Checklist for Montana Summer home owners.

Montana summers are a gift—long days, blue skies, and the perfect time to enjoy your home inside and out. But while you’re soaking in that Big Sky beauty, it’s also the ideal season to tackle a few home maintenance musts. After all, Montana’s winters are tough, and the damage they leave behind often hides until it’s too late.

Whether you’re a homeowner prepping for the next season or a buyer eyeing a property this summer, here are 7 exterior home issues every Montanan should check now—before they become costly headaches.

1. 🏚️ Roof Wear & Shingle Damage

Why it matters:
Montana winters bring heavy snow and high winds. Ice dams form, snow piles up, and all that stress can damage even newer roofs. Summer is your best chance to spot trouble.

What to look for:

Curling, cracked, or missing shingles
Moss or lichen buildup
Exposed nails or flashing pulling away
Granules in the gutters (from asphalt shingles)

Pro tip:
Use binoculars or a drone for a basic scan—or hire a roofer for a quick inspection. Catching issues now can save thousands in water damage repairs this fall.

2. 🎨 Fading Siding & Peeling Paint

Why it matters:
UV rays and extreme temperature shifts fade and wear out siding fast—especially on the sunniest side of your home. What starts as cosmetic can lead to moisture intrusion or insect problems.

What to look for:

Faded or chalky paint
Peeling, bubbling, or cracking
Warped vinyl or wood planks
Gaps near joints or seams

Fix options:

Power wash and repaint using Montana-weather-tough exterior paints
Consider fiber cement or insulated siding if replacement is needed

Seller angle:
Fresh paint or clean siding adds big curb appeal if you’re listing soon.

3. 🧱 Foundation & Concrete Cracks

Why it matters:
Montana’s clay-rich soils expand and contract with moisture levels. That seasonal movement can crack foundations, driveways, and patios—leading to water leaks or uneven floors.

What to look for:

Vertical or stair-step cracks in foundation walls
Cracks wider than 1/8″
Settling near corners or doors
Water stains in crawl spaces

Fix options:

Epoxy crack injection for minor issues
Foundation piers or drainage fixes for larger concerns

Buyer tip:
Always include a foundation review during inspections, especially for homes built before the 1990s.

4. 💧 Well & Septic System Health

Why it matters:
If your property uses a private well or septic system (common in Gallatin Valley), summer is the best time for maintenance. You’ll get the most accurate readings and it’s easier to access dry ground.

What to look for or ask about:

Last time water was tested (bacteria, nitrates, arsenic)
Septic tank pump-out history
Water pressure issues or slow drains
Any signs of pooling water near the drain field

Fix options:

Schedule a well flow test and water quality analysis
Pump and inspect septic systems every 3–5 years

Seller tip:
Providing recent well/septic results can ease buyer concerns and speed up the sale.

5. 🪵 Deck & Fence Damage

Why it matters:
Wood expands and contracts in dry heat and freezes, causing splinters, warping, and loose nails. Summer is the time to reseal, repaint, or repair before damage worsens.

What to look for:

Wobbly rails or posts
Boards that are splintering, cracking, or “cupping”
Rusted fasteners or exposed nails
Faded stain or peeling paint

Fix options:

Power wash and reseal wood every 1–2 years
Replace rotted posts with pressure-treated lumber
For longer life, consider switching to composite materials

6. 🌀 Gutters & Downspouts

Why it matters:
Gutters clogged with pine needles or misaligned by snow weight won’t protect your home from summer rains or next winter’s melt.

What to look for:

Gutters pulling away from the fascia
Downspouts not draining away from the foundation
Overflow during rainstorms
Water staining under eaves

Fix options:

Clean and resecure gutter hangers
Extend downspouts at least 6 feet from the foundation
Install leaf guards if surrounded by trees

7. 🔥 Wildfire Readiness (Defensible Space)

Why it matters:
Montana summers bring wildfire risk—especially in rural and forest-adjacent properties. Creating a “defensible space” protects your home and can reduce insurance costs.

What to do:

Clear all flammable vegetation within 5 feet of your home
Trim low tree branches (up to 6–10 feet from the ground)
Remove pine needles from your roof and gutters
Store firewood at least 30 feet from structures

Seller tip:
Buyers ask about fire risk. Showing proactive wildfire management adds major value.

🏔 Final Thoughts from Ridge Realty eXp

Montana living comes with unmatched beauty—and a few seasonal responsibilities. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just settling in for another summer under the Big Sky, staying ahead of these 7 issues keeps your home healthy, your costs down, and your property value high.

📩 Have questions or need a referral for a roofer, inspector, or contractor? We’ve got a trusted local list ready to go.

🛠️ Summer in Montana: 7 Exterior Home Issues to Watch Before They Cost You

Checklist for Montana Summer home owners.

1. 🏚️ Roof Wear & Shingle Damage

2. 🎨 Fading Siding & Peeling Paint

3. 🧱 Foundation & Concrete Cracks

4. 💧 Well & Septic System Health

5. 🪵 Deck & Fence Damage

6. 🌀 Gutters & Downspouts

7. 🔥 Wildfire Readiness (Defensible Space)

🏔 Final Thoughts from Ridge Realty eXp

Reach Out to Eric Linville at Ridge Realty eXp