A Guide to Understanding Heat Damage in Newark, DE

Homes are vulnerable to a host of threats during the summer storm season from natural disasters, accidental damages, and the regular wear and tear of the environment. While coastal homeowners may not have to worry about hurricanes or tropical storms all year long, they do need to pay attention to other threats like saltwater and heat damage constantly.

Coastal homes are especially vulnerable to high heat and UV rays that are enhanced by their proximity to the ocean. In this helpful guide, we will talk about the different types of heat damage and what coastal residents can do to protect their homes.

Types of Heat Damage

Heat damage can be found anywhere on the home – inside and out. Key areas of the home that experience the most exposure are usually the exterior walls, roof, or other outdoor structures. The sun’s rays and heat can also travel into the home and damage indoor materials, like furniture or flooring. If you’ve ever noticed that one part of your rug is lighter than a section that sits under the furniture, that’s the work of the sun.

Here are a few different types of heat damage to look out for:

Discoloration. Long-term sun exposure may result in fading of exterior paint and other materials, like wood.

Peeling or cracking. When UV rays heat the surface of outdoor objects, it causes the materials to come apart and peel or crack.

Melting or warping. Heat causes materials to expand, which may result in the warping of exterior materials, like siding. With intense enough heat, materials can even melt.

If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, you should act quickly to repair, replace, and install more preventative measures for the future.

Preventing Heat Damage

Completely avoiding the sun or heat is impossible, especially in the summer months. There are a number of ways that you can prevent extensive heat damage before it becomes an expensive repair, however, using some basic home maintenance best practices. Following these preventative measures will not only save you money in repairs but also improve the appearance and integrity of your home.

Because most insurance companies mainly cover accidental damages, like natural disasters, they often will not cover heat damage expenses. Instead, it becomes the responsibility of the homeowner to prevent damage and cover the repair costs, which may include:

Replacement of materials
Repainting or sealing structures
Replacing or restoring outdoor furniture

Before you begin any repairs, we highly encourage homeowners to contact their insurance company for detailed information about their personal plans.

The cost of repairs will vary depending on the severity, location, and extent of the damage. Investing in preventative measures will pay off, as you will have less extensive repairs to worry about in the future.

Seal Wooden Structures

Before a tree is harvested for lumber, they rely on their bark to protect them from the sun, disease, and pests. The wood under the bark, therefore, is vulnerable when exposed to the elements. Without the proper treatments and sealants, the unprotected wood materials you use for construction are especially vulnerable to sun and heat damage. Sealing your wooden structures with the proper outdoor-rated products will help lengthen their lifespans and avoid damage.

Related Article: 3 Ways To Protect Your Wooden Deck

Offer Protection from Sun’s Rays

A great way to protect many exterior aspects of your home from heat damage is to block the sun’s rays. For example, adding an awning or covered pergola over outdoor furniture and structures can reduce sun exposure. You might also consider planting more trees and bushes in your landscape to provide further natural shade.

Invest in Durable Exterior Paint

The outermost layer of the home is your front line against environmental exposure. Investing in durable, high-quality paint for siding and other outdoor structures is necessary to protect the home’s look and function. A reliable, sturdy topcoat on your home will prevent the sun’s rays from reaching the more vulnerable materials of your house.

We suggest investing in paint or a seal that has weatherproofing technology to offer better protection against the sun or other natural elements.

Summer is Coming to a Close! Start Your Outdoor Project Today

Learning about the environmental threats in your area is essential to preventing damage and making sure your home is safe and sound. If you live in a coastal home, you’re especially vulnerable to the sun’s rays, saltwater, and typical coastal weather patterns. Here at Advance Inc., we are proud to offer our community and customers outstanding services and reliable resources that help maintain and protect their homes.

Explore our website or contact us today to learn more about your options. We are happy to answer any of your home improvement questions!

A Guide to Understanding Heat Damage