. Power wash both decks and patios, and if there are any cracks in your concrete, seal them using cement caulk.

8. Wash windows and screens. Clean windows allow more natural light into your home. If your windows are dirty, wash them or hire someone to do it. Also, check your screens for any damage or wear.

9. Prepare for emergencies. Summer storms can cause power outages. Make sure you have fresh batteries at home and keep all phones charged, including any home phones that rely on battery power.

10. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Make it a point to contact your insurance provider to confirm that your coverage is current and adequate. It is important not to wait for them to reach out to you. Proactively ensure that your investment is protected.

These ten summer maintenance tips will help you keep your home in top shape. If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. You can call me at (610) 308-5893 or send an email to john@jrsrealtygroup.com. Enjoy your summer!