Complete these between June and August. Summer is the best time for exterior maintenance: dry weather, long daylight hours, and contractor availability in the shoulder season before fall rush. These tasks catch UV damage, storm wear, and moisture issues before they become major repairs.
Roof and Gutters
Inspect the roof from ground level using binoculars after any significant storm. Look for lifted, cracked, or missing shingles. Summer storms cause more impact damage than winter.
Check gutters for granule buildup from shingle wear. A thick layer of granules in gutters means shingles are approaching end of life.
Clear gutters of spring debris and bird nests. Unobstructed drainage protects your home from summer thunderstorms with heavy rainfall.
Check that downspout extenders are directing water at least 6 feet from the foundation and that the ground is sloping away from your home. Ground erosion from summer rains can change topography and redirect water to your foundation, even when your downspout extenders are long enough.
Exterior and Foundation
Inspect exterior caulking around all windows, doors, and penetrations (gas lines, hose bibs, vents). Caulk that is cracked, separated, or missing allows water to enter the wall assembly. Recaulk with silicone or paintable latex.
Check deck boards, handrails, and posts for rot, loose fasteners, and UV damage. Probe suspicious areas with a screwdriver. Rot feels soft.
Reseal wood decks every 2–3 years. Test by sprinkling water on the deck: if it soaks in rather than beading, the seal has failed.
Trim all vegetation away from the foundation. Shrubs and ground cover retain moisture against the siding. Maintain 6–12 inches of clearance.
Check window wells around basement windows. Clear debris and ensure drain holes at the bottom are unobstructed.
HVAC and Cooling
Replace or clean air conditioning filters at the start of cooling season and again mid-summer. Dirty filters reduce efficiency significantly and can cause the system to ice up.
Clear the area around the outdoor AC condenser unit. Maintain 2 feet of clearance on all sides. Trim grass and weeds from around the unit base.
Flush the condensate drain line on the air handler to prevent algae buildup and drain clogs. Pour a cup of diluted bleach down the drain line monthly during cooling season.
Have the HVAC system professionally serviced before summer peak demand. Technicians are more available in May than August.
Windows and Doors
Inspect window screens for tears and loose frames. Damaged screens invite insects and reduce ventilation.
Check sliding door and window tracks for debris buildup. Clean tracks and lubricate with dry silicone spray to prevent wear on rollers.
Look for fogging between double-pane glass. Fogging indicates a failed seal. Failing seals that are still under warranty should be addressed now.
Summer is contractor season. Schedule major repairs in early June before the rush. Roofing and siding contractors are frequently booked out 6–10 weeks by late July. If you see damage after a summer storm, get estimates within 2 weeks while contractors are still available at competitive pricing.
What Should I Check in the Other Seasons?
Protect Your Home In Every Season By taking a little time to maintain your home every season, you can reduce expensive home repairs down the line.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Focus on the exterior in summer: roof inspection after storms, gutter clearing, recaulking windows and doors, deck sealing, and foundation drainage. Summer is also the best time to schedule major exterior repairs like roofing and siding because weather conditions are optimal and contractors can complete work faster without winter weather complications.
Wood decks should be resealed every 2–3 years. Test by sprinkling water on the deck surface. If water beads up, the seal is still working. If water soaks in, the seal has failed and the wood is absorbing moisture that causes graying, cracking, and rot. Composite decks have different maintenance requirements: they do not require sealing but should be cleaned annually.
Ideally, service your central air system in April or May before peak demand. Technician availability and response times are much better in spring than in July and August when every HVAC company is at full capacity. Annual service includes refrigerant check, coil cleaning, electrical inspection, and condensate drain flush. Extends system life and maintains efficiency.
Key signs: fogging between panes (failed seal, lost insulating gas), visible gaps in the frame or between frame and wall, drafts when the window is closed, condensation on the interior glass surface in cold weather (poor thermal performance), difficulty opening or closing (warped frame), or visible water staining on the sill or adjacent wall. If a window has one of these issues, repair may be possible. Multiple issues across multiple windows typically mean replacement is more cost-effective.
From the ground with binoculars: look for missing, lifted, or cracked shingles; exposed decking; dented gutters and downspouts (hail marker); and granule loss (pitted circles on shingles from hail impact). Inside: check the attic for daylight, water staining on rafters or sheathing, and wet insulation. If you suspect significant hail damage, have a roofing contractor inspect before calling your insurer. They can document what the adjuster should look for.
