Doesn’t it feel good to open your windows and let in the summer breeze? Right after you hear the first notes of birds chirping and feel the warmer temperatures through your windows, it’s time to make a spring checklist of any damages left by Old Man Winter. Homeowners will need to make some necessary repairs, so they can relax this summer. Follow our summer home maintenance tips below to make the most of the warmer temperatures.
Check your gutters
The easiest way to check your gutter’s performance is to wait for a rainy day. You will need to check if the water is properly emptying from the downspouts. If water is overflowing at the edges of the gutters, it’s a strong sign that debris clogging the gutters or downspouts.
Most debris can be scooped out by hand or removed by a leaf blower. You could also flush the gutters with a garden hose to remove small particles and twigs. Use a plumber’s snake to clear stubborn clogs. Most importantly, if you are using a ladder, please take safety precautions.
How do your trees look?
Now that the weather is warming up, you can spend some time outdoors and give your trees a good visual inspection. Lack of leaves, soft spots, and open wounds are all signs of trouble. You should also check for fungus and rot. If a tree also has structural problems, such as split branches, there is a good chance that disease has taken hold. If you notice any of these signs, you should call in a professional.
However, if your trees are healthy, it is best to prune them and clear any fallen branches from your lawn. The last thing you want to happen is for your children or guests to trip and fall over your tree limbs. And when it comes to your lawn, fortunately, you can let the sun and soil do the work for you during the spring. If you prepared your lawn over the fall season, now is the time you reap the benefits of your TLC.
Reopening your pool
It’s time to pull back the cover on your pool. But, before you do, give it an inspection. If there is standing water on your pool cover, do not attempt to move the cover as the water and debris could slip into your pool. If the water on your cover does dump into your pool, you will have to drain your pool. The best way to get rid of standing water is to pump it out with a cover pump.
Once you have safely removed the winter cover from your pool, you will need to test the pool’s chemical balance. It is best to call in a professional to obtain a water sample from as deep in your pool as possible to get an accurate reading.
Once you have taken the necessary steps to make sure your pool is operable, you will need to make another checklist: pool safety.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drownings are the second-leading cause unintentional, injury-related deaths. You should make your smaller kiddos wear a wrist alarm. It looks like a watch, but it sounds when it gets wet. Otherwise, take time to invest in swimming lessons to prevent accidents. Plus, swimming is fun and great exercise.
Don’t forget to add a pool alarm to your pool safety checklist. Pool alarms detect any disturbances and movements.
Take precautions to enjoy your summer. A backyard maintenance checklist will help you and your family to breathe easier and welcome the sunny season.
Article Written By:
Erin Reynolds
Founder + Blogger + App Investor + Chief DIYer
DIYMama.net