Getting your home ready for summer

Spring cleaning is behind you, but the maintenance continues as the mercury rises. Don’t sweat, the to-do list is short, and it goes a long way to keeping your home looking great and performing optimally.

Your dedicated MasterCare Team is here to guide you to a summer-ready home with answers to your frequently asked questions below.

Does the transition from spring to summer present unique challenges to maintaining my home?

The summer sun and high temperatures present challenges unique from spring home maintenance. Routine mechanical maintenance becomes critical as your home’s air conditioning and ventilation system kicks into high gear.

To save money, protect your investment and stay comfortable, it’s important to:

• Clean or replace air filters, keep vent covers free of dust and hair, and ensure your Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) unit is running efficiently.
• Inspect and clean your oven’s range hood vent, bathroom exhaust fans, and make sure all exterior exhaust ports are clear of debris.
• Continue to maintain outbuildings and the outside of your home with bi-weely inspections and be proactive with minor repairs.
• Monitor the A/C unit outside of your home and sweep off or wash down the coil with a hose if necessary.
• Keep motorcycle or bicycle kickstands and lawn chairs off the driveway during hot days to prevent dents.

How do I keep bugs out of my home and garage?

Bugs are a common headache for homeowners, but by being preemptive and with diligent summer home maintenance, you’ll make quick work of insects and other unwanted pests.

This means keeping window screens in place—especially at night—patching or replacing torn window screens and repairing other possible access points such as damaged vents and loose siding. And hanging flytape in the garage near your garbage and recycling is also beneficial.

Similar to keeping wildlife away from your property, it’s important to remain tidy both inside and out. This includes:

• Regularly cutting your lawn, trimming your bushes, and clipping overgrown plants to stop bugs from transitioning from their home into yours.
• Adhering to your community’s waste removal schedule and routinely cleaning your garbage, recycling, and compost bins—containers with secure lids are recommended.
• Prevent stagnant water from becoming a natural breeding ground for insects by dumping out pails, tire swings, and other outdoor items such as birdbaths and catch basins.

For indoor summer maintenance, change your kitchen garbage often and don’t let dirty dishes pile up in the sink (parents with teenagers beware). Keep your pet bowls clean, and fresh fruit on display will attract flies if left out for too long.

How do I air out my basement if it’s damp and smells musty?

If left unattended, dampness in your basement leads to mold growth and musty smells unhealthy for you and your family. The first priority is to identify areas where moisture is apparent and deal with it immediately.

If you discover cracks in your foundation or leaks in your plumbing system, repairs are best done by a professional. Contact a MasterCare Representative for recommendations if needed.

Throw away old cardboard boxes and consider donating unused blankets or clothing left to pile up in your basement. And since carpets and rugs are known for trapping dampness and creating musty smells, it's important to clean and dry them regularly.

When it comes to airing out your basement:

• circulate the air by using fans to create a cross breeze;
• bring fresh air inside by opening windows during the evening and on cooler days;
• push air up to the main level by aiming floor fans accordingly;
• distribute fresh, filtered air using your home’s HRV unit; and
• maintain the air quality in your basement using a dehumidifier.

Learn more on how to improve the comfort inside your home by managing the humidity level.

I’m short on time, what maintenance should I prioritize?

Your home is a haven during the dog days of summer, which makes indoor maintenance top priority.

Perform routine mechanical maintenance to your HRV and A/C units, and make sure air filters and vent covers are lint-free; replace broken parts where necessary.

For outdoor maintenance, the goal is to keep your home looking its best while being proactive about insects and wildlife—fix torn window screens, repair damage to the exterior of your home, and continue to keep a tidy property.

Aside from what’s in the Seasonal Maintenance Checklist, what else should I consider to get my home summer ready?

The Seasonal Maintenance Checklist is a great guide for Minto Communities’ homeowners. It provides a list of items to check and maintain during each season including the summer.

In addition to the checklist, new residents must pay special attention to their freshly sodded lawn—sod takes approximately two years to establish consistent, low-maintenance growth. During summer droughts, it’s likely you’ll need to supplement with manual watering in the evening or early morning.

Getting your home summer ready also includes finishing incomplete spring projects. Don’t forget to:

• examine your front porch, back deck, handrails and other wooden items outside your home;
• replace rotted boards, hammer exposed nails, and reapply sealant or varnish; and
• recaulk windows if you notice cracks or peeling around the frame.

Finally, don’t forget to clean your barbeque regularly to prevent curious wildlife from visiting your home and creating havoc—a spotless grill also helps limit the amount of insects buzzing around your property.

For more resources on how to maintain your Minto Communities home including what’s covered under your MasterCare Warranty, visit the homeowner resources page on our website!