Preparing School Facilities for Montana’s Summer Storm Season
~Matt Komac, Assistant Director of PC Pool Operations
Summer in Montana brings warmer weather and the opportunity to complete maintenance and construction projects while students are out of the building. It also brings an increased risk of severe storms, heavy rain, and wind events that can quickly expose weaknesses in school facilities. Taking a few preventative steps now can help districts avoid costly property damage and disruptions when the next storm rolls through.
Inspect Exterior Doors and Weather Seals
Stormwater most commonly enters school buildings through exterior doors that no longer seal properly. Over time, door sweeps, thresholds, and weather stripping deteriorate, allowing wind-driven rain to seep in.
Facilities staff should inspect all exterior doors, especially those serving large spaces such as gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms, and areas with wood flooring. Even a small amount of water intrusion can cause wood floors to warp, buckle, or require expensive replacement if moisture penetrates beneath the surface.
Door Inspection Checklist:
o Door sweeps and weather stripping are intact and tightly sealed
o Thresholds sit flush with no visible gaps
o Doors close fully and latch properly
o Worn or damaged seals are replaced before storm season begins
These low-cost repairs can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and keep facilities operational.
Evaluate Building Drainage and Entryways
In addition to door seals, districts should confirm that entryways, sidewalks, and surrounding drainage direct water away from buildings. Blocked drains, settled concrete, or landscaping that slopes toward the building can funnel stormwater directly toward doorways and foundations. Regular summer inspections provide an opportunity to identify these issues before heavy rain events occur.
Protect the District in Construction Contracts
Summer construction and capital improvement and maintenance projects are common, and districts should be cautious about language in standard AIA construction contracts. One key concern is waiver of subrogation language. Subrogation allows an insurance provider to pursue recovery from a responsible party—such as a contractor—if their negligence causes a loss. Some construction contracts include provisions that require the district to waive this right, potentially limiting the ability to recover damages from a contractor whose work contributed to a loss.
Before signing any construction or renovation agreement, districts should:
- Have contracts reviewed by legal counsel;
- Carefully examine any waiver of subrogation clauses;
- Ensure the district retains the right to pursue recovery of damages when a contractor is responsible for a loss
A brief legal review of your construction contracts can help identify problematic provisions and protect the district’s financial interests. MSGIA is available to assist with any facility-related risk management questions. Click here to return to newsletter.