Seasonal Maintenance Tips After a Major Home Renovation
The Lowcountry has long been synonymous with gracious living, and the Charleston-Mt. Pleasant area exemplifies this legacy. Its distinct atmosphere, shaped by rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless architecture, reflects generations of homeowners contributing to a truly unique and enduring aesthetic.
However, Lowcountry living has challenges. Homeowners have distinct maintenance needs caused by humidity, salt air, and unpredictable weather, which require specialized seasonal home maintenance services.
Neglecting seasonal home maintenance can have devastating consequences, leading to damage and expenses even in recently renovated homes. Most damage starts small and is easy to miss without regular inspections. Prioritizing expert prevention assistance allows homeowners to rest easy and feel secure.
The renovation and maintenance experts at Citadel Enterprises can help you protect your property’s beauty and comfort, ensuring that your luxury renovations retain their aesthetic appeal and function for years to come.
Our seasonal home maintenance checklist is tailored to address local challenges. As a home-grown Lowcountry business with 30 years of experience, we understand the joys and complexities of homeownership in this remarkable region.
Spring: Refresh and Prepare for Coastal Storms
Spring in the Lowcountry is beautiful but has its fair share of challenges. The temperature fluctuations that characterize the transition from winter to spring and the onset of peak coastal storm season make home maintenance a necessity.
Our spring home renovation tips focus on remediating hidden damage and revitalizing visible areas for the maximum preservation effect.
Inspect for Winter and Storm Damage
Winter can be hard on a house, particularly in the Charleston and Mt. Pleasant areas, where the generally temperate climate can suddenly shift, and winter coastal storms can be severe.
Due to the weather, winter inspections can be complex, but once the milder air of spring blows in, homeowners are well served by a rigorous property inspection. Inspectors should check for cracks, leaks, and damage to siding, windows, and doors.
All porches, decks, and crawl spaces should be assessed for water pooling and wood rot, which can putrify and increase as the weather warms. It’s especially crucial to locate and remediate water damage immediately.
Deep Clean Salt and Pollen Residue
The beautiful gardens and seaside landscapes are some of the Charleston and Mt. Pleasant areas’ most defining and beloved features, but they can cause a build-up of salt and distinctive yellow pollen on windows and exterior surfaces that must be regularly removed.
Indoor flooring and grout should also receive attention during this season to maintain a pristine look in interiors after renovation. Seek expert guidance, as safe cleaning methods can vary based on the materials used in your home.
Revitalize Outdoor Spaces
Spring is the season of outdoor entertaining. Ensure your spaces are ready by refreshing your landscaping and inspecting all hardscaping for erosion and wear caused by winter rains.
Wooden structures like fences, decks, and pergolas should be inspected, repaired, and treated after a season of exposure to heavy coastal weather.
Summer: Protect Against Heat and Humidity
Southern summers can be both beautiful — and brutal. Coastal home maintenance in the summer is all about beating the sun, sand, heat, and wildlife. Proper maintenance and servicing can ensure that you and your home stay cool during this sweltering season.
Optimize Cooling Systems
Keeping your home cool and comfortable is a priority during the hottest and most humid season. Seasonal HVAC maintenance can help you maintain comfort and efficiency, decreasing your indoor humidity and electric bill.
If you do not already have them, consider installing dehumidifiers to prevent new woodwork and cabinetry from warping. Existing dehumidifiers should be inspected and serviced as needed to ensure peak function.
Seal and Shield Against the Sun
Exterior wood surfaces like shutters, doors, and decks benefit from UV-resistant finishes that protect them from the scorching summer sun, extending their lifespan and preventing aesthetic degradation from sun damage.
Protect your home’s curb appeal by inspecting for cracking or fading in outdoor paints and finishes.
Prevent Pest Intrusions
No one, not even pests, wants to be outside in the summer heat. Proper pest maintenance helps ensure all of your houseguests are invited ones.
Regular, thorough inspections allow you to seal gaps and monitor for ongoing problems caused by the many pests drawn to humid coastal environments. Pay particular attention to outdoor screens, ensuring they are intact and tear-free.
Fall: Prep for Hurricanes and Cooler Weather
The sweet relief of fall after a sweltering summer is unmatched. Our fall home renovation tips and tricks are about preparing your home for chilly weather and increasingly common late-season storms.
Check Roofing and Gutters for Debris
While roofing maintenance tips are suitable for all seasons, fall is a particularly apt time to focus on caring for one of your home’s most vital assets. Inspect for loose shingles and tiles, reducing risks of water damage during late-season storms.
Ensuring all gutters are clear of leaves and moss can also help prevent water pooling and damage, a common problem in Lowcountry homes.
Service Fireplaces and Heating Systems
With evenings getting cooler, it’s a good idea to inspect and service all wood-burning and gas fireplaces. Malfunctioning fireplaces can be more than simply inconvenient; they can be dangerous. Ensure that this cozy and atmospheric feature does not become a hazard.
Heat loss in the colder months can be expensive and uncomfortable. To achieve peak energy efficiency, replace all air filters and ensure your insulation is intact and thorough.
Strengthen Coastal Defenses
If you still need to do so, consider installing hurricane shutters and impact-resistant windows. Storm season is getting longer, and storms are becoming more powerful, requiring additional preparation from coastal residents.
If you’ve already taken these critical steps to protect your property, be sure to have them regularly inspected to ensure peak function.
Also, review the caulking around windows and doors. This simple step can prevent drafts and heat loss and keep moisture at bay during the fall and winter.
Winter: Preserve and Protect in a Mild Climate
Winters in Charleston and Mt. Pleasant are typically mild but can be unpredictable. Properly readying your home for heavy winter rains and other weather-related challenges will ensure a solid finish to your home maintenance seasonal checklist.
Monitor Moisture and Humidity
Monitor indoor humidity and adjust humidifiers to protect wood flooring and finishes from temperature fluctuations.
Keep a close eye out for condensation on windows, especially on cooler, damp mornings. Some condensation is expected, although it should be wiped away to prevent mold and dampness on wooden ledges.
That said, condensation between the glass panes can be a sign of high humidity in the home and can cause significant damage if not resolved.
Maintain Outdoor Features
Protect vulnerable landscaping and outdoor furniture with winter covers, particularly if you own a waterfront property where damage can be compounded by exposure to salt air. Some outdoor materials may benefit from protective coatings.
Inspect for Coastal Flooding Issues
Flooding isn’t on anyone’s holiday wishlist. Check for rising moisture levels in crawl spaces and basements after heavy winter rain. Ensure all French drains and sump pumps are fully operational to manage any unexpected water intrusions.
Managing water damage is all about acting quickly to prevent compounding damage.
Preserve Your Lowcountry Renovation
Renovations are an investment in your home’s beauty and comfort. But without proper seasonal maintenance, even the best renovations can degrade as time, climate, and severe weather wear on them.
Citadel Enterprises has over 30 years of experience helping clients make their luxury renovation dreams an elegant and comfortable reality. Let us help you maintain the quality and value of your renovation project with expert care year-round.
Whatever the season, Citadel Enterprises is here for all your renovation and maintenance needs. Start your project today.