You likely wish to protect the things you love. And you probably like your home a lot. Years may pass without experiencing any weather-related damage to a home. Don’t fall into a lull and assume no natural threats to the property exist. The elements can turn wicked without warning, and you must prepare yourself for what may threaten your home.
Wind Damage
A well-constructed home is sturdy, and the average wind won’t likely do much damage. The winds don’t always stay at normal levels, though. Hurricanes and even lighter storms whip wind up to well over 60 MPH. Winds at that speed can tear a roof apart, smash windows, and rip off aluminum siding. Even minor wind damage brings troubles. Dryhome Roofing & Siding explains that the wind that tears out a single shingle or creates a tear in aluminum siding opens a passageway for rain and melting snow. Once water enters a property, it can do a lot more damage.
Windproofing a home might be a wise idea when living in a known storm area. “Hurricane defense” window doors would be one example of how this to do this. Researching as many ways to protect your home makes sense because leaving property unprotected in horrible weather could lead to a disaster.
Water
Water causes all kinds of different problems for a home. Water leaking above a drywall ceiling, for example, might lead to the ceiling breaking apart under the combination of water weight and rot. Not everyone realizes that cold weather also factors into the damage water can do.
Custom Sealcoating & Paving explains that water seeping into driveways and freezing can do extensive damage to your driveway. Once the water freezes and turns to ice, the driveway cement may suffer significant cracks. A “freeze-thaw” product may help deal with this situation.
Mold
Mold arrives as a byproduct of water and dampness. Mold looks like grimy dirt appearing on walls and ceilings. Mold isn’t dirt; it is a living organism that consumes wood for sustenance. Mold requires moisture to grow, but it does not need a lot. Even a small leak in the roof or plumbing could create enough moisture for mold to grow. As mold grows and eats wood, severe structural damage could occur. Moldy, rotted support beams can’t hold up a roof for long.
And then there’s another issue with mold: black mold is toxic. Moldpedia explains that inhaling mold spores could cause an adverse health reaction. So, in addition to tearing out moldy wood, mold removal specialists must eliminate the presence of mold in the air. Otherwise, a home remains a health hazard.
Caring for your home sometimes requires battling the elements and the natural world. Homeowners must be up for the task. Otherwise, safety and equity go south.
You should plan on getting home inspections every so often. Let Chicagoland Home Inspectors, Inc. help!