The pool isn’t just a handy place to be this summer. It’s a MUST place to be if you dare venture out for long. Missouri’s mid- to late-summer heat and humidity is always stifling, but what we’re experiencing now is on a level that weather forecasters say we’ve never seen. How are you staying cool? And we’re betting that outdoor maintenance, other than mowing after a rare rain shower, is just about the last thing on your mind. But here’s why thinking about home maintenance – both inside and out – is an important topic Simply put, identifying and tending to home maintenance needs now (or as soon as there’s at least a brief respite from this heat) will make painting less challenging and more affordable when the time comes to spruce up or freshen up your home’s colors. Painting your home or commercial building is not a one-time investment. To keep it looking good, here are some important maintenance tips.

Exterior

 Keep your exterior washed by getting it power washed each year. With a pressure washer, take care not to exceed the manufacturer’s PSI for the substrate you are washing.

 Every year or two, use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to lightly scrub away any stuck-on debris, then use a hose to rinse.

 Keep your gutters cleaned out.

 Caulk around your windows and doors.

 Keep clutter off the substrate of your home to help prevent mildew build up and rot.

 Keep trees pruned around your home. Trees or bushes rubbing or resting on your home will cause damage to paint and siding; so will any other plantings or fallen leaves that rest against your home. These are often missed culprits that hold moisture against your home and cause moisture damage.

 Water your foundation to help prevent settling.

 Check the condition of decks and fences. Sealed or painted decks and fences fail much quicker than homes and typically need redoing every one to three years. Interior From choosing the right product for each room to scheduling regular touch-ups, following these steps will help make sure your interior paint job also stands the test of time. Here are some tips for maintaining beautiful walls without spending on a new coat of paint every season.

 Keep the bathroom fan running while taking a shower.

 Make sure doorstops are installed to prevent doorknob holes in the walls.

 Wash your walls regularly. Dust and dirt can build up, causing paint to look dull and fade. (Try to dust or even vacuum your walls every week or two, or more frequently if you have young children or pets.)

 Use mild soap and water to avoid damaging the paint. You can purchase wall-washing solutions or make your own by mixing ¼ cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Absolutely avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, and oven cleaner. (Yeah, there are some wall- cleaning horror stories!)

 Touch up scuffs and scratches immediately.

 Don’t hesitate to repaint.

Remember: Repainting is a great way to freshen up the look of your home or office building without having to do a complete renovation. And if you’ve been on the fence for a while about repainting because you’re not convinced the wall color and trim color match the way you’d like, a repainting project could be just the thing you need to have peace of mind — and a more eye-popping space. If you need further information on the importance of exterior and interior maintenance, or if the time has come to paint and you prefer to hand-off that task, trust the experienced team at Ai Painting Plus to be there for you.

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