Summer can be tough on a home.
High temperatures, heavy rain, strong winds, hail, humidity, and severe storms can all put stress on your home’s exterior and major systems. Some damage is immediately obvious, while other problems may remain hidden until they eventually lead to leaks, moisture intrusion, or costly repairs.
As summer comes to an end, September is an ideal time to walk around your home and look for signs that the season may have taken a toll.
Here are seven areas worth checking.
1. Roof Damage
Your roof takes the brunt of severe weather, making it one of the first places to check after a summer of storms.
Look for missing, cracked, curling, or damaged shingles. Pay attention to flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations.
Hail and wind damage can sometimes be difficult to identify from ground level, so visible concerns should be evaluated by an appropriate professional.
Also check your attic and ceilings for water stains that could indicate a roof leak.
2. Water Intrusion
Heavy rain can expose weaknesses in your home’s water-management systems.
Look for staining around windows, ceilings, exterior walls, basements, and crawlspaces. Check for damp or musty areas and pay attention to locations where water appears to have entered the home.
Water intrusion is not always caused by a major roof leak. Problems with flashing, windows, siding, gutters, grading, and drainage can also allow water to enter.
Identifying the source is critical to preventing additional damage.
3. Foundation Concerns
Changes in soil moisture throughout the year can affect the area around your home’s foundation.
After periods of heavy rain, inspect the exterior for standing water or areas where drainage appears inadequate. Look for new or changing cracks in the foundation and check interior areas such as basements or crawlspaces for signs of moisture.
While some foundation cracks may be relatively minor, significant changes or other signs of movement should be evaluated by a qualified professional.
4. Gutter and Downspout Damage
Summer storms can leave gutters clogged, bent, disconnected, or damaged.
Make sure gutters remain securely attached and that downspouts are connected properly. Water should be directed away from the home’s foundation.
Look for overflow marks on exterior walls or landscaping, which can indicate that water is not draining properly.
Keeping the home’s drainage system functioning correctly can help reduce the risk of moisture-related problems.
5. Damaged Siding and Exterior Materials
Strong winds, hail, falling branches, and prolonged exposure to the elements can damage exterior materials.
Walk around your home and inspect siding, trim, soffits, fascia, doors, windows, decks, and other exterior components.
Look for cracks, dents, loose materials, peeling paint, deteriorated caulking, and areas where materials appear to be separating.
Small exterior problems can become larger concerns when water is able to get behind the surface.
6. Mold and Mildew
Warm and humid summer conditions can create favorable environments for mold and mildew, particularly in areas where moisture is present.
Check basements, crawlspaces, attics, bathrooms, around windows, and other areas with limited ventilation for visible growth or persistent musty odors.
If you discover suspected mold or significant moisture, determining and correcting the source of the moisture should be a priority.
7. Drainage and Landscaping Problems
Landscaping can affect how water moves around your home.
Look for areas where soil has eroded or settled, creating low spots near the foundation. Make sure downspouts are not releasing large amounts of water directly against the house.
Trees and large branches should also be inspected for damage after severe weather.
The goal is simple: manage water before it reaches places where it can cause damage.
When Should You Consider a Professional Home Inspection?
A visual walkthrough can help you identify obvious problems, but homeowners cannot always see what is happening behind walls, under floors, in attics, or within other components of the home.
A professional home inspection provides a more comprehensive evaluation of accessible areas and systems and can help identify conditions that deserve further attention.
If your home experienced significant storms, you noticed signs of water intrusion, or you simply want a better understanding of your home’s current condition, a professional inspection can be a valuable part of your post-summer maintenance routine.
Give Your Home a Post-Summer Checkup
September provides a natural opportunity to take stock of your home’s condition before the next season begins.
A few hours spent checking your roof, drainage, foundation, exterior, and moisture-prone areas could help you identify problems before they become more serious.
And when you want a professional perspective, HouseMaster can help you better understand the condition of your home and make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs.
