Your Home and Window Summer Maintenance Checklist

It’s that time again - time to take a few weekends and tackle your home's summer maintenance checklist. We’ve made a checklist of the primary home maintenance inspections you’ll want to check off your list this summer to ensure your home is in tip-top shape. Doing a yearly review keeps you in tune with what’s going on with your home and helps you get a head start on planning and saving for any big home improvement projects that may be coming down the line.

​Clean Gutters and Drains
We all know what monsoons are like in northern Arizona. They can bring deluges without warning and only last a short time. Unfortunately, these are the types of storms that cause damage because the water doesn’t have time to soak into the ground. So don’t forget to clean your gutters, drains, and any other draining systems you have before the rains come. This can help prevent thousands of dollars in damage to your roof or to the foundation of your home. 
 
Clean your Chimney 
If you have a chimney, summer is the perfect time to clean it. Get it done and out of the way so you can enjoy your fall and be ready for winter. Plus, it’s a bit of a dirty job, so it’s better done when the roof is dry for safe and easy access. 
 
Inspect the Roof
Roof repair and maintenance go hand in hand. Regular maintenance such as reapplying sealant or replacing damaged shingles can prevent major repairs down the road. If you need a new roof, we recommend calling three to four different companies to make sure you are getting a fair and accurate quote. 
 
Exterior Painting and Siding 
Check your home's siding for extreme weathering, warping, chips, and cracks. Sometimes all you need is to power wash it to bring the exterior of your home back to life, but if there is damaged sections or you need a fresh coat of paint, the project may take a bit more time. You may want to call a professional to tackle these more extensive projects. Either way, doing a yearly inspection can help you catch problems early and save you money in the long run. 
 
Repair or Replace Decking
If you have a deck, now is the time to clean, repair or replace it. Another option to consider is adding a deck shade so you can enjoy summer year-round. 
 
Windows and Doors
Here in Arizona, summer brings extreme heat and thunderstorms. This is the best time to do an energy inspection and start the planning process to upgrade your windows to be more energy-efficient.
 
A few things to check in your energy audit:

• Check all weather stripping for dryness or cracking.
• Check window caulking for any corrosion. 
• Check for leaks and cracks in the glass. This includes condensation between the window panes.
• Check hardware. Make sure windows and doors can open and close smoothly and lock securely. 
• Inspect the frame. Clean window frames and inspect for any warping or water damage. 

 
Clean Your Windows 
While you are taking the time to inspect all your windows and doors, it's a good time to clean your windows to remove pollutants such as dust and pollen that stick to the glass and prevent the natural light from coming in. Bring the cleaning supplies with you while inspecting and make those windows and patio doors shine with a thorough cleaning.

Tips for Cleaning Your Windows Inside and Out
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1. ​The best time to clean your windows is when the sun isn’t directly on your windows. This prevents streaking from the water or cleaner drying too fast.
 
2. We recommend a glass cleaner that doesn’t contain ammonia, bleach, or alcohol for both interior and exterior cleaning. These substances leave residue on your windows and can cause dust to cling to the windows. 
 
3. Here is an at-home window cleaner that works really well: mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 10 cups of warm water. 

4. Use a microfiber rag. They absorb a lot of water and will leave your windows clear, shiny, and streak-free. 
 
5. Dry the window thoroughly and wipe the frame and ledge with a separate rag to ensure no streaking on the glass and that the cleaner did not get on wood, vinyl, or fiberglass frames as the cleaner could discolor the finish.
 
There you have it. Your home maintenance list and tips on how to clean your windows. Now all you need to do is get started! If you need any major home repairs or want a pro to inspect your windows and doors, contact us today - we'd be happy to help!