Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

Every home needs routine care and now is the perfect time for summer maintenance. The harshness of winter has faded, which may have put a strain on decks, patios, plumbing, and other features. From cleaning and paving to deck waterproofing, a little effort can keep your house in top shape. Here is a checklist about home upkeep to help get your home ready for summer.

Clean the Exterior

A soft cleaning can remove stains, moss, and grime, as well as bacteria, from exterior walls, roofs, siding, and decks. Gutters should be cleaned and cleared of leaves and debris as well. Avoid pressure washing, which can cause expensive damage.

Wash the Windows

Most homeowners don’t wash the outside of their windows more than once a year. This is something you can get done in an afternoon. A bucket-full of warm, soapy water and a squeegee are all you need, plus some elbow grease. Remember to remove and clean your window screens as well.

Clean the Interior

Now is as good a time as ever to clean areas you often don’t. Wipe down your baseboards with a damp cloth, clean the inside of windows, and change air conditioner filters. Take some time to declutter your rooms and even clean the garbage disposal. Also, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors while you’re at it.

Check HVAC, Plumbing, and Electricity

Get your AC inspected by a professional to avoid a breakdown in the summer. Check for dampness and low water pressure, which can be signs of a leaky pipe. Have your wiring, appliances, and other electrical components inspected to determine if service is needed.

Waterproof Your Deck

Water should bead up on the deck surface. If not, it’s time to reseal it. Deck waterproofing contractors can protect your outdoor space. Also, look for nails that need to be hammered down, signs of rotting, and wood that needs to be sanded. Clean and re-stain deck surfaces as needed.

Protect Your Home Against Bugs and Pests

Any bug or pest problems you have now will only get worse in summer. Inspect your attic and basement for any signs of trouble, including water leakage and mold. Caulking windows and doors can also prevent bugs from getting in through tiny spaces.

Repave the Driveway

Freezing and thawing can damage the strongest of concrete. If cracks have formed, refill them, but if there is more extensive damage, restore the look, integrity, and safety of your driveway by having it repaved with higher-quality, longer-lasting concrete.

Update the Patio

Get your patio ready for summer by refurnishing it, replacing old chairs, and adding fun decorations. Potted plants can help make it more inviting while a new table set can better accommodate your family and guests.

Contact Capital Deck & Stair for Waterproofing

If you want to get your deck ready for summer, we can waterproof it to provide protection and avoid expensive repairs. We can also correct stains, cracks, and mold. Call (888) 508-2966 or send us your information online for service by one of the most trusted deck waterproofing companies in Southern California.

How to Prevent Mold and Mildew in Your Outdoor Spaces

Even if you don’t know the specifics of why mold and mildew are bad, you probably know that it’s best to prevent them from developing on your property. Whether you are working on a property where you live or one that you manage as a landlord, paying attention to mold and mildew risks is important. In this post, we’ll highlight a few key steps you can take to avoid mold and mildew, including working with the best waterproofing companies in Los Angeles CA.

Maintain a Clean Area

If you allow your outdoor spaces to remain messy and full of debris and other items, you’ll be creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Sunlight is the enemy of mold, and there is plenty of sunlight to go around in the L.A. area—but it can only help to prevent mold if it has clear access to your outdoor surfaces. If there are leaves covering a patio, for instance, those leaves can offer shade to the patio and make it easier for mold and mildew to grow.

Use the Right Products

When you are designing your outdoor living space, be sure to pick products that are meant for use outdoors. Mistakes in this area are a common cause of mold problems, as things like indoor cushions just aren’t meant to handle the outdoor environment. Even in the mostly dry Southern California climate, there will still be plenty of moisture around during nights and mornings to put down a layer of dew and saturate your outdoor furniture.

Waterproofing the Right Surfaces

To keep mold and mildew away, you need to win the battle against water. To prepare the outdoor spaces around your house, home waterproofing contractors can help. By adding a waterproof layer over things like pool decks, balconies, stairs, and more, you can make it far less likely that mold and mildew will develop. Likewise, commercial waterproofing contractors can help with commercial properties. Either way, taking the time and making the investment to waterproof key areas will be a big help.

Watch for Leaks

There is always going to be some water naturally in the environment that can cause mold problems, so you want to avoid adding even more water to the area that could enhance these issues. Periodically check all of your outdoor faucets to make sure they aren’t leaking—even a small leak can deposit a large amount of water on your outdoor surfaces over time.

Contact Capital Deck & Stair Today!

Don’t wait any longer to address issues that you may be having with outdoor mold and mildew development on your property. Contact Capital Deck & Stair to learn more about our waterproofing services—we will be happy to provide you with a free estimate and answer any questions you may have. Thanks for visiting!