One of life’s secrets is learning to see an opportunity for what it is and then taking it. And this is absolutely applicable to home maintenance. While the summer months are indeed a time for celebration the pure practicality of warmer, rain-free days also bring with them obligations before winter is upon us! And no, late summer checks and chores are certainly not the most glamorous but they do make a huge difference to the maintenance of your house during less forgiving months and reduce your work-load and outgoings in the long-term. So let’s grab this opportunity and check out the following handy summer exterior home checks to do this August!

Summer Exterior Home Checks to Do in August

Mind in the Gutter

Clean, well-maintained gutters are imperative to the ecosystem that is your household. A decent drainage system protects water from coming into contact with more vulnerable areas such as your foundations which ultimately is responsible for your house’s structural integrity.

Maintaining your gutters simply involves donning on your favorite safety goggles and gloves twice a year to remove any debris. Leaves, moss and plant life should be scraped away or pushed out of downpipes with wire brushes to ensure water can travel through smoothly. Checking for leaks is your next job which involves a nifty hose-pipe trick and then your work here is done!

To the Windows! To the Walls!

Yes, you can pick up that pressure-washer again as cleaning down your windows and walls is the first step to keeping them well-looked after all year-round and preventing render and sealant issues.

Washing your house from top to bottom with a lighter setting removes any accumulated dirt and if mould is an issue combine your pressure washer with a fungicidal wash. Preparatory cleaning on your render and windows not only makes visible any cracks or holes for repair, but also will best present your walls for repainting if necessary. If you do spot any damage during your clean, tap the wall as you go and listen out for hollow sounds which indicate your render needs replacing. This exercise is particularly important as cracked render means it has separated from the masonry leaving your house exposed to water damage so be on guard!

On the window front, start by eye-detailing the exterior frames for areas where the caulking has stopped working – any gaps between house and window indicates costly failed sealing meaning your house will be vulnerable to heat loss in the winter. If you want to get serious, follow this tip on how to use incense sticks to indicate exactly where your windows are not air-tight.

Up on the Roof

OK, so this is not necessarily easing you in however roof checks are up first for a reason – oh so much can go wrong and with so much at stake! Dryer summer months are extremely useful in roof maintenance and while there are steps you can take independently, this is the one check for which expert help is encouraged.

Many DIY-enthusiasts get straight up on that roof without realizing they are causing more damage with every step whether tile or shingle damage through improper inspection or using damaging cleaning products. If you suspect your roof needs repair or even cleaning, it is usually best to consult a specialist beforehand and please step away from the pressure washer and bleach!

What you can do is use a ladder to assess the general state of your roof, keeping a particularly close eye on any wonky, apparently loose or missing tiles and slates. Remove any decorations which put pressure on your roof and be pre-emptive by trimming any overhanging trees which could fall onto your roof in the winter.

Green Fingers

Lawn irrigation is a big deal as what says more about your garden than the state of your lawn? Summer is a perfect time to check your irrigation lines for any faults such as debris build-up and leaks and of course perfecting the accuracy of your sprinkler heads to avoid water wastage all year-round!

Tree pruning was mentioned above to protect your roof, however what about protecting the rest of your external fixtures? Air conditioning units will surely be your best friend at one or other point over the next 365 days and yet their maintenance is so often ignored. To work efficiently our ACs depend on good circulation and the main problem preventing a constant solid air flow to the AC is overgrown plants. Ensure your shrubs and creepers are trimmed back by at least three feet from above the unit and a good twenty feet from around its sides.

These handy summer exterior home checks will save you hundreds and perhaps even thousands in the long-term if done properly, not to mention save you from freezing outside in a last-minute attempt to fix a preventable problem in winter! August is great for BBQs, garden cocktails and pool parties but it also brings with it an unmissable opportunity to prepare and protect your house for the winter months!  

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