End-of-Summer Home Maintenance Checklist: What to Fix Before Fall
Summer heat, humidity, heavy rain, and storms can take a toll on homes throughout the New Orleans area. As summer comes to an end, now is a great time to walk around your property and address small maintenance issues before they develop into larger and more expensive repairs.
Louisiana weather can be especially tough on exterior wood, paint, siding, doors, porches, and other exposed areas. A little preventative maintenance now can help protect your home through fall and winter.
Inspect Exterior Wood
Check your porch, deck, stairs, railings, columns, window trim, fascia, and soffits for signs of deterioration.
Look for:
- Soft or rotted wood
- Cracked boards
- Loose trim
- Peeling paint
- Water stains
- Loose fasteners
- Damaged railings
Damaged wood should be repaired before moisture spreads into surrounding areas.
Check Exterior Paint
Paint does more than improve appearance. It provides an important layer of protection against Louisiana’s moisture and humidity.
Areas with peeling, bubbling, or missing paint should be scraped, properly prepared, primed, and repainted.
Inspect Doors and Windows
Check exterior doors and windows for gaps where moisture, pests, or outside air may enter.
Pay attention to:
- Door sweeps
- Weatherstripping
- Exterior caulking
- Thresholds
- Damaged trim
- Doors that no longer close properly
Check Gutters and Drainage
Make sure gutters are clear and securely attached.
Downspouts should direct water away from the home. Poor drainage can contribute to damaged siding, exterior wood, landscaping, and foundations.
Look for Interior Warning Signs
Summer storms sometimes reveal problems inside the home.
Check walls and ceilings for:
- Water stains
- Drywall cracks
- Peeling paint
- Ceiling damage
- Loose trim
- Moisture discoloration
A small stain may be the first indication of a larger exterior problem.
End-of-Summer Maintenance Checklist
Before fall, consider addressing:
- Porch and deck repairs
- Exterior wood rot
- Handrails and stairs
- Damaged siding
- Soffit and fascia repairs
- Exterior painting
- Door repairs
- Door sweeps and weatherstripping
- Window and door caulking
- Gutter and drainage issues
- Drywall cracks and holes
- Ceiling repairs
- Interior touch-up painting
Need Help With Your Maintenance List?
If your summer repair list keeps growing, New Orleans Handyman can help.
We handle a wide range of residential maintenance and repair projects including carpentry, drywall, painting, doors, porches, decks, siding, trim, and general property repairs.
Contact New Orleans Handyman today to schedule your fall maintenance projects. Have a list of repairs you’ve been putting off?
Send it to New Orleans Handyman and let us help knock out your fall maintenance list. Call 504-358-0399.
