Homeowner’s Guide to Summer Home Maintenance

Complied by Jonathan Priest

Fixing, cleaning and maintaining a home while it’s warm and dry is like shopping for winter holidays in July. It pays to get it done early – before bad weather can cause emergencies.

GUTTERS

Giving a home extra attention when the weather is good can help homeowners avoid emergencies – like a waterfall in the basement – months later, says Dan DiClerico, a home expert for a national online home renovation website. From his decades of working in the home-repair industry, DiClerico knows homeowners should always be planning ahead.

“I compare it to Christmas shopping in July,” DiClerico says: getting it done ahead of time is a good idea.

If the gutter system, including gutter guards, downspouts and gutter extensions, is working properly, water will flow through and out at least five feet away from the house, DiClerico says.

Start with a visual inspection of the whole system and look for these signs of wear or damage, suggests Kevin Chang, cofounder of a San Francisco Bay Area company that provides year-round home maintenance to roughly 200 homes.

· Pieces that are loose, corroded or pulling away from the house.

· Signs of ground erosion. If the grass has washed away beneath the roof edge, for example, it may indicate that water is splashing down because the gutter system isn’t effective.

· Leaves, twigs and other debris in the gutters.

· Spray water onto the roof to make sure it funnels into the gutter and downspouts. Overflows or slow flow could be signs of obstruction.

Make repairs as needed and clear out debris. (Professional cleaning costs roughly $150, but pricing will vary depending on location and other factors.) Even with gutter guards, debris, silt, mud and mold can still build up, and Chang recommends a thorough cleaning every five years.

ROOF

Summer is a good time for homeowners to inspect roofs, inside and outside, to help avoid emergency repairs later. Roofs are generally low maintenance, DiClerico says, but when they need repairs, he recommends calling a professional. DiClerico says binoculars can help homeowners do a visual inspection from ground level, before heading into the attic, and he recommends paying attention to these common signs of roof problems.

· Missing or loose shingles

· Seams where two sections come together, and to flashing, seals around windows, chimneys and other openings.

Inside, check for missing insulation in the attic, and signs of moisture like discoloration or mold in the attic or on ceilings, which could indicate the roof is not watertight.

DECK

Every year, DiClerico hears stories of decks collapsing during the year’s first big cookout. Although most people are gathering in smaller groups this summer, he recommends a thorough annual deck inspection, regardless of how much it is used.

· Inspect the deck for mold, mildew, popped screws and loose boards. Pay close attention to the place where the deck meets the house, the railings and the stairs.

· Jump around and give railings a firm shake. Any softness and wobbling could be signs that the deck needs repairs.

· Scrub the deck with soapy water once per year.

· Clear sealants often need to be applied annually; opaque solid stains may only need to be applied every three to five years. Semi-transparent stains should be reapplied every two or three years, DiClerico says. How do you tell if it’s time to reseal the deck? DiClerico suggests sprinkling water on the boards. If it beads up, it’s good; if it soaks in, time to reseal.

PAINT

A strong coat of paint can be good protection against winter leaks. But too much heat makes it hard for new paint to cure, so exterior paint projects are best done at the beginning or end of the summer, when temperatures and humidity are lower, says DiClierico. His additional painting recommendations:


· The ideal temperature for painting outside is between 50 and 90 degrees.

· Don’t skimp on sanding, scraping, filling and other prep work. They’re the key to a paint job that lasts.

· A good paint job should last 10 years.

If you’re not painting, wash the outside of the house with soapy water and a sturdy bristle brush, he advises. Use a pressure washer sparingly; in DiClerico’s opinion the gentler option is preferable. Pressure-washing a roof can damage shingles, he warns. A spray-on roof cleaner will take care of mold or mildew.

This article has been brought to you by Farmers Insurance; We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two!

This article was brought to you courtesy of Farmers Insurance agent, Jonathan Priest, with an office at 57 Tandberg Trail, Suite 7, Windham and StaySafe.org. Call him at 207-893-8184 or send him an email at jpriest1@farmersagent.com <

A Mother’s Touch

By Nicole Foster, Broker/REALTOR and mother of four

When we reflect on the many ways our mothers have shaped the lives we lead today, we often think of the values they instilled, the traditions they passed down, and the unwavering love and support they've provided through every chapter of our journey. Their influence is deeply woven into the fabric of who we are – guiding our choices, shaping our character, and grounding us in a sense of home. But beyond these emotional and moral legacies, there’s another powerful, and often overlooked, area where their impact is felt: the homes we choose to live in as adults. 

From the type of neighborhood that we gravitate toward to the style of kitchen we dream of, our mothers’ tastes, habits, and even their approach to homemaking can significantly influence our housing decisions and how we define what "home" truly means.

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of real estate transactions where parents play a pivotal role in helping their adult children enter the housing market. This trend highlights how parents, often seeking to support the next generation, are bridging the gap in ways that make homeownership more accessible. Parents are stepping in with a variety of creative solutions, from gifting equity in their own homes to co-signing loans when allowed or providing financial assistance for down payments. In some cases, parents even take on the primary mortgage responsibility themselves, purchasing a home as a non-owner-occupied primary residence and offering a lease-to-own option to their children. This kind of support not only facilitates homeownership at an earlier age than would typically be possible, but it also plays a crucial role in making housing more affordable – often turning what would be an unattainable goal into a tangible reality for many first-time homebuyers.

