Extreme weather conditions often cause varying degrees of damage to homes, which is why it’s necessary to have protective measures in place. While certain kinds of impacts are immediately visible, others take time to manifest. Hence, they become more difficult and costly to repair.
Since weather hazards are seasonal, homeowners must understand the different types and how they can affect their property. With proper awareness, they can make plans to mitigate the effects of seasonal changes. Read on to learn about some common weather hazards and how they can damage your home.
Strong Winds and Thunderstorms
During spring and summer, unstable air masses and temperature changes can trigger intense thunderstorms. When this happens, there’s a combination of rainfall, thunder, and lightning. The rising and sinking of warm and cool air creates strong currents that can produce gusty winds.
Such winds are powerful enough to bring down trees, which may crash into your property as they collapse. Besides this, winds often rip off part of roofs, exposing the home’s interior to dust, debris, and other elements. Intense thunderstorms can weaken a home’s structural integrity, especially if they recur frequently.
Heavy Rainfall and Flooding
Heavy rainfall that persists for an extended period of time can lead to water intrusion. In areas with poor drainage systems, floods may ensue. The risk of flooding is higher in islands and low-lying areas, where water tends to accumulate. When heavy storms occur, the force pushes the water inland.
During floods, water often seeps into homes, destroying people’s belongings. Floodwater is often contaminated with chemicals and sediments that can destroy flooring and electrical systems. If your home is affected, you’ll need a water damage restoration company to fix the damage and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Snow and Ice Buildup
Winter snow and ice buildup are among the intense conditions that affect indoor humidity. Beyond this, its weight puts pressure on roofs and walls, causing them to sag or bow. Over time, this can lead to cracks or even collapse. Ice dams can also form when snow on the roof melts and then refreezes before flowing down the roof.
With time, moisture seeps into shingles, ceilings, and walls, damaging them and causing wood rot. The formation of ice also poses safety risks as chunks may fall off and injure passers-by. Snow may also clog gutters and air vents, preventing proper ventilation and drainage, which is why most people invest in insulation to future-proof their houses against ice damage.
Extreme Heat and Drought
In dry summers, the heat can cause building materials such as wood, plastic, asphalt, and vinyl to crack, warp, fade, or weaken. Components like doors and windows may lose shape, making them difficult to open and close.
During an extreme drought, soil moisture content decreases. As a result, the soil contracts and gaps form around the foundation, reducing structural support. This makes the foundation of the house unstable as loose soil settles unevenly, leading to misalignment issues and cracks that promote pest infestation.
Quick Home Protection Checklist
A few basic preventive steps can significantly reduce the risk of weather-related damage and costly repairs.
Here’s a quick checklist:
Inspect roofs, gutters, and flashing before storm seasons
Trim trees and remove loose branches near the house
Ensure proper drainage to prevent water accumulation
Seal visible cracks in walls, roofs, and foundations
Maintain insulation and ventilation to manage heat and cold
Schedule periodic professional inspections for early detection
Over to You
While weather is a natural phenomenon, it can pose hazards when temperatures and conditions become extreme. Conditions such as wind, thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, snow, heat, and drought can cause structural damage. Without awareness and precaution, the resulting problems can endanger lives, property, and safety.
