In recent years we have worked hard to bring our garden up a reasonable standard. If you are fortunate enough to own a timber Summer House, the end of winter signals the start of spring and this is the ideal time to set about the summer house, in preparation for those long hot days when you and your family relax in comfort. A vast majority of homeowners prefer to go the whole hog and have a timber summer house, and even though the Nordic Pine is seasoned timber, it still requires some care and attention, and with that in mind, here are some useful tips to ensure that your summer house is ready for use in the coming summer months.
| Photo by KIMO on Unsplash |
ü Start with the Roof– Give the roof a good brush off with a soft broom and inspect the surface for signs of wear and tear. Strong winds can break off tree branches and if your summer house happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, the roof covering could be damaged. Whether you have a tiled or felted roof, a close inspection should reveal any problems, which must be rectified.
ü Wash the Windows– Using a window squeegee and a bucket of warm soapy water, clean the outside glass surfaces and don’t be too particular about the finish, as the next step is to buff them up with some glass cleaner and a square of dry cotton cloth, and let’s not forget the interior surfaces, which are better handled with a damp cloth. It isn’t difficult to keep summer house sheds clean, and providing you have all the equipment at hand, a couple of hours should see the job completed. Once this is done, open the windows and inspect the hinge mechanism, and remove any dust or cobwebs that might have gathered. If the opening mechanism is one that requires oiling, then a little 3 in 1 would do the job just fine.
ü Remove and Clean Insect Screens – Modern insect screens are either made from aluminium or plastic and can easily be removed. The best way to clean them is to set them in the garden and use a water pressure cleaner, which will leave the units looking like new. If they are very dirty, try some soapy water and a soft brush, before finally rinsing with the power cleaner. If you don’t think they need cleaning, check out an article on the importance of keeping flyscreens clean and you might change your mind.
ü Vacuum the Interior– There will likely be dust on the walls and the ceiling, and with the right attachments, your trusted vacuum cleaner is the best tool for the job. Start at the top and work your way down, and after you have finished, open all the windows and doors to air the summer house completely. The final touch is to put some air fresheners in the corners, which will make the summer house smell nice when you finally get to use it.
If you haven’t yet added a summer house to your garden, there are established suppliers online, and with a wide range of designs, there’s bound to be something ideal. The annual clean will ensure that your summer retreat is always in good shape and ready for a summer of extended use.
