Get Your Home Summer-Ready (Part 2: Exterior Prep for Summer Damage)
Hey there, Salt Lake Valley neighbors!
Welcome back to Part 2 of our summer-ready series. Last time, we talked about keeping your cool inside with HVAC tips and efficiency hacks. Today, we’re stepping outside.
In Utah, we love our summers. The hikes, the BBQs, and those late sunsets over the Oquirrh Mountains. But the transition from spring to summer can be brutal on your home’s exterior. Between the intense high-altitude UV rays and those sudden "Microburst" summer storms that roll through places like Herriman and Magna, your home takes a beating.
If you ignore the exterior now, you aren't just losing curb appeal; you're inviting structural damage that gets very expensive, very fast. Here is what you need to look for before the heat really kicks in.
4. The Utah Special: Sprinklers Hitting the Siding
We see this all the time from Riverton to West Valley City. You set your sprinklers in the spring, but as the wind picks up or heads get knocked out of alignment, that water starts hitting your house instead of the lawn.
In our climate, constant moisture on siding leads to hard water staining, but more importantly, it causes wood rot and attracts pests. If you have wood or composite siding, that daily soaking can work its way behind siding and into underlying materials over time. Check your zones now. If you see dark spots or beards of moss on your foundation or siding, you’ve got a problem.
For more on what to look for, check out our guide on hidden moisture problems homeowners miss.
5. Cracked Paint and Exposed Wood
The Salt Lake sun is no joke. UV rays break down the chemical bonds in paint, causing it to flake and peel. Once the paint goes, your wood trim, fascia boards, and window sills are much more vulnerable to moisture damage.
Once moisture from a summer storm hits exposed wood, it starts to swell and decay. By the time you notice a "soft spot" on your window trim in Sandy, you may be looking at a full replacement rather than a simple touch-up. Walk around your home and look for hairline cracks in the caulk or any areas where the paint looks "chalky" or thin. These are the exterior red flags you can’t afford to ignore.
6. Decks and Fences: The Great Summer Dry-Out
Your deck is the heart of your summer hosting, but if the wood is grey, splintering, or warping, it’s screaming for help. Wood is like a sponge; it expands when wet and contracts when dry. In the Salt Lake Valley, that cycle happens fast.
If your deck or fence hasn't been sealed in the last couple of years, the summer heat will dry out the wood and break down protective finishes, leading to weakening and potential structural issues over time. We specialize in making sure your outdoor living spaces are safe and beautiful. Whether it’s reinforcing a wobbly railing or repairing boards that have seen better days, getting it handled now means you won't be dealing with a collapsed stair during your July 4th party.
Why Choose a Professional?
At Your Handyman Pros, we are a licensed and insured B100 General Contractor. That means we have the expertise to handle everything from small exterior repairs to full-scale exterior renovations.
Don't let a $200 maintenance task turn into a $5,000 structural repair. If you’re seeing signs of wear on your home’s exterior, give us a shout. We take pride in keeping homes across the Salt Lake Valley in tip-top shape.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we’ll dive into comfort and airflow fixes to keep your home feeling like an oasis!
