The heat of the summer can have as big of an impact on your home as Chicagoland's harsh winters. Take care of your home in the summer heat with these summer home maintenance tips.
Keep Cool Air In & Hot Air Out
Trap the cool air inside and prevent heat from getting in.
- Keep window coverings closed to keep the sun from warming up the cool air.
- Seal up your windows and doors with effective weatherstripping.
- Strategically plant trees to shade your home's hottest areas.
Cool It
Cool the air inside your home.
- Schedule air conditioner maintenance to ensure your unit is functioning properly and will not shut down on the hottest day of the summer.
- Keep your ceiling fans turning, and make sure they're rotating in the correct direction. In the summer, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise to drive cooler air toward you and bring warmer air up.
- Use a dehumidifier to remove hot, humid air from your home.
Inspect and Repair
Extreme heat can damage your home. Inspect for damage and schedule repairs to protect your investment.
- Heat and sun exposure can damage your exterior paint and wood siding. Inspect for cracks and other damage. To repair, schedule a fresh coat of exterior paint or add a protective sealant to wood siding.
- Your foundation can also be damaged by extreme heat, creating cracks and other issues. To prevent issues, keep the soil around your foundation moist, but take care to avoid too much moisture around your foundation.
- Heat can cause your roofing materials to expand, crack, or warp. Hire an expert to seal your roof to protect against heat damage.
A few precautionary steps can help you protect your home and family in the extreme heat of Chicagoland summer months.
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For more information about protecting your investment or preparing to buy or sell a home, contact your LW Reedy real estate agent.
