Home Maintenance Projects

Warm summer weather is perfect for exterior home maintenance projects such as painting, repairing decks and replacing windows. Summertime is also a good time to look ahead and prepare your home for the cold, harsh months ahead.

So,take advantage of the blue skies to scrape, peel, paint, varnish, repair, mend and more. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you, you'll thank yourself later.

Basic Maintenance
• Check your homeowners insurance to make sure that you have adequate coverage for your needs--especially if you are planning a new screen porch, deck or addition.
• Install a lightning rod and surge protector on your electrical box if you are prone to electrical storms in your area.
• Inspect and repair rain gutters and downspouts. Clear away any blockages, leaves or branches.
• Replace any missing mortar if your home is made of brick.
• Make sure the chimney is sealed and install a chimney cap to prevent small animals and birds from entering.
• Replace any missing or damaged roof shingles.
• Install weatherstripping around doors. Check caulking around windows.
• Repair deteriorated paint on window sills, siding, porch rails, and decks.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from the house. Check trees for disease or dangerously positioned limbs that could fall in a storm and damage your home.
• Repair cracks in the driveway or sidewalk.
• Apply an extra coat of waterproofing to decks and porches.
• Service air conditioners to make sure they are running efficiently.
• Have your septic tank pumped if you are on a septic system.
• Check outdoor playground equipment such as swingsets and climbing structures for loose boards, deteriorating paint, splinters, or missing hardware.

Learn more about Homesite's homeowners policies.