Curb appeal & exterior health: The Summer glow-up
In the UK, we spend most of the year bracing our homes against rain. When summer finally arrives, it’s easy to focus on the BBQ and forget the house itself. However, the warmer months are the best time to inspect the "skin" of your property.
Strong UV rays and sudden summer storms can be just as taxing as frost. Timber becomes brittle and small masonry cracks can become major routes for damp. Here is how to give your home a professional-grade summer check-up:
The Hartley Summer glow-up Checklist
Survey: Walk the perimeter and log any masonry cracks.
Paint: Identify one timber element that needs a touch-up.
Clear: Remove weeds and moss from the splash zone.
Seal: Inspect window gaskets for UV damage.
1. Masonry and Render: Catching the Cracks
Summer’s dry conditions make it easier to spot structural issues before they are masked by autumn rain.
The Render Check: Look for "bossed" render—areas where the coating has pulled away from the brick. If you tap it and it sounds hollow, it needs attention.
Hairline Cracks: These are an invitation for water. In summer, they are easy to seal. If left until winter, water gets inside, freezes, and causes the render to fall off entirely.
The DPC Line: Ensure soil or large pots haven't risen above your Damp Proof Course (usually two bricks up from the ground). This prevents moisture from "bridging" into your internal walls.
2. Timber Touch-ups
UV rays break down the bonds in paint and stain. Once the bare wood is exposed, it only takes one wet week for rot to set in.
The "Nail" Test: If a window frame looks soft, gently press a fingernail into it. If it’s spongy, the wood is holding water.
Sand and Seal: You don't always need a full repaint. A quick sand and a fresh lick of exterior gloss in the July sun can buy your frames several more years of life.
The Front Door: A summer clean and a drop of oil on the hinges prevents the "winter creak" and keeps your entrance looking sharp.
3. Paving and "The Splash Zone"
The area immediately surrounding your house—the splash zone—is often overlooked.
Moss and Weeds: Moss on paths isn't just a slip hazard; it retains moisture. If it’s growing against your brickwork, it keeps the base of your walls damp. Clear it while the sun can dry the area out.
Pointing: Check the mortar between patio slabs. If it’s crumbling, weeds will take root and eventually undermine the paving.
4. Window and Door Seals
Heat causes frames to expand. This is the perfect time to check that everything is still seating correctly.
Check the Rubber: Inspect the black gaskets on uPVC windows. If they’ve become brittle in the sun, they won't be airtight come winter, leading to drafts and higher bills.
Lubricate: Use a silicone spray on window hinges to keep them moving smoothly before the autumn grit sets in.
A beautiful home is a well-maintained home. Taking a few hours this summer to inspect your exterior ensures your property remains a dry, secure sanctuary for the seasons to come.
Don’t forget to download Hartley to automatically set the reminders that matter.
