Spring has sprung, and it’s that time of year to get your home ready for the hot summer ahead. After a long cold winter, you and your family can’t wait to get outside and spend time in the backyard. There are a few things you can do to get your home and yard ready for summertime enjoyment.
Setting up a Patio Umbrella
A patio umbrella is a great item to add to your patio deck. There is nothing better than sitting outside with family and friends on a hot summer day. Though sitting in the direct sun is not very enjoyable. Patio umbrellas let you enjoy your patio in comfortable shade. You can get a freestanding umbrella that makes it easy to move to various parts of the yard. Freestanding umbrellas require a sturdy base, or they can fall over. You can find tilting umbrellas that can be adjusted as the sun moves. And a patio umbrella that fits into the center of a table. Umbrella fabrics should be lightweight, easily foldable, strong, and be able to withstand the hot sun. Fiberglass works better than aluminum in areas with a lot of wind. You want an umbrella that is about the width of your table plus 2 feet on either side.
Choosing the proper base is important. A strong base is needed to keep the umbrella from tipping over. The larger the umbrella, the larger the base needs to be. For proper anchoring, a table umbrella needs a 20-40 pound base. A freestanding umbrella will need a heavier base of 50 to 80 pounds. You can find patio umbrellas, bases, and beautiful patio furniture and décor at Pier 1. Make your backyard the place everyone wants to be this summer. Pier 1 carries outdoor furniture, cushions, sculptures, grills and grilling accessories, and everything you need for the perfect backyard patio.
Prepare Your Deck
If you have a wood deck, you should prepare it before putting that beautiful new umbrella and patio furniture out. You should clean and wash it after a long winter. Check for loose nails and secure them. Remove debris that is leftover from last year’s grilling. To give your wood deck a new look, you can stain it, which will add years to its life.
Get the AC Ready
Shut the air conditioner’s power off at the circuit breaker before working on it. Clean away debris like twigs, leaves, and dirt from around the unit and fins. Clean or replace all filters. Clean the condensation lines so they are not clogged, or you could find water leakage in your home. Turn it on to make sure it is working properly.
Window Coverings
Closing blinds and curtains to keep the morning or afternoon sun out can help keep your home cooler and keep furnishings and carpets from fading. The best window coverings include cellular shades or honeycomb shades, solar shades, interior plantation shutters, and lined curtains.
Get ready for an enjoyable summer indoors and outdoors by prepping your home and patio for the hot summer ahead.