Summer is an exciting time for many because it means things like lazy days by the pool, children outside the school and barbecues in the garden. However, summer can also bring extreme weather conditions that can cause damage to your home. There are proactive steps you can take to protect your home and prevent some of these problems.
Heat and light
The summer sun can cause subtle and surprising damage inside and outside your home, especially in areas with lots of windows. Heat, which can cause expansion and other problems, is also a problem that needs to be controlled as much as possible.
Of course we know that keeping heat in your home helps to keep people more comfortable, but it can also help to prevent some of the damage it can cause to your home.
- Heat can bring vermin into the home, especially during prolonged dry periods. Pests such as insects, termites and rodents will try to find a way into your home to find food, water and shelter from the heat. Seal any cracks or holes that could be possible entry points for this pest.
- High humidity means an increased risk of mould, which can be harmful to the structures and people in your home. Check for leaks and ensure that rooms with excessive humidity are well ventilated.
- Excessive heat and sun exposure can cause some types of roofing material to crack, peel and warp. This can cause a lot of damage in case of wind or rain. Ask for information about the maintenance of your roof so that it is ready for the summer weather.
- Sunlight can obscure furniture, carpets, walls and other surfaces, especially on windows that get the most sun in the afternoon. Closing curtains or blinds can help, but can also lead to discoloration of these materials. There are also transparent films that can be applied to windows for extra protection.
- Air conditioners can also become overloaded and faulty because they are constantly on to compensate for high outside temperatures. Call a professional to inspect your device and make sure it is ready for continuous use in the summer. This may also be a good time to clean your air conditioner, as its construction may reduce its efficiency over time.
Strong wind and avenue
In the summer there are many hurricanes and tornadoes. The damage caused by these disasters may also occur in areas not directly affected by the increased activity of the storm front. Stronger winds, rain and even hail can occur hundreds of miles from the actual path of a hurricane. High winds can cause damage such as. B. removing loose blinds and curtains or tree branches that fall on houses, cars, and buildings.
North America has the highest tornado activity in the world, with an average of more than 1,000 actual tornadoes per year in the United States and almost 100 in Canada. Hurricanes are less common, but can be more destructive in terms of property damage and loss of life.
Here are some steps you need to take in time before a tornado or hurricane strikes to protect your home:
- Find your circuit breakers and make sure they’re easily accessible and well labelled, so you can quickly turn off what you need in due course and help prevent things like electrical fires.
- Store valuables and important documents in a watertight, fireproof safe.
- Cut off loose branches to make them more resistant to breakage in strong winds. Dead trees should also be removed as soon as possible because they are weak and prone to destruction. High winds can quickly turn broken branches into heavy debris that can damage your home or injure someone. Depending on factors such as the size of the tree and the difficulty of access, the cost of removing the tree can vary from $100 to $1,700.
- Regularly clean the drains, as all drainage systems must work properly in heavy rain.
- Check the door hinges and locks to make sure they are strong and do not require strengthening.
If a tornado or hurricane is expected soon and you have time to prepare, these measures can give you extra protection:
- Close the windows to protect them from broken glass and penetrating objects.
- If a hose breaks, disconnect communication to prevent gas or water leaks.
- Bring all loose items in from the outside. Heavy objects can be caught outdoors in strong winds and turn into cockroaches.
- Take your family and pets to the basement or storm room to wait for the storm.
- Storms can puncture holes in shingles, break windows, tear dents in the side of a house and eavestroughs on the side of the house. Protect broken objects outdoors by bringing them inside during a hailstorm or by placing them in a covered area.
Lightning and electricity
In the summer many people work with heavy air conditioners and fans. It also means that the power grid is overloaded and saturated, which can lead to power failure or power interruption when the power supply is greatly reduced but not completely interrupted. There is also a risk of lightning strikes, which can cause problems with electrical equipment, including power surges.
Attics
The attic is a forgotten part of the house that often becomes a hiding place for things that are moved and left there until someone decides he might need them. The summer heat in this region can be more than oppressive, and can be very dangerous.
- Attic valves are important to push warm air out. The warm air rises, so the attic can be a few degrees warmer than the rest of the house. In combination with sunlight and dried materials, this can mean an increased risk of spontaneous fires.
- Insulate the attic well so that the cooled air does not pass through the ceiling and then through the roof. Ceiling fans are essential here because they circulate the air. Make sure that the blinds are turned to bring cooler air into the room and then around the room for best results.
Although all seasons bring new challenges for houses and other structures, extreme temperatures and summer weather can be particularly attractive for houses and their systems. Act now to protect your home instead of waiting for damage to occur.
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