Summer on the Grand Strand is amazing. Beach days, warm summer evenings and magical memories on the water. As you prepare for summer, don’t forget to take care of your biggest financial asset: your home. Salt air, high humidity, frequent thunderstorms, and a six-month hurricane season create a maintenance reality that you don’t want to ignore. 

HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC works overtime from June through September so make sure you take care of it. 

-Change filters every 30–45 days and schedule a professional tune-up before peak season

-Flush condensate drain lines with diluted bleach to prevent algae clogs and water damage

-Rinse outdoor condenser coils and inspect ductwork vents for mold or mildew

Wood rot and moisture check

Our subtropical climate means wood eating organisms can settle into the wood of your home. 

-Touch up paint and caulk around your windows and door jambs.

-Check for any wood that needs to be replaced. 

-Check crawl space vapor barriers and attic for moisture staining or mold

-Confirm exhaust fans vent outside and not into the attic

Salt Air & Pest Defense

Being so close to ocean means there’s salt in the air that corrodes metal. Summer is also peak season for termites, roaches, and mosquitoes.

-Rinse siding, soffits, and fascia regularly with fresh water to slow salt damage

-Inspect the roof, clean gutters, treat exposed metal for rust

-Power wash driveways and walkways; repair torn window screens

-Schedule quarterly pest control and inspect wood structures for termite activity

-Eliminate standing water to reduce mosquito breeding; seal gaps around pipes and the foundation

Lawn, Landscaping & Irrigation

St. Augustine, Centipede, and Bermuda grass all have specific summer needs. Cutting too short during heat stress is one of the most common local lawn mistakes.

-Raise mowing height to 3.5 - 4 inches and apply summer fertilizer for actively growing warm-season turf

-Inspect irrigation heads for clogs and adjust timers around summer rainfall patterns

-Treat for chinch bugs and grubs; apply targeted weed control for summer annuals

-Mulch beds to 3 inches and trim trees away from the house before storm season

Hurricane & Storm Preparation

June 1 is the start of Atlantic hurricane season. Preparation done now is far less stressful than 48 hours before a named storm.

-Review your insurance policy and confirm wind and flood coverage 

-Know your Horry County flood zone and evacuation route; refresh your emergency supply kit

-Test your generator, inventory outdoor furniture for quick storage, and photograph valuables for insurance records

-Clear drains and low areas around the home to prevent water accumulation during a storm

A little bit of prevention can go a long way to protect your investment. If you'd like us to suggest amazing contractors or service providers that can help with anything above, let us know! We'd love to connect you with folks who care for your home like it was their own!