There are four seasons in a year, and each season brings different types of harsh weather conditions that can affect your home. To ensure that your home is ready to face these different weather conditions, and to keep your property in great shape, you must properly care for your home.
If you want to get the most out of your home, then you need to invest in regular maintenance. This will keep your home running smoothly, and it can even save you money and time in the long run.
In the following blog, we will share a home maintenance checklist that includes tasks you can take up this summer. These tips can help you stay on top of all the little things that need upkeep:
Exterior Home Maintenance
You can divide your home maintenance checklist into two categories, the exterior, and the interior. Here are some aspects of your home’s exterior that need to be well maintained.
Inspect Your Roof
The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Different seasons can impact your roof in different ways, and it is important to stay on top of these seasonal changes and make sure your roof stays in good condition.
One of the tasks in the home maintenance checklist is to inspect your roofing system. This is an important task to make sure your roof is performing optimally, and even extending the lifespan of your roof. It is important that homeowners have their roofs inspected at least once a year. Here are some of the things you need to look for:
- Make sure that all of your roofing materials are in good condition.
- Check for broken shingles or flashing that has come loose.
- Look for worn-out caulk around the edges of our roof.
- Check shingles for loose granules.
- Look for moss or algae growth on any flat surfaces. This might indicate a clogged gutter or drainage problem.
A roof inspection can identify any problems with your roofing system, and help prevent costly damage in the future. Throughout the year, homeowners should keep their roofs free of debris and keep them clean. To learn more about this you can visit our blog.
Champion Exteriors offers free roof inspections to homeowners in Southern New Jersey. Our team has years of experience in the roofing industry, and a thorough roof inspection from us can give you confidence in your roof’s condition.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are one of the most important parts of your home’s exterior, and they are responsible for making sure that your home is protected from water damage. Gutter maintenance is an important part of the spring roof repair process. During the winter months, gutters can get clogged and make it difficult for the rainwater to drain off your roof. It is important to keep your gutters clean and free of any debris, so they are able to keep your home protected.
Here are some things you can do to check your gutters as part of your home maintenance checklist.
- Check for clogs: If you can’t see through your gutters, chances are that it’s time to clean them.
- Check for loose connections: Some gutters are connected to the house with hangers and brackets, which can come loose over time or in bad weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain).
- Check for rust: You should also check if there is any rust on your gutters or downspouts as this can be a sign that they may need to be replaced soon.
Inspect Your Lawn
This is a great time to check for weeds and any pests. Look closely at the edges of your lawn, as this is where most insects tend to arrive.
It’s also important to inspect your lawn closely for pests—they often hide in damp areas and can be more difficult to spot than you might think! If you see any signs of pests, use an organic pesticide like cedar oil or neem oil.
Finally, it’s important to check the health of your grass by looking for dry spots (especially if it hasn’t rained lately) or dead spots that have been killed off by overwatering.
To get better and faster results, you can also contact a professional pest control and lawn care company in New Jersey.
Paint Your Siding
Siding covers your entire home’s exterior, and it keeps your home safe from harsh weather conditions. Painting or replacing your siding is one of the most common ways to improve your home’s appearance and increase its value. There are many types of siding available in a wide range of colors, styles, and prices.
To learn more about siding, you can check out our effective guide on home siding. You should inspect the exterior of your home to determine if your siding has been damaged, or if the paint is chipping away. If you believe that your siding has been damaged, our team can help!
Re-Stain Your Deck
A deck is a great place for entertaining friends and family because it allows you to enjoy the outdoors without having to leave your home. During the winter months, it is likely that your deck will not be used due to the cold and snowy conditions we experience in New Jersey. During this time, your deck can be damaged and may need proper cleaning and resealing/restaining. Here is how you can reseal your deck:
- Take a garden hose and clean your deck to remove unwanted dust and debris.
- Scrub the deck well to make sure that there is no dirt left on the surface.
- Clean the deck with water and wait for it to dry.
- After the deck is dried it is time to restrain the deck. Use a brush to apply the stain and make long strokes along the wood.
- Apply the coat and leave it to dry.
Interior Home Maintenance
There are some maintenance projects that you can do to improve the interior of your home as well. Some of these are given in the following section.
Paint Your Home
Painting your home is one of the most affordable ways to give it a face-lift! You can paint your home’s exterior or interior, but it’s best to wait until the weather is warm and dry. Waiting for the right conditions will ensure that the paint dries properly.
If you have an older home, consider painting your door trim first so they blend into the walls if they are painted at a later date.
A good rule of thumb is to choose colors that stand out in your neighborhood—but not too much! Here is why painting your home should be a part of your home maintenance checklist.
- Painting your home can be a great way to make it look new and refreshed.
- It’s an easy and quick way to improve the value of your home without breaking the bank.
- If it is done right, it will immediately improve your home’s curb appeal.
Windows
If your windows are drafty, you should consider replacing them. If your windows are old, you should consider replacing them with newer, more energy-efficient ones. Replacing your windows can add value to your home, and new windows can make your home more energy-efficient.
If you’re not looking to replace your windows, you need to make sure they’re in good shape. Check for cracks, broken seals, and peeling paint. If they need to be painted, consider it a spring task—it’s easier to paint when the weather is warm, and you’ll have more time to get the job done right. Champion Exteriors is able to repair or replace many different types of windows, some of which are listed below:
- Double-hung windows
- Casement windows
- Sliding windows
To learn more about these window styles in detail, check out our blog about the top 5 types of windows.
Check Your Home’s Surrounding Areas
If trees are growing near your house, they could cause damage to your roof, gutters, siding, and more. During a severe storm, branches can break off trees and cause serious damage to the exterior of your home.
To help prevent this from happening, it is best to inspect the areas surrounding your home at least once a year. This will help you identify if any trees need to be trimmed or removed entirely. You should also do this if you notice that a tree is leaning or has been damaged by wind or other factors.
The best time to do this is during the spring or summer months when leaves are still on the tree. This will give you the best idea about where branches may be growing and putting your home in danger. Falling leaves during season changes can be an issue as well, and it is important to keep your gutters free of any leaves that have fallen onto your roof. If you believe that a tree is putting your home at risk, you should contact a professional tree service right away.
Want Help With Home Maintenance Services?
We hope that our home maintenance checklist can help you keep your home protected throughout the year. However, some of these tasks must be done by professionals. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of working in your own house, and many people assume that they can do the job professionally and safely. This is especially true for repairs and maintenance tasks that seem straightforward, but if you’re not trained or experienced in a certain area, don’t risk damaging your home further by trying to fix it yourself.
Champion Exteriors has years of experience helping homeowners in Southern New Jersey. We have been in the business for more than 85 years, and we continue to serve our customers with passion and dedication. Sign up for our quality preventive maintenance program now to ensure that your roof is properly maintained and performs to the best of its ability. Contact us today at (609) 845-3576 to get to know more about our other programs and expert roofing services.