Montgomery weather is its own kind of test. We get heat that bakes paint, humidity that swells wood, storms that tear at fences, and sun that fades anything left uncovered. If you own a home here, the exterior isn’t just something you look at—it’s something you maintain on a schedule if you want to avoid bigger repairs later.
After working on homes around Lake Conroe, downtown Montgomery, Walden, and Bentwater, we’ve seen the same exterior problems show up again and again. The good news? Most of them are predictable. And when maintenance is done once a year, the house stays in good shape and repair bills stay low.
Here’s what every Montgomery homeowner should check annually.
1. Paint and Caulk Break Down Faster Here
Paint isn’t just color. It’s the skin that protects your siding. Once paint fails, moisture gets into wood and you start dealing with rot. The heat and sun here break down paint faster than cooler climates.
What to look for once a year:
- Fading or chalky paint
- Cracks around trim, doors, or windows
- Peeling or blistered spots
- Wood that feels soft when lightly pressed
This doesn’t always mean you need a full repaint. Sometimes a small touch-up and fresh caulk will buy you years of life. But ignoring early paint damage always turns into replacing wood later.
2. Decks Take a Beating
Decks around Montgomery have it rough. Sun dries out boards. Rain soaks them. Then heat expands everything. Over time, boards cup, rails loosen, and screws back out. A deck can look fine at first glance and still be holding water in all the wrong places.
Annual maintenance checklist:
- Loose or popping screws
- Wobbly rails or steps
- Boards that feel soft or spongy
- Areas where water pools
- Faded stain or unprotected bare wood
A yearly deck wash and reseal isn’t overkill here—it’s what keeps you from replacing boards or framing later.
3. Doors and Windows Shift With the House
Montgomery soil moves. When the ground shifts, so do door frames and window openings. That’s why doors that once closed fine suddenly need a shove.
Signs you’re due for adjustments:
- Doors that rub the frame
- Latches that don’t catch
- Gaps where you can see light around the door
- Drafts or noticeable heat/cold near windows
Small fixes here—hinge shimming, strike plate adjustments, weatherstrip replacement—prevent more expensive repairs down the road.
4. Fences Lean, Sag, and Rot Faster Than You Think
Between storms, soil movement, and sun exposure, fences rarely stay perfect for long. You don’t need a full replacement every time—just steady upkeep.
Once a year:
- Check fence posts for movement
- Look for rot at the base of posts
- Inspect gates for sagging or dragging
- Replace split or warped pickets
Re-setting a leaning post is far cheaper than waiting until the entire section collapses.
5. Gutters and Drainage Matter More Than Most Think
A lot of exterior issues start with water going where it shouldn’t. Gutters that overflow dump water against your foundation. Downspouts that stop short cause erosion and soft soil around posts and decks.
Annual maintenance:
- Clean gutters
- Check slope so water actually flows
- Extend downspouts away from the house
- Watch where water travels when it rains
Water is always easier to guide than repair.
Why Do This Every Year?
Because small things become big things quickly in this climate.
A $150 repair today can easily become a $1,500 fix next season.
When we handle annual maintenance calls, we’re not “fixing emergencies”—we’re preventing the ones most homeowners don’t see coming yet.
Need a Hand With Annual Home Maintenance?
Instead of waiting for problems to get expensive, call us and we’ll walk the exterior with you. We’ll show you what’s fine, what needs attention, and what can wait. No pressure. No upsell. Just straight answers and solid work. Call or text Hammerhead Renovation & Repair to schedule an exterior check and maintenance plan.
