Summer is prime time for backyard living — cookouts, pool days, yard work — which also means it's the season your home's outdoor systems get put to the test. Your chimney, dryer vent, and the gaps along your roofline don't take a summer break, even if you're not thinking about them.
We've been in this business for almost 80 years. We started with chimney caps, and we've since grown into nearly every other corner of home upkeep. That’s why we made the checklist below to cover fire and heating safety, pest and wildlife exclusion, outdoor power equipment, and more…
All in one walk around the house.
☐ Inspect your chimney cap for damage, rust, or blockage
Why it matters: A damaged cap lets in water and pests faster than most homeowners expect. Stainless steel caps hold up best long-term.
☐ Check the chimney and flue for creosote buildup
Why it matters: Buildup is a leading cause of chimney fires. A professional chimney sweep is the best option, but a rotary cleaning kit makes chimney cleaning a job you can also do by yourself.
☐ Examine the fireplace grate for cracks or warping before your next fire
Why it matters: A warped grate burns wood unevenly and can shorten the life of your firebox floor. While a steel grate may only last two to five years, a good, solid cast iron grate can last a decade or more.
☐ Check firewood rack condition and make sure wood is stored off the ground and away from the house
Why it matters: Wood stacked against a home’s siding invites moisture damage and gives pests a bridge straight to your home. We recommend keeping your firewood rack approximately 20-30 feet from your home.
☐ Check the dryer vent’s exterior flap for lint buildup or blockage
Why it matters: A flap that won’t open freely traps moist air inside. This can lead to inconveniences like mold or slower drying times.
☐ Inspect the full vent run for kinks, disconnections, or crushing
Why it matters: A crushed or disconnected vent line lets lint collect in walls, out of sight and harder to catch early on. Upgrades during construction or retrofits can help.
☐ Clean the dryer vent, which is worth doing at least once a year
Why it matters: Clogged vents are a top cause of house fires, and a rotary dryer vent cleaning kit reaches lint that a vacuum can’t.
☐ Walk the roofline and check roof vents, pipe covers, and crawl space entries
Why it matters: Small gaps are an invitation to critters like raccoons, birds, and squirrels. Exclusion products seal entry points for good.
☐ Inspect the chimney cap for bird nests or signs of animal entry
Why it matters: Nesting material is a fire hazard and can block proper draft if gone unnoticed.
☐ Check soffit vents and foundation vents for gaps or damage
Why it matters: These are some of the easiest, most overlooked entry points for rodents and insects.
☐ Investigate your lawn mower, tractor, or zero-turn for worn grips, loose handles, or vibration issues
Why it matters: Excess vibration speeds up wear and fatigue on long days of yardwork. Comfort upgrades are an easy fix.
☐ Vet trimmer and equipment guards before peak summer use
Why it matters: Missing or loose guards are one of the most preventable causes of yard equipment injuries.
☐ Test blade engagement and mower deck hardware
Why it matters: Loose hardware can let a blade disengage unevenly, which affects both cut quality and safety.
☐ Check and repair the pool’s drain and suction covers regularly
Why it matters: Broken or missing covers can create dangerous suction, increasing the risk of entrapment for kids and pets especially.
☐ Walk the full deck or patio and check boards for soft spots, splintering, or rot
Why it matters: A board that feels slightly soft underfoot is often further along in decay than it looks from the surface.
☐ Investigate playground equipment for stability and wear
Why it matters: Loose bolts, rust, or worn materials can lead to unexpected failures and serious injuries during play.
☐ Move your grill away from other objects, including the house and any greenery
Why it matters: Keeping the space clear around your grill reduces the risk of accidental fires spreading to your home or yard.
Ensure the outside of your home is safe and efficient all summer long. Loved this guide? Print it out and keep a physical copy handy for your next walk around the yard.