SUMMER HOME MAINTENANCE
CHECKLIST FOR DMV HOMEOWNERS

The DMV's summer hits hard — humidity, heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and the kind of moisture load that stresses every system in a home. Getting ahead of maintenance before and during summer prevents the expensive reactive repairs that show up in late summer and fall. Here's what we check on our own clients' properties and what we recommend homeowners address themselves.

EXTERIOR CHECKLIST

• Inspect and caulk gaps at windows, doors, and trim: Failed caulk is one of the most common causes of water intrusion and moisture damage in the DMV. Check every window and door perimeter, especially on south and west elevations that take the most weather exposure. Re-caulk any gaps wider than a credit card.
• Check gutters and downspouts: Clear pollen, seeds, and debris that accumulated in spring. Check that downspouts discharge at least 4 feet from the foundation. In a summer storm, a clogged gutter dumps hundreds of gallons at your foundation — a leading cause of basement water issues in this area.
• Pressure wash the deck, patio, and driveway: Summer is the season these surfaces see the most use. Starting clean also lets you see any cracks or damage that developed over winter.
• Inspect the deck structure: Check joists, ledger board connection, and posts for rot, especially at ground contact points. Push a screwdriver firmly into suspicious areas — soft wood indicating rot needs to be addressed before the deck is loaded with summer use.
• Examine siding and trim paint: Look for peeling, chalking, or bare wood. Exposed wood in summer humidity absorbs moisture and degrades fast. Small touch-ups prevent bigger paint failures.

INTERIOR CHECKLIST

• Service the HVAC: Replace filters, clear condensate drain lines (clogged drains cause overflow and ceiling damage — common in the DMV), and have the system serviced before the heat peaks. August HVAC failures with a 3-week wait for service are a known problem in this market.
• Check basement for moisture: Run a dehumidifier if relative humidity in the basement exceeds 50%. Check walls and the base of walls for efflorescence (white mineral deposits) or damp spots that appeared over winter or spring. Address now before mold establishes.
• Inspect window and door screens: Torn screens are an invitation for the mosquito population that peaks in DMV summers. Replacement screens are inexpensive and quick to install.
• Test smoke and CO detectors: Semi-annual testing aligns with daylight saving time changes. Summer is also when windows are closed more and cooking and grilling increase, making detector function more critical.