Mid-August Home Defense: 3 Exterior Checks to Make Right Now
We are officially in the second week of August, and summer in Utah is in full swing. While daytime temperatures are still regularly climbing into the 90s, we are right at the point in the season where summer sun fatigue meets sudden mid-August monsoonal rain surges.
Because our roofs, foundations, and yard drains have taken a beating from over two solid months of intense UV rays and heat, mid-August is the ideal time to do a quick, 15-minute exterior home audit.
Catching minor exterior wear right now prevents sudden mid-month storm leaks and keeps your home secure before the seasonal shift begins. Here are the three most critical areas to inspect this week.
1. The Window Well Trap
If your home has a finished basement with basement window wells, mid-August cloudbursts pose a direct flood threat if your window wells aren't draining properly.
The Problem: Over the dry months of June and July, leaves, blown lawn clippings, dirt, and stray toys collect at the bottom of window wells, completely capping the drain gravel.
The Risk: When a sudden mid-August thunderhead dumps torrential rain, the well fills up like a bucket. Once the water level reaches the bottom of the window frame, hydrostatic pressure pushes water directly through the window seals, flooding basement carpet in minutes.
The Fix: Clear all trash, weeds, and heavy debris out of your window wells this week. Ensure there are at least 4 inches of clear gravel below the window sill, and consider adding clear plastic window well covers to deflect heavy rainfall away from the glass.
2. The Mid-Summer Roof Scan
Your roof has endured over 60 days of relentless, high-altitude UV radiation. Intense summer heat causes asphalt shingles and roof sealants to expand, dry out, and become brittle.
The Ground Check: Grab a pair of binoculars and scan your roof from the driveway.
What to Look For: Check for dark, bare patches where shingle granules have washed away, as well as curling shingle corners. Pay close attention to the metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, and attic plumbing vents—make sure the rubber boots and black sealant haven't cracked or melted under the August heat.
Why It Matters: Granules act as your roof’s primary sunblock. When they wear away, the underlying asphalt degrades rapidly, leaving your home vulnerable to sudden rainstorms.
3. The Foundation & Pest Seal
As we move through the second half of August, cooler evening soil temperatures encourage field mice and autumn pests to start scouting perimeter entry points into your home.
The Vulnerability: Hairline cracks in stucco, brick mortar, or concrete foundations look minor, but they serve as open invitations for pests and water.
The Action: Walk your home's exterior perimeter with a tube of high-quality exterior silicone or polyurethane caulk. Seal all visible gaps around:
Window and exterior door frames
Foundation hairline cracks
Utility entry points (A/C refrigerant lines, gas pipes, outdoor spigots)
💡 Pro Tip: The Mid-August HVAC Hack
Don't wait until October to think about your home's heating and cooling health. While HVAC technicians are busy handling emergency A/C service calls during this August heat, call now to get on their early schedule for a fall furnace tune-up. Scheduling now guarantees a spot before the massive October cold-snap rush.
Protect Your Investment
Taking 15 minutes to clear a window well or run a tube of caulk along your foundation this week is the easiest way to prevent thousands of dollars in sudden water or pest damage later this season.
If your mid-August inspection reveals hidden moisture damage under your eaves, failing stucco, or water entering your basement framing, don't wait for it to get worse. The structural restoration team at Apex Restoration is available 24/7 along the Wasatch Front to inspect your building envelope and keep your home safe.
Call us today at (801) 513-1137.