Summer brings vacations, relaxing in the sunshine, and plenty of rain! Preparing your home for the season can greatly reduce your chances of suffering damage to your house—and protect you from needing to use that homeowners insurance. Certainly you have the coverage just in case, but that doesn’t mean you want to use it if you don’t have to!
Preparing your house for the summer means making sure that everything is in good repair and works properly around your home. Check out these tips to get your home summer-ready:
- Inspect your roof – Heavy snow and hail during the winter can leave your roof in need of some TLC. Shingles may have come loose, increasing your risk for leaks. Flashing may also need repair or replacement. It’s usually best to get a professional inspection, rather than climbing up and looking for yourself. Take care of any problems before the rainy season begins.
- Check out your porch and deck – These parts of your house have been buried under snow for so long! Your porch may be sagging from the weight, and your deck may have gotten warped or damaged from exposure to moisture. Though your deck and porch may be structurally sound, you’ll want to look for loose boards or other hazards that could contribute to an accident.
- Clean those gutters – It’s not so glamorous, but taking the time to clean your gutters can save you some serious headaches later this year. As debris builds up in the gutters, it clogs them and leaves no way for water to drain away from your home—contributing to leaks and the growth of mold when water builds up. Gutters may also get so heavy that they pull away from your house. Be sure to clean all your gutters and downspouts to ensure that water can flow away from your foundation.
- Give your yard a makeover – Get rid of dead branches, bushes, and other landscaping. Dead branches can fall down during heavy winds, causing damage to the roof or other parts of your house. Meanwhile, other dead plants can become a haven for bugs, including termites—both pesky and destructive! While you’re at it, be a good neighbor and remove any debris that could pose a threat to your neighbor’s home.
- Repair damaged walkways – Slip and fall accidents are among the most common, so do your best to mitigate your risk. Closely examine bricks, pavers, and even concrete or asphalt surfaces. Replace broken pieces and patch holes as needed.
- Plan ahead for rough weather – Make a place in your garage or another enclosed area for lawn furniture, potted plants, and other outdoor items that could become projectiles during heavy winds. Make it a habit to put away children’s toys and recreational equipment after use, so that there are no extra obstacles hanging around the yard.
