Summer brings with it longer days, warmer weather, and the perfect opportunity to focus on essential home maintenance tasks. Proper upkeep ensures that your home remains safe, efficient, and ready for the season’s activities. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most important tasks to tackle this June.

Shore up Home Security

Summer is the season of sun-soaked vacations, weekend getaways, and spontaneous adventures. However, as Michiganders head off for these well-deserved breaks, our homes are often left vulnerable to potential security threats. There are a variety of things you can do to increase security including trimming bushes and trees to eliminate hiding places, installing motion sensor lights, utilizing smart home technology, installing a home security system, and ensuring entry points are secure. 

Update Your First Aid Kit

From sunburns to insect bites, having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential in the summer. Start by checking your current inventory, disposing of expired items and replenishing essential supplies. Make sure you have things like bandages, gauze pads and tape, antiseptic wipes and ointments, tweezers, scissors, disposable gloves, etc. Then, add in summer specific items like aloe vera gel, insect repellent, bug bite cream, cold packs, and hydration tablets or electrolyte solutions. 

Secure Outdoor Play Structures

Children’s play equipment can take a beating over the cold winter and rainy spring. So, before you get into full summer mode, a thorough inspection is crucial. Ensure all swing sets, slides, and climbing structures are stable and securely anchored to the ground. Check for cracks, splinters, or sharp edges on wooden and metal parts. Sand down rough spots on wooden structures and treat with a sealant or paint to prevent further damage. Also, be sure to look for and remove any potential hazards like protruding nails, splinters, or broken parts that could cause injury.

Inspect Window Screens

After months of cooler temps, homeowners eagerly embrace the opportunity to open their windows and let in the fresh breeze. However, Kris Simpson with Honest Home Inspections says before you open everything up, it’s important to ensure your screens are in good condition. 

“Start by visually inspecting each screen, looking for tears, holes, or frayed edges, and examine the frames looking for any bends, cracks, or rust,” he said. “Ensure all screens fit securely inside the window frames, and make sure the mesh is taught and securely attached to the frame. This will help you enjoy the fresh air while keeping insects and pests out.” 

Clean Your Exterior

After enduring the harsh conditions of winter and the dampness of spring, your home's exterior likely needs attention. While pressure washing is a popular method for cleaning your siding, it’s a job that requires skill and knowledge to avoid damaging your home. So, if you aren’t up for hiring a professional, there are cleaners available that simply attach to your garden hose, allowing you to easily wash your siding without the need to pressure wash. 

“Regular exterior cleaning not only boosts curb appeal, but it also prolongs the life of your siding, saving you money on potential repairs or replacements,” said Simpson.

Inspect Your Roof

The intense summer sun, coupled with the aftermath of winter and spring weather conditions, can exacerbate existing roof issues and create new problems. Regular roof inspections can help identify and address these issues early, ensuring your home remains protected and well-maintained. Take time to check for missing, cracked, or curling shingles, and inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for signs of damage or deterioration. Also, make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached and free of debris. 

Maintain Your Deck and Patio

One key area that demands attention in the summer is the deck, a beloved spot for barbecues, sunbathing, and family activities. So, before you start hosting weekend gatherings, give your deck a once-over, looking for signs of rot, mold, and mildew. Check nails, screws, and other fasteners, ensuring they aren’t rusted, loose, or missing. Also, look for splintered, cracked, or warped deck boards, repairing or replacing them as needed. And if it’s been a while, consider adding a coat of sealant to your deck, which can help protect the wood from decay. 

Check Driveways and Walkways 

These high-traffic areas endure a lot of wear and tear throughout the year, from the freezing and thawing cycles of winter to the heavy rains of spring. While you’re out enjoying the sun, take a moment to inspect your walkways and driveways for signs of cracks, holes, or uneven surfaces. Be sure to repair any damage to prevent tripping hazards and maintain the curb appeal of your home. If left unattended, these problems can worsen, causing structural damage to the pavement.

In addition to these important tasks, you may also want to replace your HVAC filter, check your windows and doors for proper sealing, clean and switch your fan direction, and ensure outdoor lighting is functional and adequate. 

While tackling home maintenance and repairs doesn’t sound like a ton of summer fun, Simpson says homeowners should try to view it not as a burden, but as a proactive measure to protect their investment.

“By keeping up with regular maintenance, homeowners not only ensure their home’s functionality and safety, but they can also enhance its marketability and appeal,” he said. “It's about more than just preserving the physical structure; it's about safeguarding the financial security and peace of mind that comes with owning a well-maintained home.” 

For more home maintenance tips and information visit the Greater Lansing Association of REALTORS® website at www.lansing-realestate.com.