Summer is one of the most rewarding seasons for putting your house in order. The milder weather makes it easier to carry out lots of home maintenance tasks and renovation projects. Tackling your home’s to do list is a great way to spot any issues before they become a major problem, and can also positively affect your home’s value.
Great exterior home improvements to tackle in summer
Exterior home improvements are even more relevant to a summer project, thanks again to that warmer weather. If you’ve got some free time this summer, take a look at these ideas for exterior renovations, all of which will enhance your home’s looks and durability.
Replace the roof: protect your house from weathering
One of the most important exterior home improvements that should be brought to life before summer is over is replacing the roof. You may wonder, how long does a rubber roof last? The answer to that question is: as long as you take proper care of it.
A worn-out roof not only looks bad, but also compromises your entire home’s durability and value. The roof is one of the key components of a building, as it protects the house from all types of weathering, including wind and rain. Therefore, if your roof is damaged or old and you have some money in the budget, it’s time to replace it with a new one.
Unless your roof is very small, or the repairs are minor, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to do the job for you.
Upgrade your garage door: enhance your home’s safety
Garage doors don’t just protect vehicles. If you garage is attached to your house, they’re also an important part of your home security. Upgrading your garage door to a more durable and modern version can give you additional peace of mind. For example, automatic doors that close after use can prevent children from playing in what could be a less than safe environment. To make your garage door upgrade process easier, aim to choose a product from reliable manufacturers.
Seal the deck: get rid of mildew and smarten up your outdoor space
Deck sealing is another exterior home improvement project you should think about doing in summer. A sealed deck will not only protect your deck from rotting, but will also ensure the comfort and safety of those who walk on it.
If your deck needs re-sealing, these tips will help you do it properly:
- Remove any furniture before sealing.
- Remove all loose debris and give the whole area a good sweep.
- If your deck has stubborn dirt or mildew on it you may need to hose it down, or use a pressure washer on a gentle setting. Allow the deck to dry thoroughly before applying any product.
- Use additional sealant around the edges of the deck.
- Apply a stain-blocking primer first.
- Make sure there are no cracks or gaps before applying the top coat of sealant. Let this coat dry completely before using the deck again.
Upgrade your windows: boost your home’s energy efficiency level
Windows are among the most important elements of every home, as they provide vital natural light and have a big impact on energy efficiency. If you’d like to save money on energy bills and reduce your home’s carbon footprint, upgrading your windows is a good place to start. Newer windows have better insulation features, and can also make your home look smarter and boost that all-important kerb appeal.
Enclose the porch: protect your home and use your outdoor area more
Enclosing your porch is another exterior home improvement project that will make your house look better while also improving its safety. While porches can be used year-round, they are especially practical during summer due to their ability to provide a cool, shady outdoor area. An enclosed porch is also perfect for outdoor dining, or for tucking in some extra storage.
Enclosing a porch involves the following steps:
- Make sure the structure is sound and free from leaks.
- Install a waterproof membrane.
- Fit wainscoting and decking.
- Install casement windows.
- Add lighting.
- Apply a stain-free waterproof coating to achieve maximum durability.
If you’re a fan of DIY you could probably attempt this project yourself. Bear in mind though that it’s quite a big renovation which requires time and specific tools to complete. If this doesn’t sound achievable, it’s probably time to call in the experts.
Power wash your house: keep it clean and healthy
Power washing is a good exterior home improvement project for summer. A power washer can remove all traces of dirt from exterior walls, driveways and patios, as well as killing potentially harmful mould and mildew. You can use a professional company for this outdoor project, but if you have a pressure washer you could also tackle the job yourself.
Replace siding: upgrade your home’s appearance
If you want to upgrade your home’s appearance this summer, replacing siding is a great idea. There are plenty of siding options available, allowing you to choose one that will perfectly complement your house’s colour scheme and style.
Clean the gutters: prevent water damage and avoid mess
Gutters are not just for preventing water damage to your house. They also provide protection against annoying debris such as leaves and insects landing on your lawn or in your pool. Clearing dirt and debris from your gutters on a regular basis will help to keep them in good condition; here’s how to do it.
If you’ve cleaned your gutters and they’re still leaking, repairing any obvious cracks might stop the problem. Failing that, it’s probably time to replace them. Make sure you do this promptly to avoid water damage to your property.
Just like the inside of your home, your house’s exterior needs regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. Staying on top of the outdoor maintenance is the best way to avoid major issues and significant cost – and it will keep your home looking great too.
Hopefully these tips have given you lots of ideas for home improvements you can tackle this summer – which one is top of your list?
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