Did you know that the best time to protect your home from harsh weather-related conditions is before things get bad? Your home is exposed to natural elements daily, which means that you must be proactive when it comes to maintaining your home and roof to prevent damage. Let’s look at steps and common effects of weather-related issues on your home and roof, and some steps you can take to protect arguably your most significant investment.
Wind
Wind can cause several issues with your roof shingles. You might see granules in your gutters, shingles might curl or peel, or you might even find shingles missing after bad storms. Usually, your home’s framing is built to withstand the wind’s forces, but extreme weather can tear shingles off your roof.
Rain
Rain can cause damage to your home in two main areas: the roof and foundation. Roof installations such as skylights, chimneys, and plumbing vents, create penetration points that are sealed with caulk, flashing, and roof cement, which corrode over time.
Heat and Sun
The sun’s heat can cause your home to dry out and age prematurely. Roofing materials also wear significantly faster in warmer climates.
Steps to Protect Your Home
Appraise the Roof
Have your roof inspected regularly (this costs $217 on average nationally), and check it over during the transitioning seasons to ensure its structural integrity. Verify that all shingles are properly affixed, and remove any moss or natural growth that can lead to warping. Also, apply a seal around your vent pipes and chimneys to prevent water seepage into your home.
While nobody looks forward to spending money on roof maintenance and repairs, it’s a must for homeowners. Regular roof inspection, repair, and maintenance not only protects our home and family during extreme weather but also ensures your home value remains high, especially in a competitive market environment.
Combat Direct Sun
The intense sun can dry, shrink, and crack wooden decks, and ultraviolet rays can break down wood fibers and cause discoloration. Your best bet when finishing or refinishing your planks is to add a UV protectant sealer. Too much sun can also cause your home’s siding to melt or become warped. To prevent this type of damage, you may need to replace your home’s vinyl siding with a heat-resistant variety. Unfortunately, this can be an expensive project; replacing vinyl siding in Minneapolis averages over $13,000.
Maintain Your Gutters
Always clear your gutters, especially during seasonal transitions. Also, ensure that you pitch your gutters at the right angle to direct water downspout away from your roof or foundation.
As Structural Engineering Basics explains, the stability of your home’s foundation is dependent on the soil’s ability to absorb and drain rainwater. When that fails, leaks occur and can lead to significant structural damage.
You may need to redirect water if it’s coming into your home following heavy rains, which can be as simple as adding gutter extensions, or you may need your property re-sloped. Also, a sump pump may be needed for homes that regularly take on small amounts of water, or a French drain may need to be installed in more severe situations.
Seal Leaks
Repairing your roof and maintaining your gutters help seal leaks from the exterior of your home. However, you should also inspect your home’s interior for signs of water damage on the ceiling and walls. If present, trace the problem to its source to seal the leak. Also, apply sealant around doors and windows.
Review Your Insurance Policies
It’s a good idea to review your insurance policies regularly to ensure that you are covered against losses incurred due to weather-related issues. Insurance Information Institute notes homeowner’s policies do not normally cover damage caused by earthquakes, flooding, or hurricanes, so you need to purchase these policies separately to protect your home, based on your area’s climate.
When you and your home are prepared, you’re more likely to weather even the fiercest storms. Take time now to maintain your home and its value to save you a lot of replacement costs later. A bit of elbow grease and a few dollars can be time and money well-spent when it comes to weather challenges and protecting your humble abode.
Article Credit: Natalie Johnson