Summer home maintenance

By doing your fall, winter and spring home maintenance, you’ll have more time to spend a few quiet moments in the summer sun and give yourself a well-earned respite. But even if the workload is reduced in the summer, it’s still important to do some key jobs now so to not have to deal with them all in the fall…

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Outdoor repairs and maintenance

  • To prolong the life of the driveway pavement, it’s important to seal every fissure as soon as they appear and protect the surface by applying a sealer. Start by cleaning the surface with a product designed for this purpose and rinse it off with a hose. Fill the fissures with a specialized product. Pour the sealer in a corner and work it over the entire surface with a roller or a long-handled brush. Allow to dry. Avoid applying the sealer in a thick coat, as it won’t dry properly. It needed, apply more than one coat.

  • Next, fill all the fissures in the alleys and walkways. If necessary, remove all debris from the fissures. Clean the surface with a product designed for this purpose and, using a brush, spread concrete glue in the fissure. Next, fill the crack with a vinyl based filler and smooth it with a trowel.

  • Inspect the house foundation. If you find small cracks, you can repair them by applying cement with a trowel. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to mix the cement. If you find larger fissures, don’t hesitate to call in a specialist.
  • Take advantage of the summer to restore wooden structures around the house. Scrape the window frames and door casings with a wire brush. Do the same on the deck and the siding if the paint is flaking off. Repaint scraped sections with a good quality primer, followed by one or more coats of matching finishing paint. If the wire brush has left scratches you may have to sand the surfaces with a fine grit sandpaper prior to painting.Also, it’s never too late to protect your treated wood structures. You’ll find a multitude of products manufactured for this purpose in our stores.
  • Check the condition of the fence. If the freezing/thawing cycle has weakened the posts, solidify them. Examine the gate latches and replace any defective parts. If it’s a wood fence, replace rotted or damaged posts and give it a new coat of paint or stain. In the case of mesh fences, be sure that the mesh and attachments are in good condition. If the mesh is beginning to sag, tighten it with metal wire.

  • Clean the house’s siding with a hose and nozzle. Use a mild detergent to remove dirt. Be careful with high-pressure hoses, as they can damage the siding’s finish. On the other hand, this type of system is perfect for cleaning asphalt driveways and walkways, as well as garage floors.

  • Are you planning major renovations on the property? Summer is the best time to study the question. If your doors and windows are getting along and you’re noticing draughts in the winter, simply replacing the weather stripping and caulking may not be enough. Consider replacing those old doors and windows with energy efficient units. The roof can also begin to show wear after ten years. Verify the condition of the shingles and trusses, and make sure that water isn’t getting into the house. Check the house’s siding. Some minor problems, such as damaged aluminium pieces, can be repaired, while more extensive damage may necessitate the complete replacement of the siding. Again, consult a professional to learn the proper steps to correct the problem.
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