It’s not always easy to tell when a home has become weatherworn, especially because typically homes nowadays are built with durable materials to withstand any kind of weather. Sometimes the damage is unavoidable, though, especially the older your house gets. Winters can be especially hard on a home, but winter isn’t the only culprit: extreme heat can also cause you issues.
Here are some examples of how extreme weather can damage your home.
Flooding
Flooding can be a major issue in spring and many cities experienced a large amount of flooding incidents in 2018. With the swift arrival of warmer weather and rain, snow melts and water levels rise faster than the sewage systems or land can handle. When this happens, flooding is a huge risk and can threaten many homes, especially the ones at lower inclines.
One small thing you can do is make sure your gutters and drains are clear and not blocked by fallen leaves or other debris. If you think that your drains are backed up, consider calling a plumber for their drain cleaning services.
Frozen Pipes
If you’re not careful or prepared, you run the risk of pipes freezing in your home during the winter season. Even in warmer climates, there is the risk that freezing weather and ice can wear down your plumbing and potentially cause ruptures, breaks, and leaks.
There are a few tips for avoiding winter plumbing problems that can go a long way to helping prevent these unfortunate situations from happening to your pipes. For instance, you’ll want to consider insulating exposed pipes both inside and outside your home, detaching your hose for the winter, and keeping some faucets slowly running overnight when temperatures seriously drop.
Subsidence and Ground Deformation
Subsidence (sinking) is what happens when moisture causes the ground to expand and then suddenly contract when it dries, consequently causing structures to sink. This problem can be a particular issue for areas with clay soil, and happens after periods of very hot, dry weather.
If you notice cracks appearing in your home’s walls, this could be a sign of subsidence.
Sun Damage
Sunlight can damage the exterior of your home over time, especially when it comes to your vinyl siding, gutters, frames, and doors. Many newer vinyl materials are now made to withstand extreme weather, but if you think your home needs extra protection, consider using a vinyl protectant like Armor All.
The sun’s UV rays can also damage wooden decks, which is why it’s important to regularly seal them with products that offer UV protection. Treated wood will only go so far with wooden decks that are exposed to direct sunlight, and sealing them will make all the difference in maintaining their lustre.
Be Prepared for Anything
Owning a home means you’ll most likely experience a wide range of issues caused by weather conditions. Always be aware of extreme weather warnings in your area and make the necessary preventative measures to ensure the safety of your home.
