With summer around the corner, now is the time to think about summer maintenance tasks. The longer days are filled with outdoor activities, grilling and gardening in the backyard; you want to make sure that your home is prepared for the upcoming elements. You'll want to prepare your home and yard for the heat. Ensuring your home is ready for a possible storm, water or even fire damage will help you  get the most out of the summer. Here are simple tips that will help keep your home happy and healthy.

Clean Your Grill

Whether you have a gas or charcoal grill, it is important to keep your grill clean of debris and grease. Outdoor grills pose a major fire threat, especially if you use it often over the summer. It's not too hard to clean a charcoal grill. You just need to empty the grill and wipe away the dust and residue. Both the outside and inside can be cleaned with hot water, dish soap, and a scrub brush or sponge. You will need to be sure to let your grill dry off before using it again.

Gas grills are even easier to clean. For the inside, you just need to close the lid and turn the heat up high. Let the grill cook for about half an hour and then cool. After that, simply use a grill brush to sweep away the debris. The outside can be wiped down with a sponge and cleaner. You should consider cleaning out the drip trays also. Drip trays can build up residue over time, leading to grease fires.

Clean Your Porches and Deck

You should sweep your front and back porches thoroughly, and then consider washing it with a cleaner. Scrubbing it with soap and water will remove any embedded dirt. Many people don’t realize that a porch covered in dirt, leaves, sticks, and other debris is a potential fire and flood hazard.

Once the porch is clean, it’s time to look over your deck. You should check for any boards that look like they’re rotting and replace them. You should also hammer any loose nails you see.

Finally, you should also check to see if your deck needs to be resealed to protect it against water damage. You can do this by pouring a little water on it. If the water beads into little puddles, it does not need to be resealed.

Check Your Windows and Doors

Summer is also a  great time to wash your windows. Warm water and soap will get those windows sparkling. Maybe consider washing or changing the window screens while you are at it. Gently brush hot soapy on your window screens to wash them.

It would be a good idea to inspect the caulking around the windows and doors of your home, too. Adding fresh caulking to your windows and doors will help prevent rain and other elements from leaking into your home and causing water damage. The seal will also help keep ants and bugs at bay, especially in the kitchen.

Freshen Up Garden Areas

Try adding an extra layer of mulch if you have plants or flowers in your yard. This will help fight off weeds and help your soil retain moisture, which is especially important during the hot summer months.

Trimming bushes and plants are a good option, too. You will need to pay extra attention to the area around the AC unit.

Check for Leaks

Summer is the time of year to look for leaks around your house. You can start by checking all your outdoor faucets and your hoses. A lot of water can be wasted if there’s even a tiny hole in the hose. Not to mention the water damage that could go unnoticed. Electrical tape is a good tool for repairing small holes in your hose.

Inspect Outdoor Play Equipment

You need to make sure everything is still safe after the winter weather. Repair or replace anything that’s damaged or possibly hazardous so that the structure is sturdy and strong.

Protect Against Pests

Sometimes critters decide that the place to be is, unfortunately, your house. You should take steps to close off your home to non-pet animals like snakes and squirrels by:

• Covering all holes that are more than a quarter-inch wide.
• Trimming back tree branches so they are at least 8 feet from your roof.
• Keeping your outdoor trash bins tightly sealed.
• Removing yard debris.
• Tending to your lawn frequently by mowing.

Clean Roof, Gutters, and Downspouts

Experts say that you should clean the gutters at least once a year. Consider doing twice a year if you have a lot of trees around your home. Remember, clogged gutters filled with leaves and dirt will cause the water to not drain properly. This water will then leak into your home unexpectedly, leading to serious water damage.

At the same time, you should consider having your roof inspected as well. It’s important to properly maintain your roof so that it can last as long as possible.

Pay Attention to Your Home’s Exterior

Take a look at the outside of your house. Is there any rotted, dirty, or loose siding? If so, either fix or replace it. Feel free to touch up the paint on the outside of your home, too.

Knocking a few items off your summer home maintenance checklist can do a lot to help keep your home healthy and functioning. It can also boost the value of your property. Mr. Restore offers these summer home maintenance tips to help you get your house looking better than ever. Be sure to give us a call if you find any water damage during your outdoor maintenance. We will work quickly to restore your home to its former condition.