Even though we’ve had an unseasonably rainy month in Indiana, there’s hope for sun and more outdoor summer activities before the back-to-school frenzy begins. Besides taking family vacations and enjoying water sports, July is also a good time to do some of those tedious but necessary household chores while you can.
In order to help, we’ve put together a to-do list so you can keep your home in tip-top shape. Good luck.
Check for cracks. Examine all your exterior walls for cracked or peeling paint. The south and west-facing walls typically show signs of deterioration first, and will require touch-ups more often than the others. If repainting your entire house is too costly or feels overwhelming, consider recoating only one or two walls per year.
Inspect your bricks. Carefully examine your brick or masonry siding (or other outdoor structures) for cracks or missing mortar. Repair with fresh mortar or concrete caulk. Call a professional bricklayer if necessary.
Don’t forget your roof. Take a look at any roofing material for loose or missing shingles or cracks and repair as necessary. If you are not able to safely do this, hire a professional. Also, check underneath the roof if you have access to attic spaces for stains. This might indicate leaks, especially if you spot significant stains from “flashed” areas in roof valleys, around chimneys near vent stacks.
Double check lights. Since July is a popular vacation month, this is a crucial time to make sure your automatic light timers and motion-detector systems are operating properly. Replace any burned-out bulbs, if necessary, and consider adding any safety lighting if needed.
Prune trees and shrubs. Take a look at any overgrown branches or landscaping, and trip back so that they are not making contact with exterior siding. Keep vegetation trimmed away from your outdoor air at least 18 inches.
Clean and repair driveways. Carefully inspect your driveway, and give it a good cleaning with a power washer, if necessary. Cracks in concrete driveways can be repaired using epoxy patching material. Repair asphalt driveways using asphalt patching material, and seal with recommended sealers every other year.
Check for termites. Closely inspect your foundation walls and check for signs of termites. Look for tunnels or dirt bridges, and contact a professional exterminator immediately if you find evidence.
Change your AC filters. Inspect your air conditioning system and make sure your filters are clean and have been changed regularly. If needed, contact a professional technician to schedule a routine service visit.
