Outdoor Odds and Ends

The amount of summer sunlight in Indiana has been getting noticeably smaller the past couple of weeks. Sunset is now happening before 8:30, showing a sure sign that the season is on the way out. That being said, this is usually a friendly reminder that there are still a few challenging exterior projects to take care of before the weather turns “lazy friendly.” Most importantly, these are things to get done before football season hits. Here are some of the most commonly forgotten tasks to accomplish during moderate temperatures.

Grill Gunk

It’s easy to bask in the glory of being the suburban legend/resident grill master. However, when the season ends and it’s time to roll the grill away for the winter, there is generally an unpleasant surprise underneath.  Unfortunately, if the gunk from a successful summer of grilling is left untreated, it can permanently discolor or otherwise further damage a deck. Although people put grill mats down to protect the deck, there may still be a small amount of mess to clean on the sides or underneath. Also, be sure to move potted plants and clean trapped dirt beneath them to make sure that the deck is protected from trapped moisture and free of harmful mold. These quick, commonly forgotten tasks can increase the livelihood of a deck and keep it looking great for years to come.

Up on the Rooftop

Take stock of the condition of the roof now and determine if a cleaning is necessary before the cold weather hits. Unfortunately, most times the answer to this question will be a resounding “yes.” But the worst case scenario is getting up close and personal with a grimy roof when hanging Christmas lights (by then it’s too chilly to do anything about it). While this is an important part of the look and longevity of the shingles, it also represents one of the most dangerous chores that homeowners face. Seek professional assistance or advice before attempting a roof cleaning. Often times there are special solutions that offer an alternative to slick and dangerous cleaning counterparts.

Driveways

Pressure washing is generally the answer to curing the driveway blues (as in leaking coolant). Common parking spaces are inherently victim to a variety of chemicals in addition to the general dirt and muck that tend to always become exceptionally visible. But the task of cleaning it shouldn’t be left up to the wetter seasons to clean. Additionally, the collecting mud and gunk can attract formation of ice that is rough on the tires. A good pressure wash will rejuvenate a driveway and serve as one small chore that will improve the overall aesthetic of a home.