Homeowner Seasonal Maintenance: A Year-Round Guide for Philadelphia Homeowners
Owning a home in Philadelphia comes with its unique set of seasonal challenges. That makes homeowner seasonal maintenance a real must. The city’s diverse weather patterns, ranging from hot, humid summers to cold, snowy winters, require homeowners to be vigilant about their home’s upkeep year-round. And since we’re all about helping Philadelphia homeowners, we created this seasonal guide. It will take you through the essential maintenance tasks for each season, tailored specifically for Philly homeowners.
Autumn: Pre-Winter Preparations
Inspect Roof: Before winter sets in, ensure that your roof is in good condition. Replace any missing or damaged shingles to prevent leaks. Have a flat roof? Be sure to check that softball-size drain for clogs. If the inspection reveals more than a little damage, you may need to consider a new roof. American Home Concepts can help you with that. As a matter of fact, you can schedule your free in-home estimate.
Chimney Cleaning: If you have a fireplace, fall is the time for a chimney inspection and cleaning. You’ll want it in top shape for winter.
Winterize Lawn Equipment: If you have a lawn, you’re probably not sad that mowing season is coming to an end. You may even enjoy cleaning and storing lawn mowers and other summer equipment. But that does mean it’s time to get your snowblower ready for action.
Winter: Battling the Cold
We’re writing this article in October and we’re gearing up at our own homes to get prepared for the upcoming winter. Our team lives and works in this area, so we know about the ice and snow that is surely on its way. Here are a few things you can do at your home to brace for winter:
Insulate Pipes: Frozen pipes can turn into a real nightmare of issues. Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent freezing.
Heating System Check: Before the real cold hits, make sure your heating system is operational. The last thing you want is a breakdown in the middle of a Philadelphia winter. But if it does happen, there are more than a few reputable service providers to choose from in Philadelphia.
Snow and Ice Removal: Keep pathways, stairs, and driveways clear to prevent accidents. Using salt made specifically for winter weather is the way to go. There is even salt available that is pet friendly. Salting is not just good practice; it’s often a legal requirement.
Spring: Renew and Refresh
The trees are starting to get their leaves back and flowers are starting to peek through. Now is a great time to perform a few items from the homeowners seasonal maintenance handbook.
Gutter Cleaning: After winter, your gutters are likely full of debris. Spring is the perfect time to clean them out to prevent water damage from overflow. When gutters are clogged, the water will find somewhere to go and often it can pool in areas that over time can create damage.
AC Maintenance: Before the Philadelphia summer heat kicks in, have your air conditioning system serviced. It’s much easier to fix issues now than in the middle of a heatwave. An HVAC technician may notice the need for more freon and can top you off to be sure you and your family are comfortable when you need to turn on the AC.
Check Outdoor Faucets: Freezing and thawing from the winter can cause leaks. Turn on and off your outdoor faucets to ensure they are working correctly.
Summer: Prepare for the Heat
Seal Windows and Doors: With your AC working hard, you don’t want to waste electricity. Sealing gaps around windows and doors will help keep the cool air in and your energy bills down. If your doors or windows are especially old, it may be a good time to have American Home Concepts install new doors or windows for you.
Landscaping: Trim any trees or shrubs that are close to your home. Summer storms can bring these crashing down, causing damage. You may be able to perform this work yourself, or you may want to hire a professional.
Pest Control: With the heat comes bugs. Cockroaches, especially in rowhomes, can be very problematic. Regular pest control can keep them at bay and prevent potential infestations. If this is an item perhaps outside of your budget, there are DIY pest control options that work very well.
By paying attention to homeowner seasonal maintenance, you can ensure your home is well-prepared for each season’s challenges. Keep in mind that preventive maintenance can save you a good bit of money in the long run. We hope this will inspire you to roll up your sleeves and give your Philadelphia home the the t.l.c. it deserves. If you need any help with repairs, contact us at 610-667-7775.
