Mother Nature isn’t always as calm as a summer breeze over a field of wildflowers. No, sometimes she is downright wild and bombards us with heavy storms- snow in the winter and rain in the summer. The storm clouds can be gone in a matter of hours, but the devastation they leave behind can take days or even weeks to clean up and can be very costly.
Severe weather can really take a toll on your home, even when you’re diligent about regular maintenance.
So, how does harsh weather impact your home’s exterior?
There are two main enemies of your home’s exterior brought on by harsh weather: wind and water. These can impact your roof, siding, gutters, and downspouts. Debris, branches, and other objects also harm your house during bad weather.
Even if rain isn’t in the forecast, it’s best to close your windows on every floor before you leave your home just in case the weather turns bad. You can never be too safe.
So, How Does Your Roof Get Damaged in the Summer Months?
Harsh weather like storms brings wind and rain onto your roof during any season, but in the summer, you also have high temperatures to deal with. They bring their own set of problems.
Heat and humidity can test the strength of your shingles. Extreme heat can weaken old shingles and then high winds can blow them off. If any moisture makes its way under your shingles, mold, and mildew can spread rapidly in warm weather.
Another factor that can damage your roof in the summer is heat fluctuation. Depending on where you live, you may experience high temperatures during the day that dip down as much as 20 degrees at night.
Some fluctuations are even more extreme, and the more extreme it gets, the harder it is on your roofing materials. As the years go by, it’s easy for roofs to be damaged in the summer due to heat, heavy rain, or high winds.
So, How About Your Siding?
The siding on your home is exposed to the same harsh elements as your roof, wind, rain, and high temperatures, but it’s also affected by another factor. The ultraviolet rays that are strongest in the summer months can cause the siding to fade prematurely. If the siding has been painted incorrectly, the paint may bulge and peel because of the heat and the UV rays.
Branches or other debris may hit your home during a summer storm, and because you have four sides and just one roof, odds are the debris will hit your siding.
If damage isn’t noticed and fixed right away, moisture can seep into the broken siding. This is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can be very dangerous for your health.
Related Questions
So, How can insurance help?
Many insurance policies cover damage sustained during a storm. Be sure to review your policy and be informed about what is and isn’t covered and what your deductible is. If you experience damage due to harsh weather conditions, take pictures to use as proof for your insurance adjuster.
So, When should you make a claim?
You should claim repairs that are caused by weather conditions outlined in your policy as soon as they happen. If you wait, you run the risk of more damage due to mold and mildew.
The faster you act, the faster you’ll get your home back into shape with the help of a reputable and trusted home improvement and roofing contractor.
In Sum
The summer sun can be a welcomed guest for a beach day or picnic, but it can wreak havoc on a roof or siding. Harsh UV rays, as well as heavy rain and high winds, can be damaging to your roof and siding in the summer. Fortunately, insurance can often provide help if damage occurs during a storm.
Looking for a CertainTeed 5 Star Contractor?
Proud of our trusted reputation, Excel Home Improvement in Romulus are the residential siding and roofing contractors to call for any type of exterior damage to your home. We only use the highest quality products, and we make clients our top priority.
We specialize in roof installation and services and siding installation and repair as well as gutter installation and trim repair and more. Trust your needed home improvement services to Excel Home improvement and feel confident that it will be a job done right that will last for years.
Do you have an insurance claim? Not a problem, we will work with your insurance carrier to ensure a smooth project. Contact us today to get started!