Essential June Home Maintenance To-Dos: Preparing for a Season of Sun and Fun

With the arrival of June, summer is just around the corner, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. It's also the perfect time to prepare your home for the upcoming season. Here is a quick checklist of essential June home maintenance tasks. By addressing these to-dos, you can ensure that your home remains in top shape and ready to embrace the joys of summertime.

Inspect and Clean Gutters: Clear any debris, leaves, or twigs from your gutters to prevent clogs and potential water damage. Ensure that downspouts are securely connected and direct water away from the foundation. Consider installing gutter guards to minimize future maintenance and protect against blockages. (This is can be costly as they are fit for your specific home. That said depending on where you live it could take a lot of work off your plate).

Check and Service Air Conditioning: Before the heat of summer hits, have your air conditioning system inspected and serviced by a professional. Clean or replace filters for optimal performance (this should be done way more often than once a year, and it commonly overlooked causes damage to your system). Check the outdoor unit for debris or obstructions, and clear any vegetation that may impede proper airflow.

Test and Clean Outdoor Sprinkler Systems: Activate your sprinkler system and conduct a thorough inspection of each zone to ensure proper functioning. Check for any damaged or broken sprinkler heads and repair or replace them as needed. Adjust sprinkler heads to ensure adequate coverage and avoid wasteful overspray. Clean or replace clogged nozzles or filters for optimal watering efficiency.

Inspect and Maintain Outdoor Lighting: Ensure that outdoor lights are working properly and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Clean fixtures and remove any debris or cobwebs that may obstruct the light output. LED sells. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED bulbs. Test timer settings and adjust as needed for longer daylight hours.

Trim Trees and Shrubs: Inspect trees and shrubs around your property for overhanging or dead branches. Trim back branches that may pose a risk of falling or touching power lines. Prune shrubs to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth. Remove any unwanted or invasive plants to maintain a neat and tidy landscape. Check your trees and remove Ivy growing up the trunk. You do this by cutting it and removing what you can. While it can look pretty, Ivy is invasive and can kill the largest of trees if left unchecked.

Check and Seal Windows and Doors: Inspect windows and doors for any gaps or cracks that may allow air leakage. Caulk or weatherstrip as needed to improve energy efficiency and maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Ensure that windows and doors open and close smoothly, and lubricate hinges or tracks if necessary.

Inspect and Clean Outdoor Furniture: Prepare your outdoor furniture for summer use by inspecting for any damage, such as loose screws or cracked frames. Clean cushions, umbrellas, and fabric surfaces according to manufacturer instructions. Consider applying a protective sealant to wooden furniture or applying a fresh coat of paint to metal or plastic pieces.

Clean and Maintain Outdoor Grill: Give your grill a thorough cleaning before the start of grilling season. Scrub the grates, clean the burners, and remove any grease or debris. Check propane or gas lines for leaks, and ensure proper functionality of ignition systems. Stock up on charcoal or propane for endless summer barbecues.

Check and Maintain Deck or Patio: Inspect your deck or patio for any signs of wear, rot, or loose boards. Clean and power wash surfaces to remove dirt, stains, or mildew. Seal or stain wooden decks to protect against sun and moisture damage. Ensure that railings are secure and stable for safety.

Maintain and Inspect Pool or Hot Tub: If you have a pool or hot tub, ensure that the water is properly balanced and treat it with the necessary chemicals. Clean filters and check equipment for any signs of wear or malfunction. Inspect pool or hot tub covers for tears or damage and replace as needed.