Weather can cause serious damage to the structure and appearance of your home. Today I want to address elemental damage and tips on how to prepare your home for different seasons and the weather they bring. I want to show you how to protect your home from weather damage inside and out, so you can more effectively protect your investment.
Sun Damage
Hear in the “Valley of the Sun” the sun’s warm rays become very damaging to outdoor structures after several hours of continuous heat. Painted surfaces are especially susceptible to heat damage because excessive heat can cause paint to crack and peel. Vinyl surfaces such as vinyl siding on a house may become warped in excessive heat.
You need to protect the interior of your home against the sun’s damaging rays as well. Window dressings or furniture placed in direct sunlight will become discolored over time due to sun bleaching. Blinds, sun shades, or high quality curtains will cut down on the possibility of interior sun damage.
Cold Damage
Freeze is obviously the biggest danger your home faces during cold weather. Frozen water pipes can create a lot of water damage within the walls, floor, and underneath your home. Most homeowner insurance policies cover damages due to freeze, but knowing how to avoid the damage will save you a lot of headache in the long run.
Close or cover foundation vents under the house. Keep the interior of the house heated to at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit so the warmth will reach the inside of the walls where pipes are located. Make sure you know where the main water shutoff valve is, and that all outside hoses are disconnected from outdoor spigots. Turn on both the cold and hot water valve in two locations in your home during extremely low temperatures. Insulate all exposed pipes with foam insulation or heat tape.
Water Damage
Water damage may be caused due to frozen pipes thawing, an overabundance of rain, snow thaw, or leaky household appliances. Accidents happen, and that’s where homeowner’s insurance is very helpful. You can do a lot to protect your home from potential water damage by following these tips.
Watch for changes in your roof over time; it may become damaged by any of the elements it protects you from, so be vigilant. Keep an eye out for discoloration, damaged shingles, or any other changes that could lead to possible leaks. Repair any damage to the roof as quickly as possible.
Heavy rains should run off of your roof and into the gutters to be drained away through downspouts. If rain falls freely over the side of your guttering, they may be clogged with debris. Clean your gutters at the very next opportunity to prevent water damage to your house, the foundation, or landscaping.
Wind Damage
High winds are very damaging, as they can remove shingles and siding, and blow trees onto your home. No area in the United States is immune to wind damage. Some of the worst winds are created by tornados and hurricanes which also bring the probability of water damage as well.
Always inspect your home from top to bottom following heavy winds to make sure nothing has been damaged. If you suspect damage, contact a home inspector or a general contractor for advice on how to repair it.
Protect Your Investments
Always carry homeowner’s insurance so you’re covered in case of a catastrophe. Weather damage is never planned, and cannot be easily anticipated. Protect your home by inspecting it often for signs of damage that should be repaired before it becomes a real problem.
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