10 Tips for Home Maintenance During a Hot and Rainy Summer
Summer in many regions, especially here in the Midwest, often brings the perfect storm of high heat and heavy rain. Now, according to latest predilections, it seems that this weather is all but a guarantee for Ohio this summer season. While it might be good for your garden, it can spell trouble for your home if you’re not prepared. At Keathley Claims Consultants, we’ve seen firsthand how preventable issues turn into costly insurance claims simply because homeowners didn’t know what to look for.
Here are 10 essential summer home maintenance tips to help you protect your property, reduce risk, and avoid unwanted insurance headaches.
1. Inspect Your Roof for Loose or Damaged Shingles
High winds and heavy rain can easily lift or break aging shingles. Regularly check for:
Curling, cracked, or missing shingles
Exposed nail heads
Moss or algae buildup
💡 Pro Tip: Use binoculars for a safer ground-level inspection, or hire a professional if unsure.
2. Clean and Secure Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters can lead to water overflowing and pooling around your foundation, causing basement leaks and structural damage.
✅ Remove debris
✅ Make sure downspouts extend at least 3 feet from the house
✅ Tighten any loose gutter brackets
3. Seal Windows and Doors
Hot, moist air can creep into your home and cause increased humidity levels and higher energy bills.
🛠️ Check for cracks or gaps in caulking and weather stripping
🧼 Reseal any areas where air or water might enter
4. Check for Drainage Issues Around the Foundation
Heavy rains can lead to flooded crawl spaces or basements if water isn’t properly directed away from your home.
💧 Look for puddles forming near your home’s perimeter
🚧 Consider regrading or adding a French drain if needed
5. Service Your Air Conditioning System
Your AC unit works overtime during hot summers. Make sure it's up to the task.
🌀 Replace filters monthly
🧰 Schedule a professional tune-up
✅ Clear away leaves and debris from around the outdoor unit
6. Inspect for Signs of Mold or Mildew
Humidity is a breeding ground for mold, especially in attics, basements, and bathrooms.
👃 Musty smells, discolored walls, or peeling paint are all red flags
🧼 Use dehumidifiers or ventilation fans in high-moisture areas
7. Test Your Sump Pump
A failed sump pump during a storm could mean a flooded basement and thousands in damage.
🧪 Test it by pouring water into the pit to ensure it activates
🔌 Consider a battery backup system for peace of mind
8. Protect Outdoor Furniture and Structures
Extreme heat and moisture can warp wood and rust metal.
🛡️ Cover or store furniture when not in use
🧼 Apply sealant to decks and wooden structures annually
9. Trim Trees and Overgrown Branches
Summer storms often bring high winds. Loose or hanging branches can damage your home, roof, or siding.
✂️ Trim limbs away from your roofline
🪵 Remove any dead or weak trees near your home
10. Review Your Insurance Policy
It’s not exactly “maintenance,” but it’s critical.
📄 Know what your policy covers
📸 Keep an updated home inventory
📞 Call Keathley Claims Consultants if you're unsure how to prepare or what to expect if a claim is necessary
Final Thoughts
A hot and rainy summer brings unique challenges, but with a little preparation, you can avoid damage, reduce stress, and keep your home in great shape.
If you do experience property damage and need help navigating the insurance process, Keathley Claims Consultants is here for you. We work for you—not the insurance company—and fight to make sure you get every dollar you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation or second opinion on your insurance claim!