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Summer Home Maintenance Tips

Posted by Thomas Shapiro on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 11:20 AM By Thomas Shapiro / August 17, 2021 Comment
The sun is out, vacations are planned, and living is easy. Ahhh… Before you head out on your final adventure of the season, here is your official reminder to check off your summer home maintenance checklist! This annual checklist is simple, straightforward, and manageable. You’ll be back to your end-of-summer plans in no time. 

First Impressions: Exterior Maintenance!

1. Touch-up & Weather-proof Exterior Paint

Regular paint touch-ups not only increase curb appeal, but also protect your home from water and sun damage. If it is time to repaint the entire exterior of your home, check out the top-rated exterior paints for Portland’s unique climate. 


2. Wash Windows and Screens

Prior to cleaning glass panes, remove window screens and give them a good scrub. We suggest soaking screens in hot water and Simple Green, and gently scrubbing them with a soft bristled brush or sponge. If the dust and grime prove too hard to remove, it may be time to replace them! Additionally, examine all window seals for any cracks or leaks. Don’t force your AC to work double-time by allowing cool air to escape through faulty window seals.  

window curtain open wide

Photo sourced from Unsplash artist Rob Wingate (CC)

3. Foundation Investigation!

Inspect the foundation for any cracks, leaks, or structural imperfections now, before the rainy season comes back around. Foundation cracks are often the cause of…

  • Basement flooding
  • Uneven floors
  • Sticky or loose doors
  • Damage to pipes and plumbing
  • Insect or rodent infestations
  • Serious structural issues


If you notice any foundation cracks, don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted real estate professional for specialist recommendations to assess the severity of damage and make the necessary repairs. 


Photo sourced from Tuchodi (CC)

4. Make Those Gutters SHINE!

The culmination of Portland’s lush terrain and (on average) 43 inches of rain a year can wreak havoc on your gutters. The summer is the perfect opportunity for a bi-annual gutter cleaning! Now that roof and gutter debris have dried in the summer sun, removing gunk becomes a much easier (and less gross) process. 

Still not interested in getting elbow-deep in gutter gunk? We don’t blame you… Try a pressure washer attachment, or leave it to the professionals. Portland’s Moss Busters is locally owned and has been continually awarded for their amazing service. Support a local business and the integrity of your gutters, all at once!   


white and gray bird on brown wooden fence

Photo sourced from Unsplash artist Ace Gamer (CC)

5. Power Wash Your Driveway 

We have experienced wild weather this year… What did the winter snowstorm, spring downpour, and summer heatwave leave caked on your driveway? Clean your driveway of the weeds, dirt, mold, and grime that has built up this year! 

Before you plug in the power washer, make sure to…

  • Inspect the driveway for severe cracks. Decrease the water pressure while cleaning these areas to avoid further damage.  
  • Sweep or leaf-blow the surface of any loose material
  • Apply a degreaser to loosen stains and thick debris