The Clark County Summer Home Prep Checklist: 8 Things to Do Before June
Summer in Clark County means outdoor living - and it means the repairs you've been putting off all winter are now visible to every neighbor and guest. Here's what to prioritize.
Summer in Clark County is short, spectacular, and unforgiving of deferred maintenance. The six months of Pacific Northwest rain end abruptly in June, and suddenly every exterior surface is visible - to you, your neighbors, and any buyer who might be walking through your neighborhood.
Here are the eight things we recommend every Clark County homeowner address before June.
1. Deck Inspection and Cleaning
Your deck has been wet for six months. Before you put furniture on it, walk it carefully - feel for soft spots, check the railing connections, look at the post bases. Then clean it: pressure wash, allow to dry 48-72 hours, and apply a penetrating sealer if the wood is thirsty (test: drop water on the surface - if it absorbs rather than beads, it's time to seal).
2. Gutter Cleaning
Spring means tree debris - pollen, seed pods, and the last of the fall leaves that didn't come out in October. Clogged gutters overflow against the fascia and soffit. Clean them now, before the dry season, so you're not dealing with wood rot when you go to paint in August.
3. Exterior Caulking Inspection
Walk the exterior and check every window and door frame. Caulk that cracked or separated over the winter needs to be replaced before summer heat bakes the gap open further. This is a two-hour job that prevents a two-week repair.
4. Moss Treatment
If you have moss on your roof or hardscapes, treat it now. Spring is the optimal time - the moss is actively growing and most susceptible to treatment, and you have the full dry season ahead for the treatment to work and the zinc strip to do its job.
5. Fence and Gate Hardware
Winter moisture works on fence post bases and gate hardware. Check every gate for sag or binding. Check fence posts for rot at the base - push on them; they shouldn't move. Address small issues now before they become fence replacement projects.
6. Exterior Paint Touch-Up
Look for peeling, cracking, or chalking paint on trim, siding, and fascia boards. Spot touch-up now, before the dry season, protects the wood through summer UV exposure and gives you time to plan a full repaint if needed for fall.
7. Crawl Space Check
After a wet winter, a crawl space check is not optional. Take a moisture reading or have a professional check for you. Elevated moisture in May means the vapor barrier needs attention before summer heat creates the humidity conditions that mold loves.
8. HVAC Filter and Dryer Vent
Before you turn on the AC for the first time, replace the HVAC filter. While you're at it, check the dryer vent for lint accumulation - it's one of the leading causes of residential fires and takes about 20 minutes to clean.
We can knock out your entire summer prep list in a single visit. Book now before June schedules fill. Book Summer Prep Visit