Patched foundation crack
Renovations

5 Easy Outdoor Projects to Get Your Home Ready for Summer

Summer is the time to cross off all the outdoor projects you’ve had on your list before it gets too hot to actually get them done and enjoy them!  Below are 5 easy outdoor projects I recommend doing now to get your home ready for warmer weather.

*This post was sponsored by CTS Cement, however, all views and opinions are my own.

1. Weatherproofing 

Weatherproofing is super important going into the summer months to save you from wasting a ton of energy from cold air leaking out and warm air working its way in. It also prevents moisture and insects from getting in and causing unnecessary damage to your home.

Two ways to keep your home cool and dry in hot weather:

Repair foundation cracks before they become a problem.

Foundation crack before the repair.

This fix is surprisingly easy! First clean the concrete foundation using a water hose or pressure washer to remove any dirt or debris. You might need to make the crack a bit wider in any places where it is super small and tight so the product can fit in. I used a hammer and chisel on a couple of spots just to open them up a bit.

Next, use Rapid Set Fast Anchoring and Repair Adhesive and apply to the crack using a heavy duty caulk gun. This product is thick like peanut butter and fills the crack and then hardens to be a nice waterproof seal. Make sure to smooth it out (I used a plastic spoon and a gloved finger) and clean up any excess product before it dries and hardens.

After the foundation crack repair.

I was super surprised at how easy this product was to use and how quickly the crack was repaired! Like, literally 15 minutes start to finish!

Replace damaged window caulking. 

With time and elements, window and door caulking can shrink and crack allowing moisture to get in between the window frame and windows. But you can quickly and easily replace the caulking to make the seal good as new. 

Before the replacement sealant.

Start by cleaning to remove any yucky stuff collecting on the window sill. I used a power washer but that is probably a bit overkill. A standard water hose or just soap and water in a bucket would do the trick just as well. Then remove the old caulking using a sharp box knife and peel the old caulking away.

Wash again to remove any leftover residue. Then apply Rapid Set Non-Sag Sealant and Adhesive to the seams and smooth with a gloved finger. Wipe away any excess with a damp cloth. I was so surprised and impressed by how easy this product was to apply and how great it looked once the new sealant was done! The best part is I won’t have to redo this for 8-10 years because this product lasts a long time.

Wanna see how easy it is to weatherproof your home?! Check out this quick video to see the steps in action!

2. Garage Organization 

Dirty garage, full view

Cleaning and organizing a garage space is the epitome of spring cleaning!  It’s not glamorous or fun, but man does it feel good when it is done!  

Cleared out garage

The first and most important thing to do is remove literally everything from inside. Create 3 piles: Trash, donate, keep. The things you plan to keep should be sorted into categories so it will be more easily organized when you put those things back. Make sure to vacuum/wash/clean the walls and floors before putting everything back as well.

Add some vertical storage to keep the floor clean and uncluttered for parking your car. I love a nice peg board with a wooden picture frame trim to add both storage and style. Then add a little extra fun by painting any storage cabinetry a fun pop of color! Looking for more storage or garage makeover solutions? This garage makeover post has a ton more suggestions for you to consider!

3. Deck Refresh

Decks, whether painted or stained, typically require maintenance yearly or every other year to remain looking nice.  If yours is in need of a refresh, follow the next few steps to get it looking good as new!

updated deck

Start by thoroughly cleaning, preferably with a power washer.  This will remove any dust, debris, loose paint, etc.  Then sand any rough areas and replace any rotten boards (you may also need to hammer in any raised nails).  Then repaint or reapply stain and sealer.  Ideally get this project done either before or after the major pollen booms of spring so you don’t have to deal with getting all that stuck in your finish. Need more info or production recommendations for this project? Check out my more detailed deck refresh post.

4. Outdoor Furniture 

raw Adirondack chair

Outdoor furniture is a must for making your outdoor space enjoyable in the spring and summer months.  Depending on your space, you may need different sizes and types of outdoor furniture.  This DIY oversized Adirondack chair is the perfect piece to curl up around a fire pit or enjoy on your newly refinished deck.  The plans are detailed and super easy to follow if you want to build your own.

Adirondack chairs on deck

5. Large Planter

Planter being built

Add a large planter with herbs or flowers to your deck or patio for some much needed greenery and ambiance.  This large DIY wooden planter can be made for a fraction of the cost of purchasing something this size at the store.  It is perfect for any space but can also be customized to be larger or smaller depending on your needs.  You can even add a 2×2 board inside and add some string lights to give some much needed mood lighting to your outdoor space!

Large wooden planter

Now is the perfect time to get to work on these 5 easy outdoor summer prep projects! And once they are done, you can enjoy a nice cool beverage on your clean refreshed deck, sitting in your cozy Adirondack chair, while smelling the beautiful flowers in your large planter! Win, win, win.

This post has been featured on Hometalk! Make sure to go check it out!!

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