Outside projects
Summer is the easiest time for jobs that need dry, warm weather.
- Clean and re-stain or seal the deck.
- Re-caulk around windows and doors where the caulking is cracked or pulling away.
- Touch up exterior paint before winter.
- Trim trees and shrubs back from the roof, siding and air conditioner.
- Check the driveway and walkways for cracks, and seal them before winter.
After a hailstorm
Hail is common in Edmonton summers. After a storm:
- Look at the roof, siding, eavestroughs and window screens for dents or holes.
- Check your vehicle and any skylights.
- Take photos, and call your insurer if you see damage. Don't wait until fall.
Water and the yard
- Water the lawn deeply and less often, early in the morning.
- Keep downspout extensions in place during summer storms.
- Look into EPCOR's RainWise program for rebates on projects that manage stormwater on your lot.
Keep the house cool and healthy
- Change or clean the furnace filter. Your air conditioner uses it too.
- Keep the area around the outdoor AC unit clear.
- Clean the dryer vent, inside and out. Lint build-up is a fire risk.
- Clean the range hood filter.
- Check the attic vents aren't blocked.
Good time for bigger jobs
Thinking about a new roof, windows or a basement project? Summer is when contractors get busy, so book early. If you're adding a deck, garage or suite, check whether you need a City permit. Unpermitted work can cause problems when you sell. See my Real Property Report guide.
General guidance only. For roof, gas or electrical work, call a licensed pro.