Homeowners: Which Late-Summer Projects Should Wait Until Fall?

Late summer on Long Island often encourages homeowners to try to do too much. Between the dampness of the Sound and the end of pool season, it's easy to want to get as much done as possible before the next round of rainstorms. Our REALTORS® field tons of these questions across the area every year, and the truth is that many things are best left to October. Here's our breakdown of Long Island housing projects that should wait until fall.

Reviewing Long Island's Late-Summer Weather Window

The North Shore's late-summer weather pattern is characterized by warm, humid days and cool, showery nights. This climate can prove quite difficult on a number of home improvement projects. Above a certain relative humidity level, painted surfaces are particularly prone to mildew and peeling. Concrete, meanwhile, requires a stable temperature to fully cure.

The most common issue we see is people trying to seed their lawn in late summer, only for the new growth to wilt and die in the heat. By contrast, fall delivers more pleasant temperatures and a stable day/night balance that reduces stress on plants, along with soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. The period tends to begin locally in mid-September, give or take a week depending on the year.

Late-Summer Projects Better Left to October

Several common home improvement jobs are known to benefit substantially from being scheduled later in the year. Consider waiting to tackle these projects until the fall:

• Exterior painting – Humidity causes uneven drying and promotes mildew, while hot days create harsh lap marks.
• Lawn seeding or overseeding – Warm soil temperatures are ideal for root development, while rain supports germination.
• Driveway sealing or repaving – Asphalt is temperamental at best in the summer heat.
• Roof replacement – Extreme heat can cause shingles to seal incorrectly, and roofing contractors tend to favor fall jobs anyway.

Unless there's an obvious emergency, we normally advise homeowners to postpone weather-sensitive work until cooler, drier conditions arrive in the fall. Cracks in the driveway that pose a tripping hazard are an exception, as are similar issues on other surfaces.

What Should Be Done Before Fall Is Fully Underway

There are a number of essential jobs that either can't be delayed or are far safer and easier to complete before fall is fully underway.

• Clearing the gutters of leaves and pine needles – Heavy rain in the fall can overwhelm blocked spouts.
• Servicing the HVAC system – Air conditioners used relentlessly all summer need a tune-up for the transition to heating.
• Deck and fence repair – The dry weather makes it an ideal time to work with outdoor wood.
• Irrigation system maintenance – Fall is the last opportunity to inspect and winterize the system before it's put away for good.

Forced-air HVAC systems in particular, and cedar wood decks in coastal areas are especially high-maintenance in the short term. Salt air is far more damaging than inland residents tend to realize, and humid weather puts additional stress on standard furnaces.

Fall Home Project Questions, Answered

Can I paint my house in late summer on Long Island?

It's possible so long as you can find a period of low relative humidity, but many contractors will advise waiting until conditions are cooler and drier. You'll also get fewer lap marks in dry weather, and paint is less likely to have trouble drying properly.

When should I schedule my HVAC system for fall service?

Late summer into early fall is a good window, since you don't want to wait until it's too cold to be comfortable in your home. Waiting too long can also mean competing with more people trying to schedule the same service technician.

When is the best time to seed or overseed a lawn on Long Island?

Early fall is generally a better time than the hotter part of summer because the soil is still warm while daytime temperatures are becoming more moderate. That combination can make it easier for new grass to establish before colder weather arrives.

If you're weighing any of these projects ahead of a fall listing, reach out and contact us to talk timing, or browse current Roslyn homes for sale to see what's already on the market.