10 things to do for your exteriors for summer

With the warmer weather here, now’s the perfect time to give your exteriors some TLC. Whether you’re looking forward to hosting outdoor gatherings in the coming months or simply want to make the most of the summertime in a refreshed outdoor space, read on to find out what we recommend for getting your home in top shape for the season.

1. Inspect and Repair: First thing’s first: take some time to inspect your exteriors for any necessary repairs. Check for things like cracks and holes to your walls, damaged shingles to your roof, or any rot to your wood. Fixing any issues will help ensure that your home remains well-maintained throughout the season, and beyond! Our Ready Mixed Masonry Filler is easy to use and ideal for outdoor repairs to brick, render, stone and most other building materials prior to painting.

2. Refresh your paint: Give your home’s a fresh coat of quality paint to make it look instantly rejuvenated. Opt for a colour that complements the surrounding landscape, or go bold with a shade that stands out against your home’s environs and will really make it pop. Sandtex® Microseal® masonry paint is dirt resistant, breathable, and waterproof, with 15 years of trusted durability so your home stays beautified and protected for longer.

3. Update your outdoor lighting: Focusing on your exterior lighting is helpful not only for aesthetics, but for safety too. Take time to ensure that your walkways, patios, and any other areas that get traffic are illuminated properly so that they can be properly navigated when the sun sets. Opt for energy-efficient LED lights and incorporate features such as stylish wall sconces or accent lighting to showcase certain features of your home.

4. Power wash your deck and patio: Get your outdoor spaces looking their best for summer gatherings by giving them a thorough cleaning. Power washing is a great way to remove dirt and grime with ease. Once you have a clean and revived foundation to work with, the possibilities are endless! This would also be a great opportunity to give your deck a colour refresh. We love Sadolin’s Beautiflex formulation for this, which provides a beautiful, flexible finish for exterior wood including decking. Sadolin’s Wet Wood Decking Stain is another excellent option, and this new, innovative formulation can be applied to wet wood, so there’s no need to wait for your decking to dry after jet washing or considering the unpredictable Irish weather.

5. Focus on your landscaping: Take some time to clean up your yard for a polished and put together look. Mow the grass when needed, trim overgrown bushes, and incorporate plants and flowers to make a gorgeous summer scene. Flowers are a great way to add colour and dimension to your garden

6. Upgrade your front door: Have some fun rejuvenating your entryway with a new front door colour that reflects your unique style. Make a statement with a bold, bright colour that wows, or keep things nice and natural with a tried and true neutral. Our range of wood and metal paints make the perfect option for your trim. These paints come in a variety of gorgeous colours off the shelf, or can be easily mixed to whatever your desired shade may be.

7. Update your outdoor furniture: Make your outdoor spaces as inviting as possible with comfortable furniture and other thoughtful accessories such as colourful cushions and blankets to keep warm and cosy on cool evenings. Now is also a great time to clean or repaint your furniture if needed.

8. Clean your windows: Flood your interior with gorgeous natural light and make your home look more polished by cleaning your windows. Whether you complete this task yourself or hire a professional window cleaner, it’s a fantastic way to make the most of that gorgeous summer light! Be sure to use our PVCu cleaner to remove grime from PVCu surfaces and get them shining like new!

9. Add some shade: Create the most comfortable outdoor spaces by adding shade options to keep family and friends cool and protected. Umbrellas, pergolas, or retractable awnings are all great options and can not only offer relief from the sun, but can add an interesting design feature to your outdoor areas.

10. Get ready to grill: Who doesn’t love a good summer barbecue? Get your grill and grill area in order and set for a busy few months ahead by cleaning the grill and making sure you have an uncluttered and comfortable space within which to work your culinary magic!

Ready to give your home its best summer yet? The above tips will set you in the right direction. For everything you need for your decorating journey, call into your local Sandtex stockist today!