How Extreme Weather Can Cause Home Damage

by Carter Toni

If you’ve spent even a little time on YouTube, you’ve probably seen someone do something predictably stupid during a weather event – like sticking their hand outside during a thunderstorm, for example. But that kind of behavior, while embarrassing and perhaps funny in a “wine ladies” sort of way, isn’t going to damage your house.

Unless you’re significantly less intelligent than the people on YouTube.

No, the type of damage that comes from extreme weather usually isn’t self-inflicted, complete with a weeping, embarrassed apology on YouTube a few months later. It’s most often the result of a natural disaster, something over which you likely have very little control.

What kind of home damage is we’re talking about? Here are a few examples to better inform you.

The Impact of Wind and Hail on Roofing Materials

Extreme weather, such as wind and hail, can cause extensive damage to some roofing materials. The velocity, force, and size of the hail can cause dents and dings in the material leading to weak points that can cause a leak or, worse, cause the entire roof to collapse.

Wind can tear apart loose shingles and can cause wood panels to lift up, leaving the underlying foam exposed to the weather. High wind velocity can also cause sagging in some materials as well.

In both cases, the extreme weather conditions can cause home damage  and will require some roof repair and maintenance from a Dayton Ohio roofing company  to ensure the integrity of the home and that further damage is not incurred.

Surveying Damage from Flooding

Extreme weather in the form of heavy rains, flash floods, and storms can cause tremendous damage to homes. Flash flooding often occurs when a storm dumps large amounts of water in a short period of time, usually in less than six hours.

This amount of water is more than many drains and sewage systems can handle and can overwhelm even the most prepared home, leading to significant damage. Flooding can also cause the walls and floors of the home to become saturated with water which will eventually cause them to become structurally unsound.

Surveying the damage from flooding is important in order to uncover the extent of damage, where repairs can be made, or when it is necessary to replace materials or entire parts of the house.

Being aware of the consequences of extreme weather is the best way to prepare and avoid the devastating effects of a flood.

Exterior Home Damage from Ice Buildup

Extreme weather can cause numerous types of home damage, especially due to ice and snow buildup. Ice that may build up on the exterior of the home is caused by frozen precipitation, such as water, that has accumulated and hardened on the outside of the home.

Extreme cold temperatures can rapidly form ice layers of ice on the outside of a home. This can cause extensive damage to the exterior of the home, including cracked paint, displaced shingles, and caulking.

In extreme cases, ice buildup can result in structural damage to the home, such as delamination of the walls and openings in the roof. Over time, this can result in water penetrating the home and damaging the interior.

To prevent excessive exterior home damage from ice buildup, it is important to ensure that weather stripping and insulation are in good condition and that gutters are cleaned and maintained by a roofing company near me on a regular basis.

How Extreme Temperatures Damage Mortar and Concrete

Extreme weather can cause home damage in multiple ways, especially extreme temperatures. High temperatures can cause mortars and concrete used in the construction to weaken the following:

  • walls
  • floors
  • roofs

When direct sunlight hits concrete, it causes the surface area to become dry and brittle. This increases the chances of paint and plaster being broken or cracked.

Humidity and dampness, on the other hand, can significantly reduce the compressive strength of mortar. This weakens its bonding between bricks and other materials, creating cracks and thus causing further damage.

Moreover, extreme cold temperatures can lead to frost damage in walls, which can trigger fractures in the concrete and cause moisture to enter and damage the underlying frame of the structure.

Containing Fire Damage from Wildfires

Extreme weather can cause massive destruction to homes and other structures. In areas exposed to wildfires, winds can fuel flames and cause fire to spread quickly. Potentially damaging a home before the fire can be contained.

The intense heat of a wildfire can cause roofs and walls to collapse, while properly maintained fire-retardant barriers can help protect homes when a fire is raging nearby. High winds can make it difficult to monitor and contain a fast-moving wildfire.

In addition to wildfires, extreme weather can also cause extensive damage to homes. Heavy rains can cause flooding, while high winds can damage rooftops, as well as cause trees to fall on homes. Structural damage from lightning strikes can also occur during storms, leaving homes vulnerable to further destruction.

Safeguarding Your Home with Routine Inspections and Maintenance

Extreme weather can have a devastating effect on your home, causing all kinds of damage. From heavy rains that can lead to flooding and mold to strong winds that can cause roof damage and bring down trees, these events can put a strain on a property’s overall health and stability.

Safeguarding your home against this damage can be done through routine inspections and maintenance. By addressing problems like tree limbs hanging too close to the house or wildlife invading your attic, it’s possible to mitigate the effects of strong storms and other extreme weather conditions.

A licensed technician should also inspect your roof for any damage or issues that need to be addressed, such as loose shingles, clogged gutters, or inadequate ventilation. Regular inspections and maintenance of your home can give you peace of mind and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Extreme Weather Can Cause Home Damage

Extreme weather can be devastating to the home if proper precautions aren’t taken. Winter storms can damage shingles and cause flooding, while summer heat can warp wood and dry out the paint.

Fortunately, taking steps to winterize and seeking professional evaluations is often enough to mitigate the risk of disaster. Don’t leave home health as a secondary concern: take measures today to keep yourself safe from home damage due to extreme weather.

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