Shedding Spring and Saying Hello to Summer: Your Maine Home Transition Guide ☀️🌲

Spring in Maine is a beautiful, albeit sometimes muddy, affair. 🌷But as the lupines start to bloom and the black flies (mostly!) retreat, our thoughts turn to sunny days, lobster bakes 🦞, and enjoying our homes in the warmer weather. Getting your Maine home ready for summer isn't just about stowing away the snow shovels (finally! 👋). It's about ensuring comfort, efficiency, and making the most of those precious New England summer months.

At Generations Custom Homes, we know the ins and outs of Maine living. Here’s our guide to seamlessly transitioning your home from spring to summer, complete with pro tips and handy hacks!

1. Embrace the Breeze: Windows & Doors 🌬️🖼️

The heavy rains of spring can leave windows and screens looking a bit worse for wear. Now's the time to let the fresh summer air in!

• The Task: Thoroughly clean all windows, inside and out. Repair or replace any damaged screens – you'll want to keep those mosquitos 🦟 at bay! Check weather stripping around doors and windows for any winter damage and replace if necessary to keep cool air in and hot air out.

• Maine Focus: Coastal Maine homes can get a buildup of salt spray on windows. A mixture of white vinegar and water is a great natural cleaner for this. Inland, pollen can be a major issue, so frequent screen cleaning is key. 🤧

• Pro Tip: When cleaning window tracks, use a stiff brush or a vacuum cleaner attachment to get into the crevices where dirt and debris accumulate. This ensures a smoother slide and better seal. 👍

• Hack: Use a coffee filter to wipe down glass surfaces after cleaning. They are lint-free and leave a streak-free shine! ✨ For screens, a lint roller can quickly pick up loose dust and pollen.

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2. Outdoor Living Revival: Decks, Patios & Porches 🌳🏡

Your outdoor spaces are about to become prime real estate. Get them ready for entertaining and relaxing.

• The Task: Power wash or scrub decks, patios, and porches to remove winter grime, mildew, and slippery algae. Inspect for any loose boards, popped nails, or areas needing re-staining or sealing. Set up your outdoor furniture and give it a good cleaning. 🛠️

• Maine Focus: Maine's harsh winters can be tough on wooden decks. Pay close attention to any signs of rot or insect damage. Consider a mildew-resistant stain or sealer. If you're near the coast, rinse metal furniture regularly to prevent rust from salt air. 🌊

• Pro Tip: Before power washing, use a deck cleaner appropriate for your material (wood, composite, etc.) and let it sit for the recommended time. This will loosen stubborn dirt and make the power washing more effective and less damaging. 🎯

• Hack: Put old socks 🧦 over the legs of your outdoor furniture while cleaning the deck to prevent scuff marks. For a quick patio refresh, use outdoor rugs to define spaces and add a pop of color. 🎨

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3. Cool Comfort: HVAC & Ventilation 💨❄️

Don't wait for the first heatwave to discover your AC isn't up to snuff.

• The Task: Change or clean your HVAC filters. If you have central air conditioning, consider getting it professionally serviced to ensure it's running efficiently. For window units, clean the filter and check the coils. Ensure all vents are clear and unobstructed.

• Maine Focus: Many Maine homes, especially older ones, may rely on window AC units or heat pumps. For heat pumps, switch them over to cooling mode and ensure the outdoor unit is clear of any debris like leaves or encroaching plants from spring growth. 🍃

• Pro Tip: Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. 📲 You can save energy and money by scheduling temperature changes for when you're home or away. Some even learn your habits!

• Hack: On moderately warm days, create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of the house. Use fans (especially ceiling fans set to counter-clockwise) to circulate air and make the room feel cooler without solely relying on AC. 🌬️➡️⬅️🌬️

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4. Keeping Critters Out: Pest Prevention 🐜🕷️🚫

Warmer weather means more active insects and critters.

• The Task: Inspect your home's foundation, siding, and roofline for any cracks or openings where pests could enter. Seal these up with caulk or appropriate filler. Check that your chimney cap is secure. Trim back any shrubs or tree branches that touch your house, as these can be bridges for pests. ✂️

• Maine Focus: Ticks and mosquitoes are a significant concern in Maine. In addition to home sealing, maintain your yard by keeping grass mowed and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Be vigilant about checking for ticks after spending time outdoors. 🧐

• Pro Tip: Install door sweeps on exterior doors to create a better seal against crawling insects. For areas prone to ants, a light dusting of diatomaceous earth (food grade) along entry points can be an effective natural deterrent. 👍

• Hack: Plant mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, marigolds, or mint around your patio and seating areas. 🌿 They look great and can help keep the biting bugs at bay.

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5. Summer Safety Check: Grills & Fire Pits 🔥🌭

Get ready for those quintessential summer cookouts and evenings by the fire.

• The Task: Thoroughly clean your grill, checking fuel lines for cracks and connections for leaks on gas grills. For charcoal grills, dispose of old ashes safely. If you have a fire pit, clear away any flammable debris from around it and ensure you have a safe way to extinguish flames. 🧯

• Maine Focus: Always be mindful of local fire danger levels, especially during dry spells. Many Maine municipalities have specific regulations regarding open burning and fire pit usage. Check your local town office for current rules. 📄

• Pro Tip: For gas grills, perform a leak test by applying soapy water to the gas line and connections. If you see bubbles forming when the gas is on, you have a leak that needs to be addressed. 🧼💧

• Hack: Use half an onion 🧅 to clean your grill grates. Heat the grill, then rub the cut side of the onion over the grates using a long fork. The onion's juices will help break down grease and stuck-on food.

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By tackling these tasks, you'll ensure your Maine home is a comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable haven all summer long. Now, go fire up that grill, pour yourself a Moxie, and soak up the best of a Maine summer! 😎☀️

Looking to build your dream home in Maine, perfectly suited for every season? Contact Generations Custom Homes today! 🏡📞