Now that the weather is warming up, we are spending more and more time outside. And since we are out more, it is time for us to take care of our property’s exterior. To make sure everything is good to go, we created this weekly outside maintenance guide.
Clean Grill
Who doesn’t enjoy outdoor cooking? The smell of meat and vegetables roasting on an open flame makes everyone’s mouth water. However, you cannot make delicious food unless you have a clean grill. As a rule, you should always do a quick clean before lighting up the grill. But to keep the cleaning job on a smaller scale, we recommend cleaning the outside and inside of your grill at least once a week.
Check for Cracks, Holes & Gaps
Holes, cracks and gaps are perfect openings for pests to crawl through or cause other interior and exterior problems. When checking for these openings, you will want to walk the perimeter and check around. If you do see any small cracks, holes or gaps, you should close them up with caulk. If the problem area is too large, call in a contractor to help you get the job done.
Pick up Branches & Debris
The exterior is the first thing anyone will see of your home. You do not want to give off the impression that you do not care or maintain your property. Never let your yard become cluttered with leaves, branches and other debris. Instead, spend about 10 to 30 minutes once a week clearing them out of the way. Depending on the weather, you may have to spend up to an hour.
Check for Leaks
Leaks are bad news for any home. They can cause flooding or foundation problems as well as attract pests and damage your property. During your walk around the property, check for any leaks around water fixtures. Always fix a leak no matter the size. A small leak can cause drastic issues if left alone over time. If you have problems controlling or stopping the leak, give us a call. We will send you over one of our skilled experts to alleviate the situation.
Clean the Front Door & Windows
Your front door and windows are essentially the accessories of your house. They are there not only for entrance or letting light in but for aesthetics as well. Your door and windows also protect your home from the weather, animals and other outdoor items. Since they are always working, you want to make sure you take good care of them, and that includes cleaning. Grab some glass cleaner and/or wood cleaner as well as a microfiber cloth and get to cleaning.
Check for Pests
Pests can enter your home at any time. Therefore, you need to be constantly checking for them. If you notice holes, cracks or gaps on the exterior of your home, those are perfect places for them to crawl inside. Close those areas immediately. However, also check for other pest signs — fecal droppings, foul odors, shredded papers, nests and dead insects. We have a guide to help you stop pests from entering your property that you can also check out for further information. If you do have a pest infestation, contact your local pest control specialist immediately.
Maintaining your home does not have to be done on your own. At Valor Home Services, we have a team of skilled experts ready to help you in Belleville, O’Fallon, Edwardsville and the surrounding areas. For more information or to book an appointment with us, contact us today.
