Summer is a favorite season for many. School’s out, so there’s a lot less traffic. It’s also when most people go on fun vacations or beach trips. And no matter how hot it gets, it beats having to shovel snow every day. It’s also a good time to do home improvement projects around the house, since the weather is so much nicer.

9 Home Improvements and Repairs to Make This Summer

So what are some good ideas to work on this summer?

1. Power Washing

No matter how meticulous you are about keeping things clean, the front sidewalk, driveway, exterior walls, and windows tend to get a beating from dust, pollen, dirt, and every single pollutant outdoors. Pressure washing eliminates any loose paint, grime, mold, and any unwelcome build-up that dulls the look of your home.

2. Install a Deck

Installing a deck in your home allows you and your family to better enjoy the warmer months while increasing your home’s value. This is because it provides additional square footage of livable space as well as a suitable area for entertaining.

3. Install Ceiling Fans

The summer heat can be brutal at times, so it’s tempting to crank up the air conditioner. Installing ceiling fans allows you to keep the AC temperatures up a few degrees, resulting in energy efficiency and lower energy bills while still maintaining a comfortable environment indoors.

4. Conduct a Home Energy Audit

Doing a home energy audit is a good way to find out whether there’s anything you can do around the house to make it more comfortable or energy efficient, such as sealing leaks around drafty windows, installing additional insulation, and inspecting air vents, furnace, and air filters. You can conduct your own energy audit, or hire a professional do it for you.

5. Caulk Fillings

Drafty windows mean having uneven temperatures throughout your home and an HVAC system that works harder to cool or heat the house. As a result, you end up with skyrocketing energy bills. Caulking them in the summer will prevent that from happening and avoid air leaks during winter. Re-caulking them is relatively easy, will make your home more comfortable, and keep your energy bills from spiking, so it’s a win-win.

6. Install New Windows

Replacing windows means having those gaping holes exposed to the weather outside. Therefore, you want to do it when it’s not chilly. Also, caulking adheres better in warmer weather.

7. Provide Roof Maintenance

The average lifespan of a roof is about 20 years. That doesn’t mean all roofs will last that long. Environmental factors and lack of routine maintenance can make them last for a shorter period of time. If you can see any broken or cracked shingles, they looked weathered, you experience standing water every time it rains, or you’ve noticed any leaks or water stains on your ceiling, having a roofer inspect it can prevent costly repairs later on.

8. Update Your Home’s Siding

Take some time to walk around your home and inspect the exterior walls. If you notice any peeling paint, cracks, sagging panels, mold growth, small holes, or any other unsightly damage to the sidings, it may be time to replace them. Doing so will maintain your home’s curb appeal (and resale value) while at the same time keeping the outside summer heat from entering your home.

9. Clean the Gutters

Clean gutters are crucial for your entire home: They channel pooled water away from your ceiling, preventing leaks, mold, and the structural damage that would occur from saturated, rotten wood. Ideally, you should be cleaning them twice a year. Do so by using either your hands or a spade to clear large debris such as leaves and branches, then hose gutters down to get rid of dirt and bird droppings. If the downspout is clogged, use a plumber’s snake to clear it. Also inspect all of the gutters to verify whether there are any cracks, sags, or rusting. If so, replace them to prevent these small defects from causing greater damage to your home.

Get a Free Quote Today!

Preserve your home’s structural integrity and save money long-term by letting us help you. At Allied Siding and Windows, we’ve been proudly serving Houston, Austin, and Dallas for over 30 years. Let us inspect your home and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the improvements you might need. Contact us for more information about our services or stop by one of our showrooms!