LIFE & TRENDS


Summer Storm Season Is Here


Make sure you and your home are ready. ::


BY BECCA BLOND B


y may, you have probably already cleared leaves from gutters,


glanced at the roofline, and completed the obvious tasks ahead of the summer storm season. But what about the less


obvious risks — the cracked seal, the shifted discharge pipe, the garage door gap that no one thinks about until water is pooling across the floor? Late spring into summer


brings heavier rain bands, sudden wind gusts, hail, and in some regions, early tropical systems. Attention to small structural details can be crucial.


WHERE WATER ACTUALLY ENTERS Gutters are important, but they’re rarely the primary failure point. Water intrusion often begins at seams and transitions. Start with flashing — the


thin metal installed around chimneys, roof vents, skylights, and dormers. Shingles may look intact


72 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | MAY 2026


from the ground, while flashing has quietly lifted at a corner. Wind-driven rain exploits those edges first. A quick binocular inspection can reveal gaps or curling. Next, inspect exterior


caulking around windows and doors. Caulk shrinks over time. Hairline separations allow water to seep behind the trim. If you see cracking or pulling, reapply exterior-grade sealant. Garage doors are


another common entry point. The rubber bottom seal hardens with age. If light is visible beneath the door when it’s closed, water can enter.


BEYOND THE GUTTER Run a hose through the gutter system and watch the exit point. Discharge lines can clog underground with sediment or shift during landscaping work. If water backs up


near the foundation, the extension isn’t doing its job. Walk the yard after a


heavy rain and note soil erosion patterns. If mulch beds slope


toward the house, they may be directing water inward instead of away. Keep mulch at least a few inches


from siding to prevent trapped moisture and insect damage.


SUMP PUMP’S WEAKEST LINK The more common failure isn’t the motor; it’s the discharge pipe. Sediment buildup,


frozen debris from winter, or disconnected joints can prevent proper flow. Confirm that water exits


the pipe several feet from the home. If your basement


is finished, consider a secondary moisture alarm near the sump area. These inexpensive devices alert you early, before water spreads. Battery backups are


often overlooked until after a power outage. If your area sees strong thunderstorms with lightning, the risk of losing power during heavy rain is real. Testing the backup system annually is not excessive; it’s prudent.


WIND


VULNERABILITIES Wind does not need to be hurricane-strength to cause damage. Repeated moder- ate gusts can lift already weakened shingles. Look for shingles that


appear raised or misaligned. Check for loose flashing


around ridge vents. Inspect attic spaces for damp insulation or faint staining, especially after storms. Patio furniture and


grills deserve securing before storm season intensifies. Even seasoned homeowners underestimate how far lightweight furniture can travel in a sudden gust. Trees require another


look in late spring. New leaf growth can mask structural weaknesses. Inspect for dead limbs, vertical cracks, or soil heaving near the base.


INSURANCE DOCUMENTATION Storm preparation includes paperwork. Review your


homeowner’s policy carefully. In some states, wind and hail deductibles differ from standard deductibles. Flood damage often requires separate coverage entirely. Take updated photos


of the home’s exterior and roofline. Document valuable belongings. Store digital copies in a


secure cloud account, and keep a waterproof folder with policy information and emergency contacts.


THAMMANOON KHAMCHALEE/SHUTTERSTOCK


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