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Steps For Safeguarding Your Home Against Weather-Related Damage

Homeownership is one of the biggest financial commitments most Americans will make in their lives. Owning a home is not only part of the traditional “American dream,” it also can be a smart investment, as real estate prices tend to go up over time. In order to sell your home for a substantial profit, however, you have to protect your investment so that it will remain marketable. Taking preventative measures to maintain your real estate on a regular basis will keep it looking and functioning properly, and can also potentially spare you unnecessary maintenance or repair costs. Follow these tips for safeguarding your house against weather-related damage.

CHECK FOR INTERIOR LEAKS AND SCHEDULE AN EXTERIOR CLEANING AFTER RAINSTORMS

After a rainstorm, check for indications of leaks such as water stains and mold growth. If you see such signs, don’t delay calling a repairman. The problem will only get worse if you don’t fix it, and could result in more expensive damage to interiors, including insulation, electrical wiring, and even furniture. Rain can also damage the exterior of your house and leave it looking dirty. A professional power-washing service can get rid of dirt, dust, and pollen. Ask for multiple estimates in your area in order to find a reasonably priced service. The average cost of power washing a home in Houston is $245, but prices vary depending on the size of your home.

GET TREES TRIMMED REGULARLY

Windstorms can wreak havoc on your house, for instance by blowing off shingles. Along with hail, wind accounts for the biggest share of homeowner’s insurance claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. One of the biggest sources of damage occurs when windstorms blow tree limbs down, which can fall on your home, car, or even people. To maintain your property’s security and your own safety, have your trees trimmed annually. A specialist will assess what branches are damaged, old, sick, or dying—these are more likely to get torn down by a hearty gust of wind. They can then remove these branches safely. As an added bonus, pruning allows for healthier and denser tree growth and can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden.

BE PROACTIVE ABOUT PREVENTING BURST OR LEAKY PIPES

Even if it doesn’t snow where you live, odds are that the temperatures dip below freezing once in a while come winter. When this happens, the water in pipes in the unheated portions of your home, like a basement or attic, may freeze and expand. The added pressure this creates may cause pipes to crack or even burst completely, resulting in pricey water damage to your home. Even a small leak can create a damp environment in the walls and result in possibly poisonous mold growth (the cost of mold removal is usually between $500 and $6,000). Avoid this scenario by adding insulation to pipes in those parts of your home where freezing temperatures may occur; you can get it yourself at affordable prices at Home Depot.

KEEP DUST AND MOLD AT BAY WITH A TOP-QUALITY HVAC SYSTEM

Finally, help keep the interior of your home clean and free of dust, mold, and mildew by installing a top-quality heating and cooling system. A HEPA filter helps keep the air clean, also creating a more comfortable environment inside the house. By encouraging the circulation of air, it discourages dampness and staves off mold, which thrives in moist environments. Taking this added measure is especially useful if you have people with asthma or allergies in the home, as bad air quality can exacerbate their symptoms, especially in high-pollen seasons like spring and autumn.
With these steps, you will be able to protect your home from weather-related damage, both inside and outside. This not only preserves your investment, but these preventative measures will ensure a safe and comfortable atmosphere. This way you and your loved ones can rest easy, knowing that your house is secure and will protect you from the outside elements
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