All prepped for a long hot summer?
Summer has arrived, albeit with something of a false start for some, and it’s well and truly time to think about prepping your home.
For those who aren’t sure where to start, the following checklist will get them well on their way to being prepared.
Clean windows speak for themselves, but that doesn’t start with the glass. Get stuck into the screens first, using a vacuum cleaner to bring up any loose dirt. Then scrub them with a bristly brush and soapy water to remove any lingering debris.
When they’re clean, set them outside to dry completely before putting them back up.
For the windows themselves, make up a solution of one part hot water and one part vinegar, then apply with a sponge or squeegee, using a rag to dry them. Take extra care when working on a ladder, then replace the clean screens.
The worst that can happen on a blistering hot day is to discover that the air conditioning and fans aren’t working. Before temperatures get too high, make sure they are in working order.
To work on your HVAC, start by turning off the power to the unit for safety. Then remove the grills protecting the system’s fan and use a refrigerator coil brush to clean out any debris that’s accumulated over winter. Replace the grills, and take the time to either clean or change the filter.
Look over the coils for any signs of fraying or obvious wear and tear before testing the system. If needed, call in a professional to make any larger repairs.
Prepping fans is much easier. All you need for that is a rag to dust off the blades. You may also want to locate the fan’s spin direction switch to ensure the blades are turning counterclockwise, to push cool air downward.
Next, take a look at your home’s exterior. It should shine in
"The worst that can happen on a blistering hot day is to discover that the air conditioning and fans aren’t working. Before temperatures get too high, make sure they are in working order."
summer. If there are any signs of rot or damage, repair them, or bring in a professional to do so. Then waterblast the exterior to get rid of stuck-on dirt and debris.
Lastly, look to see if your home’s paint job needs a touchup (on a nice fine day).
Summer is also the perfect time to boost your home’s kerb appeal. If you haven’t already done so, invest in a few flowers to decorate the front gardens, make sure your lawn is well cared for, and consider sprucing up the front entrance by cleaning light fixtures and investing in a fresh welcome mat.
If you have an outdoor space like a deck or patio, now is the time to get it ready for entertaining. Start by looking for any loose boards or other signs of disrepair. Fix them first. Then, if needed, sand and re-stain the surface.
When the deck is in good shape, have a look at the furniture. A warm, soapy rag should be all that’s needed to wipe it down after a long winter. Then, when everything is dry, put it out where it belongs and enjoy.
The final task is to check your driveway. If it’s asphalt, it might be in need of a new coat. Start by waterblasting the entire surface to make sure it’s as free of dirt as possible (if it’s dirty the new asphalt won’t set properly.) Allow it to dry completely, then fill in any large cracks or potholes with asphalt crack filler. Then take a long-handled bristle brush and use liquid asphalt to form a border around the bottom and sides of the driveway.
Asphalt is messy, and this will give you guidelines to stay within as you work.
Finally, use a squeegee to spread the asphalt evenly across the entire driveway, working in sections to avoid having it dry before you’re finished.