How Summer Storms Damage Your Home (And How to Fix It)

Summer storms in the Midwest aren't just a brief inconvenience — they can leave lasting damage to your home if you’re not prepared. From torrential rains to powerful winds and lightning strikes, your property is constantly exposed to natural forces during the warmer months. While some damage is immediately visible, others quietly build up and lead to long-term deterioration.

The good news? With regular maintenance and the right approach, you can protect your home, save repair dollars, and enjoy peace of mind all summer long. Here's how summer storm damage occurs, what to look for, and what to do to avoid it.

Most Common Types of Summer Storm Damage

• Roof Damage: Hail or flying debris can strip shingles from roofs, cause leaks, or leave your roof vulnerable to mold growth.
• Blocked or Damaged Gutters: Summer storms usually blow leaves, sticks, and other items into your gutters and clog the water flow. Blocked gutters can saturate your siding or weaken your foundation.
• Wooden Structures at Risk: Your deck, porch, or fence can swell, crack, or rot due to excessive moisture and uneven sun exposure.
• Exterior Grime and Stains: Storms bring more than rain. You notice streaking on siding, algae on patios, and splatters of grime that dull your home's shine.

Did You Know?
Gutters plugged with debris causing standing water are one of the most common causes of basement leaks and foundation settlement after a heavy summer storm.

What You Should Do Immediately After a Storm

• Look for loose shingles or debris on the roof (from the ground only — don't scale up without protective equipment).
• Check your gutters for overflow, sagging, or clogging.
• Take a walk around your yard and check fences and wood decks for warping or leaning.
• Sweep leaves and limbs from walkways and storm drains.

If you notice mud, organic matter accumulation, or backed-up runoff, a professional storm cleanup may be the way to go.

Tip:
Schedule a professional roof inspection after one season of storms to catch slow leaks and prevent mold buildup.

Preventing Damage Before It Strikes

• Gutter Cleaning: Storms call for routine gutter cleaning to guarantee proper drainage. Clogged downspouts may lead to water backing up behind shingles or spilling onto siding.
• Deck Restoration: Wood decay thrives in the perfect environment created by moisture and UV rays. Restaining or sealing is needed to preserve strength and appearance.
• Fence Repair: Wobbles or cracks in fencing, even minor ones, can be total failures when there are high wind gusts or water-saturated soil involved.
• Roof Cleaning: Moss, leaves, and built-up dirt removed from the roof prevents rotting and keeps the structure intact.

If you've not had these areas checked recently, summer is when you should do it — before the next set of thunderstorms sweeps in.

Why Choose Amruss Inc After a Summer Storm

• Gutter Cleaning and Repair: Clear debris and restore water flow quickly and securely.
• Deck and Fence Restoration: Refinish or repaint wood to prevent long-term rot and maintain looks.
• Roof Mold and Moss Removal: Maintain your roof in top condition and prevent water damage.
• Soft and Power Washing: Remove dirt, algae, and wind and rain-borne stains from your residence.

Our team travels around Chicago and the surrounding suburbs with the gear, ladders, and expertise to restore homes of any size — a small cleanup or full exterior refurbishment following a summer storm.

Don't Let Summer Storms Catch You Unprepared

Storms are inevitable — damage doesn't have to be. With a little planning ahead and the proper help, your home can weather the season with style.

Don't wait until the next rainstorm to find that your gutters are plugged or that your deck is rotten. Contact Amruss Inc today at (847) 307-5230 to schedule your seasonal maintenance or storm follow-up restoration. We'll get you ahead of the weather — and keep you there.