As the warm breezes of spring transition into the full-fledged heat of a Wichita summer, your home faces a unique set of challenges. The intense sun, high temperatures, and occasional severe thunderstorms can put a strain on various components of your property. Proactive summer maintenance isn’t just about keeping your home looking good; it’s about protecting your investment, ensuring comfort, and preventing costly repairs down the line. Wichita Home Works is here to provide essential guidance on summer-specific maintenance tasks.
- 1. Lawn Care in the Wichita Heat: Keeping Your Green Oasis Healthy
- 2. Checking for Leaks Around Windows and Doors: Sealing Out the Heat
- 3. Gutter and Downspout Maintenance: Directing Summer Rains Away
- 4. Additional Summer Maintenance Tips:
- Wichita Home Works: Your Summer Maintenance Partner
- Contact Wichita Home Works:
1. Lawn Care in the Wichita Heat: Keeping Your Green Oasis Healthy
Maintaining a healthy lawn through a hot Wichita summer requires strategic care to prevent it from turning brown and stressed.
- Watering Wisely: Your lawn typically needs 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, factoring in rainfall. Water deeply and infrequently, preferably in the early morning to minimize evaporation. This encourages deeper root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Avoid watering when winds are high.
- Mowing High: Raise your mower blade to 3-4 inches. Taller grass provides shade for the soil, helping it retain moisture, and encourages deeper roots. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn acts as natural mulch and returns nutrients to the soil.
- Weed and Pest Control: Summer is prime time for crabgrass and grubs in Wichita. Apply a second round of crabgrass preventer in June if needed. Monitor for grubs (small white bugs that eat grass roots) and apply appropriate treatments in July if an infestation is detected.
- Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing cool-season grasses (like fescue) during the peak of summer heat, as it can stress the lawn. Warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or Zoysia, common in Wichita) may benefit from light fertilization if needed, but always follow product instructions and water thoroughly.
- Irrigation System Check: If you have an irrigation system, inspect it for leaks, broken sprinkler heads, and ensure proper coverage. An irrigation audit can pinpoint inefficiencies and save water.
2. Checking for Leaks Around Windows and Doors: Sealing Out the Heat
Air leaks are notorious energy vampires. In the summer, they allow hot, humid air to infiltrate your home, making your AC work harder and increasing your energy bills.
- The Hand Test: On a windy day, or when your AC is running, walk around your home and place the back of your hand along the edges of windows and doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures. If you feel a draft, you have an air leak.
- Visual Inspection: Look for visible cracks or gaps around window and door frames, especially where the frame meets the wall or where old caulking has deteriorated. Check the condition of weatherstripping around doors and windows – it should be pliable and intact.
- Dollar Bill Test: For doors and windows, close them on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull the bill out, the seal isn’t tight enough.
- Caulking and Weatherstripping: If you find leaks, apply fresh caulk to seal cracks and gaps around stationary window and door frames. Replace worn or damaged weatherstripping around operable windows and doors. This is a relatively inexpensive DIY project with significant energy savings.
- Exterior Siding and Paint: Inspect your home’s exterior siding and paint for any signs of wear, cracks, or peeling. Addressing these issues not only improves curb appeal but also prevents moisture from penetrating your home’s envelope.
3. Gutter and Downspout Maintenance: Directing Summer Rains Away
While often associated with fall, summer thunderstorms in Wichita can dump a significant amount of rain. Clear and functional gutters are crucial to protect your home’s foundation and siding.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Even if you cleaned them in the fall, spring pollen, seeds, and debris can accumulate. Clear out any clogs to ensure water flows freely away from your home.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for sagging sections, loose attachments, cracks, or holes. Repair or replace damaged sections promptly to prevent water overflow and potential foundation issues.
- Ensure Proper Drainage: Make sure downspouts extend far enough away from your home’s foundation (at least 5-10 feet) to prevent water from pooling around the base.
4. Additional Summer Maintenance Tips:
- Inspect Your Roof: After any severe storm, visually inspect your roof for loose, cracked, or missing shingles. Pay attention to flashing around chimneys and vents. If you suspect damage, call a professional roofer for a thorough inspection.
- Power Wash Exterior Surfaces: Summer is an excellent time to power wash your siding, deck, patio, and driveway to remove dirt, grime, and mildew, instantly boosting your home’s curb appeal. Use the correct pressure for different surfaces to avoid damage.
- Check Outdoor Plumbing: Inspect outdoor spigots and garden hoses for leaks or drips that might have occurred during winter freezes.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Prune any branches that are too close to your roof or home, as they can cause damage during strong winds or provide pathways for pests.
Wichita Home Works: Your Summer Maintenance Partner
Summer in Wichita is a time for enjoying your home, not worrying about unexpected home repairs. By dedicating a bit of time to these essential home maintenance tasks, you can ensure your property remains comfortable, efficient, and protected. For projects that require a professional touch or if you simply need assistance with your summer home improvements and home maintenance checklist, Wichita Home Works is here to help.
Contact Wichita Home Works:
Don’t let summer maintenance become a burden. Contact Wichita Home Works today for expert assistance.
