Lakeside Homes: Summer Care

There’s a good chance that most Indiana residents know at least one person who frequently and enthusiastically reports that they are “going to the lake” for the weekend. For many, these properties represent a getaway which allows them to enjoy the sun and the outdoors. With the upcoming holiday weekend being one of the first seasonally appropriate opportunities to enjoy these properties, it may be a great time to take note of any maintenance issues.

Lake property ownership comes with one of the greatest opportunities to appreciate in value as time goes on. But the downside is that general upkeep presents a challenge for many people, due to predominantly seasonal visits to the property.

Although year-round attention is the best method to ensure the optimum condition of the lake home exterior, it’s not always the most realistic option.  The worst case scenario is that exterior maintenance jobs and  minor issues will go unnoticed, developing into costly future problems.

While exterior upkeep differs considering the various household structures, the foundational elements of care remain the same.

Pressure Washing

Making sure that the exterior is pressure washed is one of the best ways to prevent growth of mold, mildew and algae that can lead to rot and potentially threaten the value of the home. Given the unpredictable (and often harsh) weather conditions in Indiana, it’s best to give the exterior a gentle cleaning during each visit. Throughout wetter seasons and long periods of absence, consider opting for professional services that can save the time and provide an extensive cleaning.

Exterior Painting

Lake property owners generally view the destinations as a place to escape. With this in mind, it’s understandable that exterior painting can seem overwhelming. Although the exterior painting process is the same as a residential job, it inherently presents challenges for owners. For instance, it’s fair to say that no one wants to spend their week vacation painting the lake house. Scheduling seasonal care ahead of time is the best option for peace of mind.

Myths

Although lake home maintenance can seem overwhelming, there are still popular misconceptions regarding the required level of care. Lakeside properties are not actually exposed to more exterior threats than residential exteriors. The close proximity to water does not affect the moisture level or make the structure more susceptible to mold and mildew. Simple, diligent and periodic care are the key to maintaining a beautiful property that can create memories for years to come.