When summer weather turns too tropical or ominous, we retreat to the indoors for comfort and safety. Your home protects you from the elements, but how do you protect it? Here are a few tips for the general maintenance of your home’s exterior as well as some things to consider as you prepare for the elements of summer weather.

Roofing

As a homeowner, you should be aware of suggestions for regular roofing care. These include:

• Basic roof inspection. Pay attention to missing or curled shingles that could indicate damage or inefficiency. This is especially important if you notice more than one area with signs of deterioration.
• Check interior ceilings. Stains in the attic or on interior ceilings can reveal water leaking in from the roof.
• Remove loose debris. If you have trees close to your home, be sure to remove any twigs, branches, leaves, or seeds from your roofline. These items can clog gutters and eventually lead to roof or interior water damage.

If you notice significant or repeated damage after summer’s heavy rains, hail, or gusting winds, the roofing professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. We can assess minor or major issues to determine your needs.

Siding

Depending on the type of siding, your summer projects may include minimal or excessive home maintenance.

Wood siding can warp or rot when exposed to moisture, and Minnesota summers are often wet and humid. Additionally, the hot sun causes paint to chip, peel, or fade. Wood siding should be treated every four to six years for optimal appeal and protection.

Some siding products are installed in overlapped sections, which creates visible splices. These, in addition to holes or cracks in wood siding, are entry points for moisture and pests. Extreme summer heat and sun can sometimes make vinyl susceptible to warping, chalking, or fading.

If your home needs new siding or if you’re drained by the upkeep for your home’s current siding, consider going maintenance free with United States Seamless® Steel Siding. Spotless & Seamless is an exclusive franchisee in the Twin Cities area, and our home exteriors experts can answer your questions prior to installation.

Your home’s roofing and siding are critical elements for its protection – and the protection of your family. Keep an eye on what’s happening outside to safeguard what’s inside. Stay on top of routine maintenance and small repairs to avoid costly fixes down the road. If you do run into issues with roofing or siding, contact Spotless & Seamless with questions or concerns or to schedule a free estimate.

Want to give your home a bit of added whimsy and charm this summer? Consider a small but unique upgrade that will bring in an abundance of natural light while being both functional and practical. Keep reading to find out how to cultivate character with a garden window.

Unique portal

Garden windows are designed to extend a few inches beyond the edge of your home’s exterior. Encased in glass from every side, these unique portals allow light to shine in from every direction. The bottom panel can serve as a shelf for storage, while adding a middle shelf provides extra space for display.

Adding openness

The addition of a garden window helps open up any room and makes it feel larger. This brighter and welcoming environment can also provide a pleasant and positive energy.

Some homeowners may choose to put a garden window in a home office, adding sunlight and a sense of nature by way of impressive views to the outdoors. In most cases, these types of windows are installed above the kitchen sink. This way, the contents on display are easily accessible, making the idea of a garden window even more appealing.

Multi-purpose

Add quick and easy flavor to home-cooked meals by growing herbs in a kitchen garden window. Keep fresh chives, basil, rosemary, or oregano within arms’ reach and away from backyard garden pests.

With a garden window, you can also grow houseplants year-round to:

• Breathe easier: English ivy and peace lilies naturally help purify and remove mold from the air. Likewise, the Boston fern helps filter airborne toxins.
• Quiet your mind: Geranium plants are pretty, and their scent is thought to promote calmness.
• Help with anxiety: The aroma of lavender helps with relaxation. Additionally, studies have shown that looking at roses creates a sense of comfort.
• Boost your mood: The year-round bloom of an orchid helps increase positive energy.

Furthermore, a garden window provides space for displaying trinkets and collections, for storing books, or for showing off arts and crafts projects.

If you want to bring in more light and add some unique flair to your living space, cultivate character with a garden window. The Twin Cities home exteriors experts at Spotless & Seamless install top-quality windows designed with a weathertight seal. Available in two styles, these windows will maintain their charm for years to come. Contact us today for a free estimate.