Your home in Sarasota, Florida needs additional maintenance and upkeep to ensure its function through the hot summer months. As you know, Florida summers can be grueling and even include some unfortunate hurricanes and storms. To prepare your home for summer, here are 10 tips every Sarasota, Florida homeowner should know!
- Clean Your Walkways
- Pressure wash your walkways and replace damaged bricks or pavers. If you have concrete walkways, make sure you fill in cracks using a high-quality crack filler. Ensure the filler’s color matches the concrete color for basic curb appeal. This also prevents further damage and erosion during summer showers.
- Clean Windows and Screens
- Check your windows and screens to ensure they function correctly. If there are any gaps in the framing, make sure you caulk them. Inspect the windows’ mechanics and check the opening and closings. Use a vinegar-ammonia solution to wash your windows and clean them with water. Once washed, use a squeegee to dry them. Added pollen, insects and moisture can create added stress during these months.
- Clean the Front Door
- Use a screwdriver to probe the weather stripping on the door. If there are any gaps, make sure you caulk them. Similarly, it is crucial to tighten hinges on the doors that might have come loose due to temperature fluctuations.
- Inspect your Roof
- Experts recommend inspecting your roof in the summer to ensure your home is ready for the rainy season in Florida. When you look at your home’s exterior and roof, you can diagnose minor issues and repair them immediately before they turn into something problematic.Besides, check for cracked, misaligned, or missing shingles and fix them to avoid water seeping in through them. Don’t forget to inspect your flushing for rust and check the caulk around skylights and pipes to ensure there are no cracks. Check the chimney and joints between stones or bricks and look for vegetation growing in them.
- Clear out the Gutters
- Cleaning debris and leaves from your gutters is one of the best ways to prepare your home for the hot summer months. For instance, when it rains, stand outside and look for leaks and breaks in your downspouts and gutters.
- Clean the Deck
- Cleaning and maintaining your deck can increase your home’s resale value. We recommend using a power washer or deck brush to remove mold, dirt, and mildew. If there is wear in the finishing, make sure you let the wood dry before applying paint.
- Check Your Home’s Exterior
- Check your exterior paint and repair any shingles, stucco, and siding. Find areas of rot, damage, or stucco cracks and repair them immediately by hiring a professional contractor. Remove accumulated dirt, dust, mold, and mildew using a pressure washer. If the exterior paint has faded, make sure you reapply the stain. Check for chipping or peeling paint and repair these areas. If you notice any widespread peeling or cracking, consider a full repaint.
- Recoat Outdoor Furniture
- Cleaning and recoating outdoor furniture is an excellent way to improve your home’s aesthetics and value, especially during summer months when you’ll be using it the most. Clean off any furniture items you had stored in storage and inspect metal components for rust. We recommend using a power washer for cleaning and a clear sealer for recoating if you have IPE furniture.
- Reinforce Fence Posts
- Inspect your fence posts and look for warped or rotten pickets. If there are any problems, make sure you reinforce these pickets or posts to ensure they remain in the ground without causing any problems. This is especially important around hurricane season, when you will need to secure any loose odds and ends.
- Recalibrate your HVAC System
- A HVAC system is an essential piece of equipment in your home that cools the indoor space and maintains optimal air quality. Replace dirty air filters, clean the ductwork, inspect refrigerant levels, and recalibrate your AC system’s thermostat to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the hot summer months in Florida.