For many, 2025 served as a wake-up call for homeowners across the US as extreme weather exposed common weak spots in their homes. The Hurricanes, floods, and winter storms brought hidden weaknesses under the spotlight, and often resulted in the costliest damage.
Many of these vulnerabilities go unnoticed until it’s too late. To help you avoid similar damage in 2026, experts have identified the three most common weak spots that cause serious problems. Left unaddressed, these issues can lead to major and costly repairs.
These are the three areas to reinforce now and prepare your home for extreme weather.
3 Extreme Weather Weak Spots Every Homeowner Should Fix Right Now
While it might sound like a waste of time preparing for something that might not happen, extreme weather events have been ramping up in recent years.
According to FOX News, there were 14 billion-dollar weather disasters in 2025 alone, totalling over $101.4 billion dollars of damage, with many of them occurring in the first six months of the year.
It makes quick and impactful home maintenance at the start of 2026 that much more important.
1. Check the State of Your Roof Now
When futureproofing your home against extreme weather, the first place you should start is your roof, according to Fran Majidi, insurance expert with Modotech.
She explains, 'Aging or poorly maintained shingles can dislodge in high winds, so it's very important to check your roof before the rainy period. It's important to have a licensed roofer inspect your roof annually and after major storms to identify loose shingles, flapping edges, or compromised flashing.'
Beyond preventing damage, having your roof professionally maintained can help with insurance claims should the worst happen, Fran adds. 'Insurance will not cover a roof replacement or related storms if the roof is older than 12 or 15 years, while a roof over 10 years old may only be partially covered for damage. Older roofs often don’t meet modern wind or hail standards, but ordinance or law coverage may help rebuild the roof to current standards.'
When looking to save money on these upgrades, Fran also points out that some insurers offer premium discounts for documented roof upgrades or replacements.
Beyond regular maintenance and expert repairs, there are a few things you can do to bolster protection and prepare for a storm. 'For hurricane-prone areas, hurricane straps tie the roof structure to walls to resist uplift,' Fran explains.
These steel rafter ties from Lowe's are a good place to start. 'Stronger roofs often reduce the risk of non-renewal due to age or condition, too,' Fran adds.
2. Check and Clear Gutters and Drainage
Protecting your home from flooding should be your next priority after securing your roof. Addressing drainage and guttering is a must to avoid common leaks, the risk of mold, and having to get water out of a carpet or dry waterlogged items.
Fran warns, 'Improper grading around the house can cause water intrusion toward the home's foundation, and clogged drainage systems are consistently linked to expensive repair bills. To counter this, ensure the land slopes away from the home to direct water outward. Similarly, neglected sump pumps and French drains may fail during heavy rains. Always test the sump pump before the storm season.
'On top of this, have an expert assess your drainage systems. Poor drainage can undermine foundations, lead to basement flooding, and affect the structural integrity of the dwelling. Installing check valves and flood shields can prevent water backflow into basements.'
Finally, Fran urges vigilance when it comes to cleaning gutters, allowing for proper drainage to prevent roof leaks. 'Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year,' she says. 'Gutter guards can help reduce debris build-up.' You can find handy gutter cleaning tools at Amazon, which allow you to clean gutters safely from the ground.
In terms of paperwork, Fran also suggests checking your insurance policy for flood coverage. 'Having a separate flood insurance policy may be needed, depending on flood risk in the area. Flooding is never covered by standard home insurance.'
3. Seal Windows and Doors Securely
Windows and doors might not be much of a consideration when it comes to storms, but they can cause serious structural weaknesses if left unchecked.
Sian Rhodes, real estate expert at Clever Offers, explains, 'The third compromise is the windows and doors. Because of inadequate sealing, wind-driven rain can enter during storms, causing interior damage, mold, and loss of structural support.
'High-impact windows cost approximately $800-$1,200 each and provide important protection in storm-prone areas. Homeowners can caulk all gaps around window and door frames, replace glass in hurricane- and tornado-prone areas with impact-resistant glass, and reinforce door frames with appropriate bracing.' You can also find storm doors, at Lowe's to add extra protection against the elements.
Securing these areas also has the added benefit of helping to burglar-proof a front door, too, to aid in securing a home without a security system.
What to Shop
These rafter straps are made from high-quality carbon steel and have a hot-dip galvanized coating for long-lasting strength against corrosion and outdoor wear.
A gutter cleaning tool is one of the easiest ways to keep your gutters free from damage. Working from the ground makes it quick and safe, too.
This gap and crack filler is super easy to apply, helping to fill gaps and block drafts, making heating more efficient, and keeping you warmer during storms.
Keep your insurance documents organized and easier to find when you need them most by keeping them categorized in file folders.
It is always a good idea to have an emergency radio to hand, giving you access to communication and updates should the power go out during extreme weather.
While no one expects an accident at home, it is always best to have a first aid kit to hand, especially when expecting extreme weather, when it may be harder to leave the house.
Meet the Experts
With your house secured, brush up on how to prepare your home for a power cut to keep you and your family comfortable in extreme weather.
