Although your home may be made with weather-resistant materials, some weather extremes can impact it negatively. Various conditions have different effects. Common weather conditions that adversely affect a building include wind, rain, heat, drought, and snow.
Wind
Wind creates an uplift due to its effects on pressure balance. When the pressure inside the house exceeds the outside counter-pressure, the roof may be blown away. Tornadoes and hurricanes can cause the tearing of the roofing materials.
Rain
Many home buildings are creatively designed to resist rain. However, rainwater may penetrate even the strongest structures. In many instances, penetration such as plumbing pipes and chimneys can make a home susceptible to rainwater. Groundwater may infiltrate the floor if the soil absorbs water poorly.
Heat
Although the sun’s heat is important, it causes significant wear to roofing materials. Consequently, many builders choose building materials based on the prevailing climatic and weather conditions, especially roofing materials.
Drought
Drought causes evaporation of soil water, causing shrinking. Extreme droughts may cause stress on the foundation of a home, leading to cracking. Builders should always analyze the soil critically before setting up a house.
Snow
The major concern with snow is its weight. Since snow is pretty heavy, it may cause cracking or roof collapse. Further, when the snow begins to melt, water may leak if your house has a compromised roof. Thus, apart from temperature, snow is the greatest roofing concern.
Damp Conditions
Dampness may arise from groundwater that breaks through the floor. Further, dampness may penetrate the walls due to structural effects. During winter, indoor steam may condense and cause damp conditions in the home.
Preparing for Hot and Cold Weather
Severe cold or hot weather can significantly affect the structure of a building. However, home builders always ensure the buildings resist extremes of weather. There are some things you should do as a homeowner to prepare for extreme weather conditions.
1. Seal the Doors and Windows
Before extremes of weather set in, it is prudent to examine all the house entries. Make sure the gaps on the doors and windows are sealed to prevent the entry of cold air during snowfall. On the other hand, when the temperatures are too high, cool air can be kept inside your house if the integrity of the main entries is maintained. In many cases, caulk is used to seal cracks and openings. In addition, it may help if you install an interior barn door during winter. It will help in allowing free air circulation to reduce dampness.
2. Inspect Your AC and Furnace
As summer sets in, you need to ensure your air conditioning system works correctly. It is prudent to seek the services of a technician before the heat gets to an extreme. On the other hand, make sure you validate your furnace’s performance before cold seasons set in.
In case you are using an oil-based furnace, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. It may also help if you do periodic maintenance on your air conditioning system and furnace.
3. Insulate Pipes
During extremely cold weather, uninsulated pipes may freeze. Insulating pipes will ensure the conduits remain patent. It is also advisable to keep your furnace on during wither to moderate the temperatures.
4. Inspect Gutters and Roofs
Clear all debris and dirt from your roof before winter. Further, make sure the gutters are clear to ensure rainwater and melting snow may flow freely. Ensure the roof shingles are in place to avoid leaking during winter or rainfall.
5. Inspect Your Chimney
According to the CDC, you should inspect your chimney yearly. Apart from the yearly chimney inspection, you can do an extra inspection before cold weather begins.
If you plan to use your fireplace during cold weather, make sure it is in good condition. Besides air vents, the chimney must allow proper ventilation to prevent poor air circulation and carbon monoxide accumulation.
Weatherproofing your home is possible. Before extreme weather sets in, it is prudent to inspect and ensure your house is in good condition. It is prudent to examine the doors, windows, chimney, air vents, furnace, and air conditioning system. In addition, it is advisable to keep an emergency kit at hand and necessary contacts for technicians.
Don’t put off doing these necessary repairs. It will help your home last and give you the comfort and protection you need.
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