It’s always a good idea to do major home improvements right after winter ends. After all, the cold often does a number on your home. But, spring brings rain showers and colder evenings. Due to these conditions, it might not be the right time to make certain improvements.
Rather, summer may be more optimal: Longer days with more sun, consistently warm temperatures and fewer rainstorms. With this in mind, what should you get done before the season passes?
Painting Siding and Trim
When it comes to house painting, it’s not advised to apply a new coat on damp, cool days – unless you want to end up with a bumpy surface and cracks only a couple years later. Instead, summer’s warmer conditions give you or a professional more time to sand, scrape and apply a fresh coat, without having to wait through the next drizzle.
Shingles and Roof Tiles
As a general rule, it’s never a good idea to have your roof repaired in winter. By spring, conditions improve but there is still the chance of an occasional rain shower. When you have missing shingles or roof tiles, you can’t afford to wait to take action. Otherwise, your roof may develop a leak that only worsens with the weather. If you didn’t have a chance to assess your roof in spring, make these repairs a priority before fall arrives.
Siding
Winter’s harsh conditions may damage or loosen your siding. By spring, all that rain and moisture can cause or exacerbate existing mold, mildew and rotten wood. When these issues are not dealt with, the siding is not the only thing affected. Your home may further experience structural damage and could even be condemned.
With warmer days and more sunlight in summer, review all the siding along your home’s perimeter. There’s a good chance that if you’ve had the same material for decades, it needs some degree of upkeep – if not replacement. Before frigid temperatures arrive, schedule any repairs.
Basement Waterproofing
The older your home is, the more susceptible it is to moisture buildup and pooling water. To prevent potential mold and mildew issues, basement waterproofing is recommended. Yet, you don’t want to be dealing with a cold or damp foundation. Instead, take advantage of summer’s conditions to get this done well in advance of winter.
Repairing the Driveway
Cracks across the asphalt are more than unsightly; they turn into a safety hazard for anyone on your property. Once summer arrives, make it a priority to power wash your driveway first. When the surface is free of dirt and debris, get the cracks and gaps filled in. Otherwise, the freeze-thaw cycle that starts in late fall will only make the problem worse.
Deck Maintenance
If you have a deck or patio, you have two priorities once summer arrives: Make sure the wood continues to be protected from the elements and insects and keep it looking good. As such, now is the perfect time to clean off the wood and apply any stains and treatments.
The Gutters
Usually you schedule gutter cleaning for early spring and late fall to keep them clean come any rain or snow, but clogged gutters can occur at any time of the year. If you notice pooling or overflowing, inspect your gutters for debris, clean them out and have repairs scheduled if needed.
Foundation
Like your driveway, your home’s foundation also experiences cracks. During the season, make sure you:
- Repair any cracks that formed over winter.
- Assess all screens and vents. Anything that’s broken or clogged could allow excess moisture to accumulate or cause pests to enter your home.
- Look for pests. Especially in warmer weather, a termite problem may develop and could gradually be damaging your foundation.
Are you in the market for a new home? No matter the season, consider one of By Carrier’s custom communities. To learn about our properties, give us a call today.