Estimated reading time: 5-6 minutes
This article originally appeared on the KSL Classifieds Resource Center. To view the original article, click here.
As soon as there is a hint of warm weather, we start planning the fun stuff. Barbecues, pool parties, vacations. It’s also a great time to take care of projects that you neglected and/or ignored during the colder months. Summer house repair projects, here we come.
Be cool
Our list of top home maintenance tips for the summer begins with the system that makes your home comfortable – the HVAC unit. Do a quick check to see if it’s pumping in fresh air. Attach a thermometer to the supply register and let the air conditioner run for about five minutes. Then attach it to the back vent for another five minutes. The second reading should be about 15 degrees warmer than the first. If not, there may be a leak that needs to be repaired.
Even if it seems to be working well, it is still important to have your air conditioner serviced annually. Hire a technician from a reputable company like CMC Heating and Repair. They will clean the coils and check the fluid levels to make sure the system is working efficiently. They will also perform manufacturer-recommended maintenance, which is usually necessary to keep the device’s warranty valid.
It’s much cheaper to get an inspection ahead of time than to request a repair on a hot Friday night. And much more comfortable than sweating it out when you’re on a weeks long waiting list. Search KSL Services for a list of technicians near you.
Bird’s eye view
Extreme temperature fluctuations in Utah put a lot of strain on your shingles. Summer heat causes expansion, while winter cold causes contraction. As a result, the shingles can crack and split. Add a heavy hailstorm and you can add holes to the mix.
A roof inspection is an easy summer home repair project you can do without even stepping outside. Go up to your attic – we recommend early in the morning, before it gets too hot – and look for the beams of light coming through the roof. If you see any, there could be leaks.
From the outside of your home, look for shingles that are curled or torn. If your gutters have a lot of granules — or you notice rock piles near your downspout — you may also have bald spots that need to be replaced.
If your roof is over 20 years old, it may be time for a complete replacement. If it’s less, you can probably just repair the damaged sections. A certified roofing company such as Redline Roofing can perform a more thorough inspection and advise you on the remaining life of your shingles. Find a directory of roofing companies here.
Branching out
The slowly dying tree? Now is the time to get rid of it and start over. Limbs overhanging the sidewalk and annoying morning walkers? Cut them. Instead of guessing where to make cuts without damaging the tree, hire a service such as Cutting Edge Tree Professionals. They’ll prune to your specifications, so your trees remain attractive afterward.
Large trees that interfere with power lines will be cut down by the city or power company regardless of your feelings. So if you have a specific look you want – and don’t want to climb to great heights – hire a professional tree service. They have all the necessary equipment and skills.
Edge call
Once the winter period has passed and the flora has come back to life, it’s time to work on your landscaping. Starting with your lawn, increase the height of your mower so that you are cutting no more than a third of the length of the blade of grass. Longer grass shades the ground better, which ultimately leads to less water evaporation.
Established lawns can benefit from a breath of fresh air. Consider aeration and power raking to loosen tightly packed soil and remove dead grass. When adjusting your sprinklers, aim for about an inch of water per week, in just one or two sessions. This keeps roots deep and your lawn healthier, even in drought conditions.
Enhance the yard even further with a concrete patio, walkway or decorative border. Adding edging gives landscaping definitive borders and clean lines. It also helps keep flower bed ground cover, such as mulch and rocks, contained. Much easier than raking wood chips from your lawn. Consult KSL Services for companies specializing in concrete pouring.
On the bridge
Summer house repair projects are all about improving your space. For example, a pergola not only blocks unwanted sunlight, it’s a lovely feature in an otherwise standard yard. West-facing homes may especially appreciate the extra shade in the late afternoon.
Another addition: here is the mighty bridge. A basic barbecue looks elevated when held in a well thought-out space. But where do you start? Builders such as Jenkins Construction can work with you to design and create the deck of your dreams.
Who couldn’t use an extra space to gather with friends or family? Find the list of service providers here.
Get a head start on your summer house repair projects so you have time to relax too. Better yet, hire a professional to do the hard stuff. You can find hundreds of local businesses to help with home maintenance on KSL Services. Now go out and have fun.
More stories that might interest you
