Let’s face it. We live in New England and our homes take a beating on the outside, from wind, rain, sun, insects and snow. We wait all year for that magic time when the weather gets warmer and we don’t have to wear boots (yep, up away they go in the attic for me!). Well, that time has finally arrived and it’s a great time to repair damage, protect your home and make your outdoors shine!
We all have dream home projects that range from building an outdoor fire pit, adding an outdoor kitchen, or creating that oasis on your back deck. Dream home projects can also start small too. What about a water fountain like the one my husband, David, made me over the weekend? I love sitting by it at the end of the day while having dinner outside.
But before we start with those projects it’s important to start with a Home Maintenance Check. Make it part of your early summer routine so you don’t have to deal with a bigger problem down the road…
Here’s just one example of a problem that can arise when you don’t perform a home maintenance check:
Home Tip #1: Clean Your Gutters. This tip costs you nothing if you do it yourself but if you ignore the job, you can ruin your roof which could cost you thousands to repair or replace.
Putting my teacher hat on for a minute:
• Bad: Leaky or overflowing gutters can rot fascia boards (aka the roof edge under the gutters) and soffits.
• Worse: Water may drip onto window trim causing rot.
• Worst: Leaky gutters let water pool at the foundation which can cause basement leaks, mold (my most dreaded fear) and even foundation damage.
Here is my quick reference list for Summer Maintenance Projects and then each week I will share a fun dream home summer project that’s on my wish list. Please read it so you can be sure you don’t pay the price of heavy repairs before making sure your home is safe and secure. Sound like a deal?
1. Clean Gutters: while you’re cleaning, check for leaks and breaks.
2. Shine Those Windows: Use this vinegar-water solution and check for seal failures. Here is what a failed window seal looks like.
3. Re-Caulk Seals on Doors and Windows: Be preventative in cutting heating and cooling costs by keeping indoor air in and drafts out. Also be educated that leaky window and door frames leak water into walls, causing rot and mildew. A $5 tube a caulk goes along way, don’t you think?
4. Clean and Inspect Your Siding: Read our recent blog on cleaning your siding. Did you know you should NOT use a power washer? It nulls your warranty. After you clean, inspect for loose rotted siding as well as cracks or leaks.
5. Inspect the roof for leaks or damage: Check the roof as this is the foremost protector of your home and can also reduce energy costs if properly ventilated. While you are up there, check out the chimney cap. When installed properly, not only will it prevent unwanted critters, it will also prevent freeze and thaw damage and save a homeowner thousands of dollars in unnecessary chimney repair. It is important to properly install a chimney cap in the first place by diverting these elements away from the chimney.
Ok…the fun part as promised!
My Summer Dream Project Wish List #1: Build an Outside Oasis filled with the following: outdoor lounge filled with colorful outdoor pillows, water fountain and starry lights. Check out my inspiration collage and Outdoor Oasis Pinterest collection here.
And a FUN Summer Announcement…
Summer Starts Here with our SUNsational Summer Giveaway! The lazy days of summer make us crave to be outdoors. Time to decorate with Coastal colors and textures that draw your eyes to the natural beauty outside your windows! Make sure you follow us for the Catch of the Week here!
Starting today, June 23rd, we are hosting a promotion of fab finds for your home inspired by coastal summer breezes. Each week we will give away a new fab find.
To enter:
1. Read our blog post (you’re reading it now 🙂 )
2. Answer the “Giveaway Question” at the end of the post by commenting on the blog post (make sure to include your name in your comment).
3. Sign up for our Blog/Newsletter
4. “Like” the Coastal Windows & Exteriors Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CoastalWindowsAndExteriors
And yes, part of the fun you will learn something. Remember education is always fun boys & girls!
This week’s sponsor is EuroStoves. If you’re looking for a fun, lively night out head on over to EuroStoves where you can become Chefs for the day at their Culinary Center in Beverly. They provide everything you need from setup to cleanup, as well as wine and beer, in their 2,000 square foot culinary classroom. Each class is typically three hours long and concludes with the group sitting down to a set table to enjoy all the dishes prepared by the group. We really love the BBQ Class that teaches the secret to making finger-lickin’ good BBQ with all the fixins’ and side dishes too! Click here to check out their cooking class schedule and learn more about our amazing friends.
Catch of the Week: Trovolo Clean Flip BBQ Tray (Value $25) and a $250 gift card from Coastal Windows & Exteriors towards any of our energy efficient lifetime warranty windows, doors, siding or roofing.
Giveaway Question: What is your Dream Home Summer Project? (Respond in the blog comments section).
To complete your entry:
1. Answer the “Giveaway Question” by commenting on this blog post (make sure to include your name).
2. Sign up for the Coastal Windows & Exteriors newsletter to receive information about upcoming promotions and weekly blog posts
3. Like the Coastal Windows & Exteriors FB page: https://www.facebook.com/CoastalWindowsAndExteriors
