We all dream about the warm weather, vacation, and swimming in the pool in the summertime. Yet, although it may seem like booking your trip to the seaside and buying a new bathing suit is enough, there are a lot more preparations you must make before the hot season hits at full force.
Summer is a fun and exciting season. However, sweltering temperatures, bug invasions, and sudden and extreme weather changes can be a real danger to your family and household. From extreme heat waves to thunderstorms and tornadoes, summer can bring many hazards which put your house and family in danger. Here’s how to prepare your house and protect it from the potential weather hazards which may take place during the hot season.
Water damage from heavy rain
The most common weather phenomena during the hot season is a thunderstorm. During summer, most areas deal with heavy water and thunderstorms which can lead to property water damage.
The massive amount of weight from annual snowfall and ice accumulation may have damaged your roof which makes it very susceptible to water damage during heavy rains. The specialists from Cherry and Clark Roofing explain that “Checking your roof before summer rains hit at full force can save you a lot of money on repairs from damage in the future”. You need to get your roof checked for buckled, curled, or cracked shingles or even missing pieces which may allow rainwater to enter your home and produce water damage on your ceiling and walls. Make sure you ask a professional to repair your roof and replace the missing shingles to avoid the damage of your house in case of heavy rain.
Power outage
During summer months, pop-up thunderstorms are very common phenomena which often lead to a power outage. Not only that they can leave your home without power for a few hours to several days, but they can also affect the electric system of your household and your appliances. The transitory surge caused when the power comes back can have a huge impact on your appliances due to the high voltage.
An unexpected power outage during summer is often caused by high winds or flying debris which damage the power lines. Heavy rain can also lead to flooding and damage the entire electrical infrastructure. Thus, you must take a few measures to avoid the consequences of a power outage on your household including purchasing a generator to keep your house with some form of power and turning off and unplug all your household’s appliances during a storm. Also, during summertime, when leaving for work or holiday, you should make sure you unplug all electronics in case a thunderstorm pops up when you are not home.
Strong wind
Strong winds can be a real danger during summer as they occur during tropical storms and low-pressure systems. They can have a huge impact on your household causing property damage such as damaging your roof, affecting the structural resistance of your house, cause the shattering of glass windows and carry heavy objects that may hit your property’s walls or windows.
In order to avoid a hazard caused by strong winds, it is important to take time and prepare your property carefully. You need to secure the outside of your house by parking your car in the garage, cutting all tree branches which may break off during a strong wind and hit your property, and secure your outdoor furniture.
High humidity
The summer months come with increased levels of humidity. Not only that humidity can make the summer days feel even hotter, but it can also have a huge effect on your household. High levels of humidity can affect your house’s walls causing the development of mold and your hardwood floors causing them to buckle or crack.
In order to combat humidity during summertime by regulating the humidity levels in your home, you can install dehumidifiers in the areas of your house with the least sunlight
exposure.
Plumbing failure
Summer is also the hurricane season which is often followed by flooding. If you live in a tropical climate area, your basement is most likely prone to flooding. Flooding and water damage can also put the foundation of your household in danger. Thus, you should check the basement of your home for leaks and cracks.
Moreover, during the summer months, if your basement is prone to flooding, you must ensure that your pump sump is functioning perfectly. Before the storm season hits at full force, check your pump sump for any built-up debris which can stop it from working properly. You can also pour a few buckets of water to the pit to ensure that the pump is discharging the water outside of your home. To offer your basement better protection against water damage, you should also consider installing a backup pump.
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Heatwaves can affect your house’s foundation
Surprising as it may be, another part of your house that is susceptible to very hot temperatures is your household’s foundation. Hot temperatures affect the soil underneath your home causing it to shrink and evaporate its moisture. Since house foundations are designed to use the soil underneath them and from the surroundings as a support system, the heat waves during the hot season may cause damage to the foundation.
In order to keep the foundation of your household protected during summer, you must keep the soil moisture consistent with a sprinkler system. Also, avoid planting large trees close to the foundation of your house because they tend to draw up moisture in times of hot temperatures.
A comfortable and cool home environment during the summer months requires a few preparations. However, in order to protect your household from damage from the possible summer hazards, you must carefully inspect every area of your house that is susceptible to flooding or damage. Hot weather can be the enemy of your household’s structural safety if you don’t prepare wisely for the summer season.