The sun is beaming brighter, the days are filled with more hours than the night, and there’s a buzz of festivity in the air. What does this all mean? That’s right, summertime has arrived. Although it’s a welcome sight and feeling, summer can take its toll on your house if you’re not careful. The warmer weather can be harsh on your home if protection measures aren’t put in place.
As passionate as we at SweepSouth are about home cleaning, we believe that it falls under the larger category of home maintenance, which is equally important. Follow along as we take you through 6 ways you can protect your home from summer damage.
1. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, it’s time to start thinking about storm preparedness. One task that should be on your to-do list is trimming any overhanging tree branches on large trees in your garden. By doing this, you’ll help protect your house from damage during severe storms. Tree branches can easily become broken or uprooted during high winds, and if they’re close to your house, they could cause serious damage.
By trimming them back, you’ll reduce the risk of this happening. You’ll also make it easier for emergency crews to access your property if necessary. So, don’t wait until a storm is on its way – get out there and start trimming those branches today!
2. Inspect And Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Your gutters are a key component to protecting your home from possible short and long-term damage that could be caused by storms. One of the most important things you can do to protect your home from storm damage is to inspect and clean your gutters regularly. Clogged gutters can cause all sorts of problems, including the following:
- Water damage to your foundation
- Basement and crawl space flooding
- Mould or mildew growth
- Rotted fascia boards
- Mosquito infestations.
By keeping your gutters clean, you’ll ensure that they can do their job properly and drain away all the water from storms.
3. Add A Sealant To Your Decks
Summertime is the perfect time to enjoy your deck. But if your deck is faded or damaged, it can take away from the fun. That’s why it’s important to add a sealant to your deck before the warmer months begin. A sealant will help to protect your deck from the sun’s rays and moisture. It will also keep dirt and debris from penetrating the wood, which can cause damage over time. So before you fire up the grill or invite friends over for a summer party, make sure you seal your deck so that it looks its best.
4. Protection From Mould Growth
One of the worst things that can happen to your home during the summer months is mould. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also cause serious damage to your property and even to your health. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent mould from taking hold in your home.
Firstly, make sure that your home has adequate ventilation. This will allow any damp air to escape, which will help to reduce the chances of mould spores taking hold. Secondly, pay attention to humidity levels. If the air in your home is too moist, this can create an ideal environment for mould to thrive. Keep an eye on humidity levels using a hygrometer, and open windows or use a dehumidifier to ensure that the air stays at a suitable level. By taking these precautions, you can help to keep your home mould-free all summer long.
TIP: Another way to avoid mould growth is by seeing to leaks and spills as soon as possible
5. Be Careful With Flames
As the summer months begin, many people start to enjoy the tradition of braaing with friends and family. However, it is important to remember to properly put out the fire when you are finished. If you live in a windy area, embers can easily be blown away from the fire pit and start a new fire elsewhere. Braai fires should be extinguished by pouring water over the ashes and embers, stirring them around, and then repeating until all the embers are cool. Remember to do the same for your fireplace – close the damper, and stir and wet ashes down until they are cold enough to touch. Taking a few minutes to properly put out your fire can help prevent chaos at your home.
6. Maintain Your Lawn Properly
One of the most important things you can do to keep your lawn looking its best during the summer months is to water it regularly. Depending on your area, you may need to water your lawn once or twice a week. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you water, however, as too much water can actually damage your lawn. In addition, here are some other important lawn maintenance tips:
- Be sure to mow your lawn regularly.
- Set the blade at a higher setting, as grass that is too short will make it susceptible to damage from the sun’s rays.
- Make sure your lawn mower blades are also sharp enough for easy cutting.
- Finally, don’t forget to fertilise your lawn every few weeks.
A little extra care during the summer months will go a long way towards maintaining a healthy, green lawn all season long.
With these easy-to-use guidelines, you can ensure your home will survive the summer weather while being the perfect place of relaxation and entertainment for you and your loved ones. Start making adjustments wherever you can ASAP so that your summer months can be enjoyed and not cause you stress.
