Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make, and taking care of that investment is important. The team at Singletary Construction can help with some expert advice.

Question: What maintenance should I do to my home during the summer months?

Answer: Home maintenance 101 involves familiarizing yourself with your home inside and out so you can spot potential vulnerabilities before they become bigger issues that might cost thousands of dollars in repairs.

  • Storm damage: Summer storms bring wind, rain and extreme temperature shifts. Check windows, doors and shingles to make sure everything is still sealed up tight after being battered by a summer storm.
  • Crawl spaces: Crawl spaces can be a sneaky trouble spot in Tennessee due to high levels of humidity. Condensation on HVAC ducts can lead to dampness and mold which affects the air quality of your home. Consider reducing air flow by leaving the crawlspace vents closed during periods of high humidity to help reduce the amount of condensation. When leaving on vacation, keep the AC running. It will help reduce humidity and swelling in baseboards and wood flooring.
  • Standing water: Empty, clean or remove any items that hold water such as buckets, planters and trash cans. Mosquitos breed in standing water.
  • Gutters and drains: Water is a common cause of issues around your home. Check the gutters for damage, leaks or debris. Check to ensure that drains are clear under the home and outside. Sometimes the outside drains become clogged from grass clippings or nesting by small animals.
  • Check caulking: Heat can cause cracking and movement in materials. Heat and humidity can cause slow damage and without inspection can go unnoticed until the problem becomes severe. Long periods of heat can also cause cracking in shingles and vinyl.

Builder Tip: If you didn’t get your HVAC unit serviced at the beginning of summer, plan to do so before fall or cold weather. The beginning of summer is a busy season for your HVAC company. You may be able to catch a special deal having it serviced just before winter.

As we move from season to season, spend a little time to get to know the components of your home and take inventory of the toll that the weather has taken on them. A little proactivity can go a long way to protect your investment.