6 summer chores that you definitely can’t avoid
By Sumiko Wilson on Jun 14, 2016
Nothing epitomizes summer like poolside lounging. But before you can relax by the pool, you have to put in a lot of work to get it summer-ready.
Whether or not deep cleaning is your strong suit, your home is probably going to need some special attention in order to be in top shape this summer.
Here are six summer chores to focus on, from the top of your roof to the bottom of your pool:
1) Roof
When you have roof problems, you have serious problems. To avoid this, be sure to hire a professional to assess your roof every summer, especially if you live in an older home or in an area that is subject to adverse weather conditions.While you’re up there, check out your gutters as well. Though gutters often go ignored, they play an integral role in your roof’s well-being. Gutters direct rainflow to keep water out of your home. When they get clogged, it can lead to pricey roof leaks and troublesome water damage. To literally and figuratively stay on top of this, it is recommended that you clean your gutters biannually.2) Windows
If you have trouble keeping cool air inside your home during summer months, your windows may be to blame. The tiniest cracks in your window sealant can make a big difference in your home’s temperature so it is important to ensure that there aren’t any places for air to escape. If you come across any cracks, simply fill them in with an unscented, waterproof silicone caulk.3) Garage
Though your garage is on display all year, summer is a great time to give it some special TLC, whether it be with some lubrication or a fresh paint job. To get rid of dirt, dust, bird droppings and tree sap that has built up throughout the year, rent a power washer and use a mild detergent for an extra powerful cleaning that will make your garage standout.You can also make use of your summer downtime by cleaning what’s inside of your garage. Many find that their garages are prone to clutter so a summer clean-out is a great opportunity to sort through extra odds and ends. You can even give away your unwanted finds in a garage sale!4) Deck
For many households, the deck is the social centre during the summer; however, it requires some maintenance to stay in good condition from June to September. Curled, cracked and rotten wood is definitely a sore sight and it doesn’t feel good under bare feet, but more importantly, it can pose a safety concern. So if you see a board that's damaged, be sure to replace it as soon as possible. Don’t forget to inspect beneath the deck’s surface to ensure that the structure is in good shape to safely support guests throughout the summer. Keep an eye out for missing or protruding screws as well. Though they’re small, they can throw a big wrench into your summer fun.5) Barbecue
Summer is your barbecue’s busiest season so regular upkeep is essential. For gas grills, you can simply turn the heat up, put on the lid and let the grill run for 30 minutes. Once it cools, brush it off and clean the exterior with a gentle cleanser. For charcoal barbecues, detach the grill and scrub off any residue with hot water, a brillo pad, and gentle soap. Make sure that the grill is completely dry before it is fired up again.6) Pool
Pool maintenance is arguably every pool owner’s least favourite part of summer. Nonetheless, it is imperative. Though recent advances in technology have made cleaning your pool a little easier, there are still some tasks that you can’t avoid.Regularly inspecting your pump, drain and filter can prevent an expensive inconvenience. It is also important to monitor the pool’s chemical levels. Though correct filtration will usually suffice, sprinkling the pool with baking soda or soda ash can increase the water’s alkalinity and, in turn, increase pH levels. Post-swim, release a couple of tennis balls into the pool to absorb lingering oil from swimmers’ hair products, lotions, make-up and natural body oils.Summer maintenance is a lot of work but it’s much easier to wind down and relax in a clean, organized space. Have a great summer!
