Before you can enjoy the lazy days of summer there are a number of things that homeowners need to do around the house to prepare their home for those rising temperatures and strong summer storms. Not only do you need to address the outside of your home, there are a number of indoor activities that should be attended to.

HOME EXTERIOR
Blistering or cracking paint should be fixed immediately because it can lead to wood rot. If it is only in small areas then spot treatment is fine, but if damage is visible over large portions of the home it may be wise to call a professional to repaint the entire house. Garage door hinges and tracks should be checked for warping and damage due to temperature extremes. Reverse functions on electric door openers should be tested to make sure that they safely retract if hitting an object above floor level. Antennas, cables and satellite dishes may have become loose because of wind and snow. Now is the time to secure them and repair or replace frayed wires.

YARD & DECK
Fences should be checked for chipped and peeling paint. If the fence is sagging, leaning or seems unsteady the ground may have shifted and a professional should be called immediately. This is a safety issue and a summer storm could topple the fence. Wooden decks should be checked for loose boards and nails. Rotting boards should be replaced and the entire deck should be pressure washed to remove dirt and dead wood fiber. After the washing a sealant should be applied to preserve the lifespan of the deck. Examine the heads and joints of your sprinkler system for cracks and leaks. Then test the sprinklers to ensure that water is hitting the landscaping and not the house. All lawnmowers should have their blades sharpened, oil changed and filters replaced. It is a good idea to allow grass to grow a bit longer in the summer to conserve water.

HOME INTERIOR
If your ceiling fans are starting to sway call a professional to inspect the wiring in the fan, which is usually located in your attic. While he is there it is a good idea to have attic fans or roof-mounted turbine vents installed. Attic fans run on very little energy — there are even solar models that don't require any wiring — and can greatly reduce summer cooling costs. Your main cooling device is the air conditioner and it should be inspected by a professional. Make sure you have plenty of Freon and that the air filters on the fan have been changed. Summer temperatures can also drain the water supply. To maintain the best possible water pressure clean out the traps in your faucets. These traps may collect mineral deposits. Clean and lubricate sliding-glass door tracks and window tracks. Finally, open all crawl space vents to prevent rot and mildew.

POOLS/SPAS
Examine the entire swimming pool for cracks, broken supports, broken ladders and ruptured water lines. Check to see that the diving board is well supported on the deck and test the board to see if it is ridged or pliable. All pool/spa valves and gates should be lubricated and able to turn easily. Pool water should be tested at least three times a week for clarity and chemical balance. Spas need to be tested more often because of hot temperatures and less water. Be sure to have all electrical connections and heaters of the pool/spa inspected by a professional for potential electrical hazards. This inspection should be performed before starting up any of the systems. If you are planning on having pool parties run your filter longer and add more chlorine after the party.

If you should come across any problem areas save money now by having them repaired before they grow into larger headaches. If you would like to find a contractor in your area please visit our online directory of MICA member home improvement contractors.

When you need household repairs, look for the MICA logo and contact your local MICA contractor. It's the mark of a professional.