The Minnesota Homeowner's Summer Maintenance Guide

Minnesota summers arrive like a long-awaited friend—brief, beautiful, and demanding our full attention. For families across our state, this time of year brings both joy and responsibility. Between managing summer schedules and weekend lake trips, it's easy to overlook the maintenance our homes desperately need.

Your Minnesota home can face a lot of stress during our 90-day summer.

Intense summer storms, high humidity, and dramatic temperature swings can quickly damage an unprepared home. Meanwhile, our short summer gives us a compressed timeline to complete essential maintenance before fall arrives—often earlier than we'd like.

Having a plan for summer maintenance not only protects your home during the warm months but sets you up for success when winter returns. By tackling these projects now, Minnesota families can reduce emergency repairs, lower energy costs, and create a safer, more comfortable home year-round.

Weather-Ready: Protecting Your Home from Minnesota's Summer Fury

Storm-Proofing 

You know the drill: sunny morning, humid afternoon, severe thunderstorm warning by evening. Our summers bring high winds, hail, and torrential rain that can overwhelm homes.

A single missing shingle can significantly compromise your home’s rooftop protection. That could mean destroyed insulation, mold growth, and damaged ceilings—often in areas you won't discover until months later.

Roof & Gutter:

• Inspect shingles for winter damage—look for curling, cracking, or missing pieces
• Clear gutters and downspouts completely (leaves from last fall plus spring debris)
• Ensure downspouts direct water at least four to six feet from your foundation
• Consider gutter guards if you have many trees nearby

Tree Safety:

• Trim branches hanging over your roof or within 10 feet of power lines
• Remove dead or dying trees that could fall during storms
• Hire a certified arborist for large trees or those near structures
• Create a defensible space around your home for both storms and fire safety

Lightning & Electrical Protection:

• Install surge protectors on major appliances and electronics
• Check that your electrical panel is properly grounded
• Consider whole-house surge protection for comprehensive coverage
• Ensure outdoor outlets have weatherproof covers

Sealing Out Summer's Humidity

Minnesota's humidity doesn't just make us uncomfortable—it actively attacks our homes. After winter's freeze-thaw cycles, microscopic cracks become highways for moisture. A gap the width of a credit card can let in a lot of water.

Window & Door Inspection:

• Run your hand around frames on a windy day to feel for air leaks
• Replace worn weatherstripping 
• Re-caulk gaps around window and door frames
• Check that storm windows and doors close properly

Siding & Foundation Care:

• Look for gaps where siding meets trim, windows, or doors
• Inspect foundation for cracks 
• Ensure soil slopes away from foundation 
• Clean and seal any cracks to prevent water infiltration

Creating Your Outdoor Oasis

Minnesota-Smart Landscaping

Most homeowners waste water on lawns that don't need it. Meanwhile, they're fighting plants that weren't meant to survive our climate.

Working with Minnesota's climate means choosing strategies that thrive in our conditions while minimizing maintenance during busy summers.

Lawn Care Calendar:

• June: Raise mower height to three inches to promote deeper roots
• July: Water deeply but not too often (one inch per week, including rain)
• August: Begin overseeding thin areas for fall/winter establishment

Native Plants That Thrive:

• Black-eyed Susans and Purple Coneflowers for sunny spots(also great for pollinators)
• Wild Ginger and Jack-in-the-Pulpit for shaded areas
• Native grasses like Little Bluestem for low-maintenance beauty
• These plants require less water and resist local pests naturally

Smart Watering Strategies:

• Water early morning to reduce evaporation and disease
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation for efficiency
• Collect rainwater in barrels for dry spells
• Group plants by water needs to avoid overwatering

Battling Minnesota's Bugs

Our state bird might be the loon, but mosquitoes seem to outnumber them in summer! Here's how to reclaim your outdoor spaces:

Mosquito Management:

• Eliminate standing water weekly (check gutters, tarps, and toys)
• Use mosquito dunks in rain barrels and water features
• Plant mosquito-repelling herbs like lavender and catnip

Tick Prevention:

• Keep grass mowed short and remove leaf litter
• Create a three-foot barrier of wood chips between lawns and wooded areas
• Place play equipment in sunny areas away from yard edges
• Consider professional treatment for high-risk areas

Keeping Cool: Interior Comfort Strategies

Cooling System Care

Whether you have central air or window units, Minnesota's humid heat puts cooling systems to the test and can drive up energy costs throughout the season.

AC Maintenance Musts:

• Change filters monthly during heavy use
• Clean outdoor unit fins with gentle water spray
• Keep two feet of clearance around outdoor units
• Schedule professional service if system is over five years old

No Central Air? No Problem:

• Place window units on north or east sides when possible
• Use fans to create cross-ventilation patterns
• Close blinds during peak sun hours (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
• Open windows at night when temperatures drop below 70°F

Water System Wellness

Freeze-thaw cycles stress pipes, fittings, and fixtures. Small problems discovered now prevent major flooding later. After surviving another Minnesota winter, your plumbing deserves some TLC.

Post-Winter Pipe Check:

• Look for signs of freeze damage (bulging, cracks, leaks)
• Test outdoor faucets and hose bibs
• Check under sinks for moisture or corrosion
• Run water in rarely-used fixtures to prevent sewer gas

Sump Pump Readiness:

• Test monthly by pouring water into the pit
• Clean debris from pit and pump intake
• Ensure discharge pipe exits at least 10 feet from foundation
• Consider battery backup for storm-related power outages

Smart Summer Projects with Winter Benefits

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Summer is the perfect time to prepare for Minnesota's heating season. Proper insulation can reduce heating costs later. These projects pay dividends year-round:

Insulation Inspection:

• Check attic insulation depth (should be 14-16 inches in Minnesota)
• Look for settled or compressed insulation
• Seal air leaks before adding new insulation
• Consider blown-in insulation for hard-to-reach areas

Ventilation Improvements:

• Ensure soffit vents aren't blocked
• Check that bathroom fans vent outside, not into attic
• Consider adding attic ventilation to reduce summer heat
• Clean dryer vents to improve efficiency and prevent fires

Local Resources for Minnesota Families

Rebate Programs & Assistance:

• Minnesota Energy Assistance Program for qualifying families
• Xcel Energy Rebates for efficiency upgrades
• CenterPoint Energy Programs for natural gas customers

Community Resources:

• Local tool libraries in Minneapolis and St. Paul for borrowing equipment
• County extension services for lawn and garden advice
• Neighborhood groups often organize tool shares and work days

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity supports Minnesota families beyond homebuilding. Our ReStore locations offer quality home improvement materials perfect for summer projects. From paint and lumber to appliances and windows, you'll find everything needed to maintain and improve your home while supporting our mission.

Your Home, Your Future

Minnesota summers are too short to spend worrying about home repairs. The families who start their maintenance early can enjoy the season instead of scrambling with emergency repairs.

Remember, every small maintenance task completed now prevents bigger problems later. That sealed crack stops water damage. That trimmed tree prevents roof damage. That cleaned gutter protects your foundation. 

As you tackle these projects, remember you're not alone. Minnesota's strong community spirit means neighbors helping neighbors, whether it's borrowing a ladder or sharing maintenance tips over the fence. And when you need supplies, ReStore offers quality materials at affordable prices while supporting local families.