With Memorial Day behind us, the lazy days of summer are here. Before you get into a vacation frame of mind, take the time to do some important summer cleaning around your home. Summer is the time for backyard parties, so keep the outside of your home company-ready with a few important maintenance projects. This past winter and spring brought unusually turbulent weather and moisture to our area – these elements are not a homeowner’s friend. Check for any problems by carefully inspecting your home’s foundation, both inside and out. Repair any cracks you find using caulk. If you come across any areas where the ground has eroded away from the wall, fill them with fresh dirt. Just make sure to slope the dirt away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling up next to the foundation during the next rain. Next clean out the gutters and downspouts. Replace damaged siding that can’t be fixed and any broken roof shingles caused by the heavy storms of spring. If you have a deck, check the integrity of the planks, replacing any that have warped or are damaged. Once all that is done, give your house a refreshing power wash to remove accumulated dirt and debris. A power wash can also eliminate mildew and help prevent mold from gaining a foothold. If you have owned your home for a number of years, it may be time to add a fresh coat of paint to the exterior. By taking a couple of weekends to perform regular maintenance and refresh your house now, you will save time and money down the road.