Excessive heat can be a danger to you, your pets, and your property. But what, exactly, can happen to your property in the event of extreme heat? And is there any way to prepare? This article covers six parts of your property that can be affected by excessive heat, as well as suggestions that can help prepare you for the summer season or anytime your local weather spikes to extreme levels.
When is it Hottest in the United States?
While it depends on your specific state (keeping in mind each year can be slightly different), looking at the country as a whole, the hottest part of the year in the United States is the month of July. This is according to the Farmer’s Almanac . However, there are some caveats:
- The region in and around Texas and Louisiana experiences significantly high heat through August, due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.
- The Southern Plains and Western United States typically experience their hottest part of the year in late July and/or early August.
- Some parts of the country, including the Pacific Coast, don’t normally experience the hottest part of the year until the end of August or early September.
What about Alaska and Hawaii? Well, according to Alaska Collection, Alaska’s hottest month is also July, while Hawaii is hottest typically in August or September, according to the National Weather Service .
When is it Hottest in Canada?
Like the United States, the hottest part of the year in Canada occurs in July, according to Canadian Train Vacations. However, some parts of Canada experience high temperatures outside of July, depending on their location in North America, and proximity to bodies of water such as the Pacific Ocean or Great Lakes. Researchers at World Atlas indicate the five warmest Canadian provinces are :
- British Columbia
- Ontario
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
- Alberta
Six Areas of your Home or Business Impacted by High Temperatures
Excessive heat can have severe effects on your home or business property . Below, find six parts of your property that can be affected, according to RedFin and The Goodhart Group .
- Floors. Extreme heat can warp and expand floorboards; hardwood floors are particularly susceptible to high heat.
- Attic. Considering attics are the highest part of the home and generally lack sufficient airflow, excessive heat can bring about dampness and moisture, potentially causing roof shingles to deteriorate.
- Roof. Roofs can expand and warp in high heat, causing shingles to crack. This can increase the likelihood of leaks in your property. Caulking around the flashing can also dry out in periods of excessive heat.
- Foundation. When the ground heats up, soil shrinks, and moisture evaporates. This can cause the soil to separate from the footing of your structure, which may lead to foundational damage.
- Paint. Excessive heat can cause paint to flake, bubble, and peel. Cracks or openings in paint can be doorways to moisture or even mold.
Protecting your Property Against Excessive Heat
- Caulk doors and windows. Consider weather stripping them to ensure they are properly caulked to ward off and minimize unwanted elements or heat from entering the property.
- Insulate your attic. Proper insulation can ward off heat. Both blown in or installed rolls can be effective in proper insulation.
- Install an attic door cover . Heat which flows from the attic throughout the rest of the property can be significantly reduced by installing a door cover in the hatch or stairway, that provides access to the attic.
- Consider installing a multi-stage air conditioner. These handy devices can adjust their cooling output based on demand. Additionally, they can often run at lower speeds. This can reduce costs while still providing effective air conditioning solutions.
- Install a programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat lowers its use during periods where cooling isn’t needed, like nighttime or during the day when most occupants aren’t at home. It is often ideal for reducing heat, as it can create significant energy savings.
- Immediate board-up and roof tarping service. In this step, board-up and roof tarping services will take place, if needed, to protect damaged materials and prevent further damage.board-up and roof tarping services
- Water removal and drying (if water damage is present). This step involves the use of extraction and drying equipment, as well as dehumidifiers, to thoroughly remove and dry any water that may be present.
- Restoration. Lastly, final restoration occurs. This may include construction services large and small, like replacing drywall or reconstructing entire areas or rooms of your home or business.construction services
For more information, visit our FAQ and Glossary .
Sources:
https://www.alaskacollection.com/alaska/stories/alaska-weather-what-you-need-to-know/
https://www.almanac.com/when-hottest-day-year
https://canadiantrainvacations.com/blog/best-time-travel-canada
https://www.redfin.com/guides/climate-change-housing-impact/heat-risk
https://www.thegoodhartgroup.com/the-effects-of-excessive-heat-on-homes/