Keep your cool this summer & stay ahead of costly repairs with these must-do July home maintenance tasks!
July in Houston brings intense heat, hurricane season, and long days that make the indoor and outdoor upkeep of your home absolutely essential. While it may not seem like the most exciting way to spend your summer weekends, there are a few easy maintenance tasks you can do to help prepare for extreme weather, avoid wear and tear, and keep your home looking its best.
Here are four quick and easy home maintenance tasks Houston homeowners can do in July to help keep their home running smoothly through the rest of the summer:
1. Trim Trees, Shrubs & Bushes
Most Houston homeowners have been the victim of broken branches after a bad storm—and it’s a lesson you only have to learn once! Overgrown or dead trees, bushes, or other plants can cause some serious damage to your home (and property in general) during a strong storm. Now is the perfect time to cut back any overhanging limbs or overgrown landscaping that could threaten your roof, windows, or power lines during the next hurricane. Keeping your greenery in check also boosts your home’s curb appeal and encourages healthier plant growth! But be careful: it may be best to hire a professional for taller trees or branches that are near power lines to ensure your safety.
2. Oil Your Garage Door
Chances are you forget about maintaining your garage door until it starts screaming (er, screeching?) at you… But why wait until there’s a problem, when preventative maintenance is so easy? Use a silicone-based or garage-specific lubricant to oil the hinges, springs, and motor at least once a year. This small step can significantly extend the life of your garage door! However, avoid using WD-40. This product is a cleaner—not a lubricant—and can actually dry out your garage motor parts over time!
3. Drain & Flush Your Water Heater
Hard water is no laughing matter for a homeowner, especially in Houston. Over time, the mineral deposits from hard water build up in your hot water heater and pipes, reducing their efficiency and overall lifespan. Draining and flushing your system at least twice a year will help prevent this sediment buildup and keep your water systems clean and properly functioning.
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, a local plumber can handle it quickly! Plus, they’ll be able to give your entire plumbing system a review to ensure everything's working properly. If you’re in the Houston area, contact us to get connected to a reliable plumber you can trust!
4. Deep Clean Your Entire Home
Who said deep cleaning is for the springtime only? Cleaning your home once a year is not enough to keep it well-maintained, and a mid-year refresh can do wonders! From wiping down your baseboards and cleaning overhead light fixtures to scrubbing your shower grout and organizing your kitchen cabinets—a full-home deep cleaning helps you reset your space and feel ready for the second half of the year. If this sounds overwhelming (we get it), try setting a timer and cleaning one room at a time! Hopefully, you’ve been keeping up with our monthly maintenance checklists, and this task will be a little easier!
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to home upkeep. Tackling these home maintenance tasks now can save you a lot of time, stress, and even money later down the road—especially during hurricane season and the high heat of summer!
Need professional help with anything on this July home maintenance checklist? Contact us today!
Alexis Feezel is a results-oriented Marketing Coordinator responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all promotional strategies and activities to effectively market clients & listings and maximize sales.