The type of financial guidance that your mother has provided you along the way also helps to position you as a borrower. Understanding how to save money for a down payment and other closing costs as well as the critical importance of establishing and managing responsible credit are all lessons best learned at a young age. Parents who add their children as authorized users to one of their own credit cards can help kids to get a jump start on building their own credit prior to turning eighteen but once they are old enough letting kids have their cell phone in their own name can help kids to establish the necessary credit they need to have without the risk of getting into credit card debt.

A study that was recently published by REALTOR.com shows that the vast majority of respondents would prefer to live within proximity to their mothers, given the option. Many buyers set their geographic search for properties within a certain range of their mothers when searching for their new home to rent or purchase when possible. More and more young families are welcoming mom to join them in their new community, so they can be close to new grandchildren and play an active role in their day to day lives, or to help provide support.

Mothers often leave a lasting imprint on the way we shape and style our homes, influencing not only our decorative choices but also our overall sense of comfort and aesthetic. Whether consciously or not, many of the decisions we make when designing our living spaces are rooted in the memories of the homes we grew up in—homes shaped largely by our mothers' tastes, values, and personal touches. From heirloom furniture passed down through generations to beloved paintings, cherished family photographs, or a favorite book collection neatly arranged on a shelf, remnants of our childhood homes quietly weave their way into our present-day surroundings. These familiar items serve as both emotional anchors and stylistic inspiration, reminding us not only of where we came from but also of the enduring influence our mothers continue to have in our lives.

Whether your mother was someone who eagerly embraced every design trend—constantly refreshing furniture, swapping out wallpaper, or updating color palettes—or you grew up in a timeless, traditional home where the décor remained largely unchanged, her influence likely runs deeper than you realize. The way your childhood home looked, felt, and functioned can leave a lasting impression, subtly shaping your own tastes in interior design and home aesthetics. From the cozy familiarity of a vintage floral sofa to a deep-seated aversion to bold wall colors, the environment your mother curated often becomes the invisible blueprint for what you’re naturally drawn to – or steer clear of – when it comes time to make your own house a home.

Nicole Foster is a Windham parent and real estate Broker with 20 years of experience working with buyers, sellers and investors. <

Get Your Home Ready for a Busy Maine Summer

By Lisa DiBiase

There’s something special about the way Maine comes alive in May. The trees bloom, the lakes sparkle, and you can see neighborhoods start to come alive with backyard BBQs, open windows, and after a long winter and muddy spring, many of us can’t wait to dust off the porch furniture and soak up the sun.

Before you dive into summer adventures, though, it’s worth giving your home a little extra love. A few small maintenance projects now can help you make the most of the months ahead and avoid bigger (and more expensive!) headaches later.

A Little Work Now, A Lot More Fun Later

We all dream of stress-free summers, but small issues can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. A clogged gutter or faulty screen door might seem minor until a thunderstorm rolls through or the mosquitoes come out in full force.

Taking care of a few essentials early gives you peace of mind and lets you spend more time on the golf course, enjoying boat rides, ice cream runs, and all the things that make summer in Maine unforgettable.

Outside: Protect and Refresh Your Home

● Gutters and Roof: Clear out any debris and check for loose shingles or leaks. Spring storms can cause hidden damage, and a quick inspection now can save you trouble later.

● Decks and Patios: Clean and seal surfaces to protect them from the sun and rain. Sprucing up your outdoor spaces also makes them more inviting to gather with family and friends.

● Windows and Screens: Swap out storm windows, wash the glass, and repair any screens. Fresh air is one of the best parts of the summer, don’t let bugs crash the party!

Inside: Keep It Cool and Comfortable

● Air Conditioning and Fans: Make sure your systems are cleaned and serviced. Ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise in the summer to create a cool breeze.

● Humidity Check: Basements in Maine can get damp in the summer. Running a dehumidifier can help protect your home (and your health).

● Fresh Start: Pack away heavy winter gear, organize your entryways, and create space for flip-flops, beach bags, and sunscreen.

Make It a Season to Remember

Beyond the basics, now is a great time to think about what would make your summer even sweeter. Maybe it’s planting a few new flowers, setting up a hammock in the backyard, or building that fire pit you’ve always wanted. Small projects can add so much joy to everyday life and summer always flies by faster than we think.

Home is where some of the best summer memories are made, and a little preparation now will help you enjoy every minute of it. If you’re starting to think bigger, maybe about a new backyard, a new neighborhood, or even a new view, Landing Real Estate is always here to help. No pressure, just friendly guidance when you need it most.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and sunshine-filled Maine summer ahead!

This article was brought to you by Lisa DiBiase, Broker/Co-Owner of Landing Real Estate. Lisa and her team proudly represent buyers and sellers across the Greater Portland, Lakes Region, and beyond. For all your real estate needs, contact Lisa at Lisa@LandingHomesMaine.com or call 207-775-SOLD. <