10 Summer Home Maintenance Tips for Military Homeowners

Maintenance tips from the MilitaryByOwner Team

While home maintenance projects may not make the list of your favorite things to do, an opportunity to get out into the sun may just make it a bit more appealing!

Whether your military family is preparing for another PCS move or you can look forward to staying put for the time being, this is the perfect time to do some essential sprucing. While some spring and summer home maintenance projects are dependent on the region, there are many that are universal for all homeowners.

1. Clean Up the Exterior

The moist winter environment may have left your siding or deck riddled with mold or algae. Pressure washing the exterior or your home will give it a sparkle, but if you aren’t well versed in the mechanics of power washing your home, it’s best to hire a professional to avoid damaging your deck or siding. Before the water hits the house, do a thorough examination for any damage, leaks, or holes caused by weather, age, or rodents.

Repair and seal these areas prior to having your home pressure washed.

2. Time for Paint!

You may see areas of chipped or cracked paint on your home’s exterior. Relatively lower humidity makes it an optimal time to grab your brush and put a fresh coat of weather resistant paint on all surfaces. Concrete paint is a great way to refresh stained and weathered concrete porches and walkways.

3. Check the Roof

Climbing on the roof is risky in the winter months, but it may be time to take a climb to make sure all shingles are in place and vents and skylights are well sealed. While you’re on the roof, check rain gutters and downspouts for obstructions or loose connections. Place water flow extensions at the base of downspouts to direct water away from your foundation.

4. Service Your HVAC

They say the “early bird gets the worm,” and this couldn’t be more true than when it comes to having your air conditioning system serviced.

As temperatures rise, numerous homeowners will realize that their system is not operating properly and service providers will be in high demand. You don’t want to be at the bottom of that list, so call and have your system examined before the thermometer rises. If you have window air conditioning units that you removed in the winter, clean them up and put them back into place.

5. Replace Filters and Batteries

If you didn’t replace the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test each unit yet this spring, now’s the time! It’s easy to forget about the small but valuable units on your ceiling, but you don’t want them to let you down in your time of need, so grab the ladder and batteries and use this time to discuss fire escape routes and safety measures with your family.

Hit the home improvement store and grab new filters for all of your air returns. You may also want to invest in the higher grade filters to help safeguard your home and family from seasonal allergens.

6. Examine the Foundation

Examine the foundation and walls for leaks and damage. If you have a basement, ensure that your sump pump is operating properly before spring and summer showers cause a problem.

7. Let Your Green Thumb Show

Soon the grass and plants around your home will be begging for water, so now’s the time to start up your sprinkler system and turn on the outside faucets to check for leaks and proper operation. Seed, fertilize, and mulch the lawn, shrubs, and trees, removing any plants that did not weather the winter well.

One of the easiest ways to add curb appeal to your home is to update your landscaping. Planting seasonal flowers in the yard can bring new life to your home.

8. Clean Forgotten Areas

Bright, sunny days are more enjoyable when viewed through clean windows! Grab the window cleaner and give the inside and outside of the windows a good scrubbing, as well as the tracks and sills. Replace any screens that were removed during the winter so you can let the fresh air come through.

Include a purge of your refrigerator with your spring-cleaning, and remove expired or spoiled items. If you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils to increase efficiency.

Cleaning behind your washer and dryer can prove to be a lofty endeavor, but reducing the lint from hoses and vents can help avoid potential fire hazards.

9. Think About Home Improvements

This is not to suggest that you take on a major home improvement project, but rather simple do-it-yourself projects that can make a major impact on the overall look and feel of your home.

10. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Living the military lifestyle means that in a moment’s notice you could find yourself trying to sell or rent your home. Keeping up on seasonal maintenance items can eliminate the lengthy list of items that need your attention prior to your next PCS move.

Get a jump-start on the next season with our Year Round Home Maintenance article!

For past advice and tips, visit Military by Owner on the Army wife Network