Here is your August Home Maintenance Tips and To-Do’s
The start of a new month is upon us and with it comes a lot big changes. August signifies the end of summer, the beginning of a new school year and a change in life at home. The beginning of the 2020-21 school year is still being shaped and defined. But, the end of summer and change in weather is definitely approaching. Here are your August Home Maintenance tips, tricks and to-do’s to complete around your home.
1. Check your Washing Machine Connections
With the HOT summer that we have had, your washing machine has been sure to get a good workout! It is a great time to check the water supply hoses which connect to your washer and make sure they are in good condition. Not sure what to look for? Check for bulges, cracks or worn areas which could turn into problems in the future. The cost of buying new hoses is about $25 but will take some effort on your behalf. You can have a contractor do the job for around $150.
2. Prune & Clear Out Dead Tree Limbs
Take some time before your schedule gets crazy and tend to your garden. Work through your flower beds to tidy up your perennials and remove weeds. Pruning your bushes and perennials now helps to have less cleanup to do in spring.
Make sure to check your trees for dead limbs and branches. Winter weather like ice and snow can cause these branches to break off and could cause more damage then removing them now.
3. Clear the Gutters and Inspect the Roof
Summer thunderstorms can lead to excess debris in your gutters. Get them cleared out now which to put you ahead of the game for when the leaves start to fall. Water can be extremely damaging to your home if it isn’t diverted in the right direction. But clogged gutters can also make a great home for rodents and insects.
Those same storms can cause damage to your roof as well. Check to make sure you don’t have any loose shingles or damaged roof flashing which could allow moisture into your home.
4. Manage Flying Pests
Wasp activity peaks in late summer, which means they can become more aggressive and have a higher potential to sting in August. If you see any wasp activity work to eliminate them as fast as possible.
You will also want to keep an eye out for stagnant water which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. As we get closer to fall, we tend to get busier and leave things a little more untended which can result in standing water in the backyard.
It is also a good time to check the seals around the exterior of your home including doors, windows and vents. Make sure everything is air-tight so you are ready for the cold weather but also so that it isn’t an opening into your home for insects.
5. Clean Outdoor Natural Stone
Your summer at home was probably filled with lots of grilling, family and general outdoor time. As summer comes to a close, it is important to clean the natural stone surfaces of your outdoor space. This helps prevent stains from setting in and leaving permanent marks. These areas include outdoor granite countertops or stone walkways and patios.
Wondering what the best way to clean these surfaces is? Start by dusting off the stone to remove abrasive materials such as dirt or sand which can cause damage. Next use a gentle cleanser with a neutral pH and preferably with out soap and a soft cloth. Once clean you can consider applying a water-based penetrating sealer to protect from stains and grime. Here are some more tips and info on cleaning and protecting these surfaces.
6. Prep your Furnace for Winter
Now is the time to be ahead of the rush and get your furnace checked and ready for winter. Annual maintenance on your homes heating system can prevent major problems and keep your system running efficiently. And can also save you money in the long run. You can plan for this service appointment to cost you around $150
7. Clean your Carpets and Flooring
Summer activities can track a lot of dirt and grime into your home. This can take a toll on your floors. Take time to thoroughly clean and mop hard surface floors. It is also a great time to consider having carpets professionally cleaned or clean with an at home carpet cleaner. Outdoor temperatures allow you to open the windows which keeps the air moving helping to dry the carpet faster. Clean and fresh floors are a great start to getting your home ready to spend more time indoors. Here are some more tips on different ways to clean carpets.
Keeping up with home maintenance on a regular basis adds to the value of your home and makes preparing for selling your home easier. Whether your looking to sell in the next few months or living in your home forever, make sure to show your home some love and care.
Have more questions about any of these helpful tips or how they effect the value of your home? Give Team Longenecker a call at 717-450-7090, we are always available to answer your questions.
