Check out this summer home inspection checklist tailored for central Indiana homeowners to ensure your home is ready for the heat! The sun is out, and the warm weather is upon us. This is prime roofing season as homeowners take the time to get a great look at their homes and identify problems. As temperatures rise, the materials and layers of your home shift and swell, so something that may not have been an issue in the winter can now become one in the summer.
Summer home maintenance in central Indiana is crucial for several reasons:
- Saves money in the long run by identifying and addressing issues before they become major problems.
- Improves the safety and security of your home.
- Enhances your home’s energy efficiency, reducing energy bills and your footprint.
Regarding central Indiana-specific considerations, it’s important to remember that Indiana summers are known for high humidity levels, so ensure your home has proper ventilation and consider investing in a dehumidifier to improve indoor air quality and prevent mold growth. Additionally, summer storms in Indiana can be intense, with heavy rainfall and strong winds, so check your roof, gutters, and siding for any damage after storms and make necessary repairs promptly.
While rare, tornadoes can occur in central Indiana, so make sure your home has a designated safe room or shelter, and keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials. Lastly, Indiana’s clay-rich soil can cause foundation issues, especially during dry spells, so keep an eye out for cracks in your foundation and ensure proper drainage around your home.
In summer, critters are active and searching for food and moisture. To prevent infestations, you’ll want to seal entry points and keep your home clean.
Roofing, Gutters, and Siding
- Roof: The roof is your home’s first defense against the elements. During the summer, intense heat and UV rays can cause shingles to become brittle, crack, or even go missing. This damage can lead to leaks, allowing water to penetrate your home’s interior and causing further damage to insulation, drywall, and electrical systems. Additionally, summer storms with heavy rainfall and strong winds can exacerbate existing roof issues or cause new damage. Inspecting your roof during the summer allows you to identify and address any problems before they worsen, preventing costly repairs and potential health hazards like mold growth.
- Flashing: Flashing is the thin metal material that seals the joints around vents, chimneys, and other roof penetrations. During the summer, extreme temperature fluctuations cause the materials in your roof to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks in the flashing. If left unrepaired, cracked flashing can allow moisture to seep into your attic, causing damage to insulation, wood structures, and creating an environment conducive to mold growth. Inspecting your flashing during the summer can help you identify and seal any cracks, preventing moisture intrusion and the associated damage.
- Siding: Siding helps protect your home from the elements and plays a crucial role in insulation. During the summer, exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures can cause your siding to buckle or shift. This damage can compromise your home’s insulation, leading to increased energy costs as your HVAC system works harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Additionally, gaps in your siding can provide an entry point for pests and moisture, leading to further damage. Inspecting your siding during the summer allows you to identify and repair any issues, maintaining your home’s protective barrier and energy efficiency.
- Gutters: Gutters play a vital role in directing water away from your home’s foundation. During the summer, seedlings, leaves, and other debris can accumulate in your gutters, causing clogs. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, which can damage your home’s foundation, landscaping, and even your roof if water backs up under the shingles. In addition, the weight of debris and standing water in your gutters can cause them to pull away from your home, leading to costly repairs. Inspecting and cleaning your gutters during the summer helps ensure proper water flow, protecting your home from water damage and foundation issues. However, be cautious when working on the roof or using ladders to avoid accidents.
Make sure to get your summer home inspection!
Feel free to contact Bauerle to come out and inspect your home for issues! We are experienced inspectors and can give you a rundown on your roof, gutter, and siding health!
Additional Summer Home Maintenance Tasks
- Garage: Oil door openers, chains, and rollers. Inspect walls and doors for pest entry points and insulation issues.
- Windows: Check for heat leaks around sills and seals and replace worn weather stripping.
- Exhausts: Clean lint from dryer exhaust hoses to prevent fire hazards.
- Leaks: Check hoses, appliances, and plumbing for leaks.
- Gardening: Prune trees and shrubs, mulch gardens, and watch for tree growth near electrical lines.
- Pressure wash: Clean driveways, patios, and fences, re-treating as needed.
- Air conditioning: Schedule maintenance with a local HVAC company to ensure your AC works well.
- Ceiling fans: Change the direction of your ceiling fans to counterclockwise for a cool breeze.
- Pool or spa: Skim, vacuum, clean, and check pH levels. Replace filters and repair leaks.
Consider your skills when deciding which tasks to tackle and which to leave to professionals. Inspections are often free, so take advantage of the opportunity to have an expert assess your home. Remember, new roofing and siding technologies are more energy-efficient, and seamless guttering systems with leaf guards can help reduce maintenance and energy costs.
Inspections are always free, so take advantage of the opportunity to have us out. And don’t forget… roofing technology has significantly changed over the last two decades. New roofs and siding are more energy-efficient and seamless guttering systems with leaf guards can help you with energy costs and reduced maintenance.
Feel free to contact Bauerle to come out and inspect your home for issues! We are experienced inspectors and can give you a rundown on your roof, gutter, and siding health!
