Some Useful Summer Home Maintenance Tips
The summer months offer their own unique set of challenges as compared to the winter season when it comes to maintaining your property in Ontario. Some of these tips are surefire ways to help you save huge costs in the long run, and some will help you improve your asset’s value. Either way, we’ve got you covered to know what you have to look out for.
Inspecting the Roof
From snowstorm after snowstorm, the roof of your property probably goes through extreme wear and tear during the colder months, and that’s why it’s imperative to check on its condition as soon as spring rolls around. Having the foresight to do this in time for the next year, will save you the hassle of having to fix it up in more dire or inconvenient circumstances in the future.
A few things you need to look out for are signs of cracking, leakage, split or damaged sealants around the roof flashings, and for any sagging. Sagging can indicate deeper structural damage and will require investigation further from inside your attic, preferably by a professional. If you have a chimney, make sure to look for any damage on the chimney cap and on the caulking between the cap and the chimney. Check all the shingles of your property, and make sure they are not worn out or in need of a replacement. If you live in a place where you experience more rainfall than sunshine, your shingles will go through a lot and ensuring they are in good condition will save you a lot of time, plus extra money spent on repairing water damage.
A Healthy HVAC is a Friendly HVAC
Landlords should be servicing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, commonly referred to as HVAC, more than at least once a year. Servicing includes things such as changing the furnace filter, which should be done every 3–4 months, but there are some tasks you can hold off until the summer. Regular maintenance will save you a significant amount in your utility bills as well.
Other things you should look out for are refrigerant levels, checking on the condition of the compressor, fan-motor, and the controls. These checks should be done at least once a year, since it is better to catch something that is on the verge of breaking, rather than once it has broken and may require a larger repair job. Make sure to also vacuum the heat exchange grilles so you can remove any debris that may have gotten stuck there.
If you live in a humid environment or have a basement, it’s important to have an AC (or dehumidifier) to reduce humidity levels in your home. High humidity can encourage mold and mildew, and damage furniture, wallpaper, paintwork, floors and brickwork, hurting both your health and wallet. If you’re running your AC unit, but still feeling sticky and clammy, then contact your HVAC guy. It might be that there is simply too much moisture in the air and your AC system can’t compete with it, or there is a defect or inefficiency in your AC system that is causing the evaporator coil to fail.
Speaking of Utility Bills…
Unless you have a natural fireplace, there’s really no way around having your heating on in the house during the coldest months of the year, which will obviously have an impact on your utility bills. In the summer, however, there are a few tips and tricks for you to follow to save significantly on your power consumption.
Consider installing ceiling fans. Ceiling fans should be running in a counter-clockwise direction, which pushes the air downwards to create a cooling effect. We can guarantee you that during most of the Canadian summer months, a ceiling fan will suffice in cooling your rooms, and you won’t need to turn on your air conditioning. Another simple habit you can get into to save on your utility bills is making sure your curtains/blinds are shut during the day to prevent the sun from warming the interior surfaces. Enjoying the sun is part of the summer charm, but you can do that by simply going outside!
Finally, consider installing a smart thermostat, like the one by Nest or Ecobee. These gadgets go through a bit of a learning curve in terms of understanding what your schedule is like and what times of the day you are home, but once it has completed that, you will notice significant cost savings almost immediately.
Around the House
Decks and porches are another part of your home that will go through a lot of wear and tear throughout winter. There are many parts of a deck you will have to inspect to ensure its condition.
Your deck’s footings may need to be replaced if the area your property is located in faces heavy snowfall and the snow remains there throughout winter. Check if there are any loose nails that you can hammer and check for any pieces of wood that may be rotting. Rotten wood can be a sign of structural damage and needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Also, be sure to examine the structure of the deck, and ensure that the joist for joist hangers are property installed. If they are not installed, they can be easily retrofitted, which creates a stronger connection. If the deck is attached to the home, make sure the ledger board is firmly attached and there are no signs of it separating. Finally, spray some water on your deck, and if the water soaks in, that indicates it’s time for a new layer of sealant.
If you have fences around your property, make sure to reinforce, re-stain, reseal or repaint all your fences. Not staining or painting your fences can not only shorten its lifespan, but it also just does not look very appealing. It’s also a great way to add value to your home without incurring any significant costs.
Summertime is a time for you to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and soak in the sunshine. Follow these tips to extend those good times for you and your family and not stress about your property. If you happen to live in a colder climate, we recommend you get your winter maintenance sorted out sooner rather than later to live a whole year stress-free!
