The summer season is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start getting your home ready for whatever the next months bring. Whether you live in the suburbs or the city, prepping your home for summer is essential for keeping your property comfortable and safe. South Australia’s summers are renowned for intense heat waves and long, dry spells that can wreak havoc on your home if unprepared. To help you tackle this season with confidence, we have compiled a list of critical summer maintenance tips for homeowners in Adelaide. From ensuring your air conditioning is up and running to properly maintaining your swimming pool and yard and investing in a building inspection, you don’t have to face your summer maintenance alone!
Contents
- 1 Clear your yard
- 2 Clean out your gutters and drains
- 3 Check your air conditioning system
- 4 Inspect and repair your roofing
- 5 Book a maintenance home inspection
- 6 Maintain your swimming pool
- 7 Refinish Your Deck
- 8 Wash your windows
- 9 Repair fly screens
- 10 Check your ceiling fans
- 11 Inspect your outdoor lighting
- 12 Get your irrigation system ready
- 13 Check for pests
- 14 That's a wrap!
Clear your yard
South Australia’s bushfire season typically begins in November, so it’s essential to take preventative measures and keep your yard clean. This step is especially relevant to those living in Adelaide’s outskirts, or in rural areas surrounded by National Parks and patches of wilderness. While each property will require different steps, it’s generally a good idea to begin by doing the following:
Remove any dead vegetation:
Dead vegetation can be a fire hazard, so removing it from your property is essential.
Mow the lawn:
Keeping your grass short and tidy is integral to a fire-safe yard. It’s also a key aspect of keeping your lawn healthy and looking great.
Trim trees and bushes:
Trimming overgrown trees and bushes can keep your property looking neat and reduce the number of fuel sources available in the case of a fire.
Dispose of any rubbish:
Disposing items such as old furniture, wood, paper, and cardboard.
Check for overhanging branches:
Clean out your gutters and drains
Properly cleaning and maintaining your gutters and drains is essential for preventing water overflow during heavy storms. This can help avoid damage to your home’s roof, walls and foundations. Regular checks for blockages or other signs of damage are also recommended.
To clean out your gutters, you must use a ladder or secure platform to reach the gutters and drains. Once you’re in position, begin using a gloved hand to scoop out any debris collected in the gutter. For more challenging blockages, you may need to use a trowel or putty knife to remove any dirt or leaves inside the pipe. You can also use a garden hose and nozzle (with an adjustable spray) to wash away debris, leaves and other bits of dirt. While cleaning out your gutters isn’t the most exciting job, it is one of the critical elements of summer house maintenance.
Check your air conditioning system
A reliable air conditioning system can make all the difference during Summer. Ensure that you clean any dust or debris from the filters, check for leaks and ensure coolant levels are topped up as needed. Additionally, check for any mould or moisture build-up around the unit, which may interfere with its performance. We recommend you book a professional service to inspect and service your air conditioning system annually. Doing so can help prevent any issues and ensure your system is always running at its best.
Inspect and repair your roofing
It is essential to check and repair roofing before the summer season begins. This includes checking for loose tiles, repairing broken gutters or downpipes, and examining the roof for any signs of damage or leaks. If you discover any issues with your roof, address them as soon as possible. Of course, if you are uncomfortable assessing your roof, hire a professional to inspect and repair any necessary areas. A roof inspection is also included in maintenance building inspections, so you may consider booking one if you’re unsure where to begin and are looking for a more thorough and all-encompassing evaluation of your property.
Book a maintenance home inspection
Booking an annual maintenance home inspection is a great way to ensure that any potential issues with your property are addressed before summer. An inspector can identify potential problems, such as structural or electrical issues, and advise on how best to proceed. This can help give you peace of mind during the hot weather months and ensure that your home is at its best heading into a taxing season. Unsure of how to select the right building inspector for your needs? Check out our comprehensive guide to choosing the right home inspector. We’re confident it’ll give you the information and knowledge to make an informed decision.
Maintain your swimming pool
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your swimming pool is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer experience. Check the pH levels of the water, clean out any debris that has fallen into the pool, check for any signs of damage or leaks, and make sure all necessary safety measures are in place.
Refinish Your Deck
As the years go by, your deck will begin to fade and show signs of wear and tear. A well-maintained deck can provide the perfect outdoor space to enjoy during the Summer. Inspect your deck for any signs of wear and tear, and refinish it if needed. This will help keep your deck looking its best in the heat!
Wash your windows
A good wash of your home’s exterior can make all the difference in keeping your house looking its best Summer. Make sure to remove any dirt, dust or cobwebs from the walls and windows, and re-seal any cracks which may have appeared over time. Additionally, check for mould or moss growth signs – these should be treated before they spread to other parts of your property.
Repair fly screens
If you’re planning on keeping your windows and doors open during Summer, check your fly screens for any signs of damage. If they are damaged or have gaps, repair them as soon as possible. This can help keep pests out of your home and reduce the risk of mosquito bites.
Check your ceiling fans
Ceiling fans can help keep your home cool during Summer and should be checked for proper functioning. Inspect the fan blades for any signs of wear and tear, check if the motor is working correctly, and clean out any dust or debris from the fan.
Inspect your outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting can be a great way to add security and style to your property. Check all outdoor lights for any signs of damage, replace burnt-out bulbs, repair broken switches or sockets and make sure they are connected safely. We highly recommend that you use weatherproof outdoor light bulbs to prevent them from being damaged by rain or storms.
Get your irrigation system ready
If you have an irrigation system installed at your property, make sure it is checked and ready to go before the summer season. Check for any blockages or leaks in the lines, refill tanks with water and test out all sprinklers to ensure they are functioning correctly. Additionally, ensure that your timers and switches still work correctly, so your garden is watered throughout the hot months.
Check for pests
Pest infestations can be a major headache during the summer and should be checked for before the season begins. Keep an eye out for wasp nests, inspect your roof and gutters for any signs of pest activity, repair damaged screens around windows or doors, and check for holes in walls where pests may be entering. Additionally, ensure that your gardening waste is disposed of safely, which can attract unwanted pests to your home. For a thorough overview of how to protect your home from pests, check out our guide on pest prevention.
That's a wrap!
With the proper maintenance and care, you can ensure your property is ready for the summer season. Ensure that all essential systems such as plumbing, roofing, decks and lighting are in good condition and clean up mould or moss growths and ensure your irrigation system is ready. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure precisely what to tackle first, why not consider hiring a home inspector to keep an eye on your property? A professional inspection will help you stay on top of all essential maintenance and provide peace of mind. With a bit of preparation and expert knowledge, you can ensure you enjoy a stress-free summer!
