Protect your home from inclement weather.
Texas has a diverse climate, ranging from hot and humid to chilly and icy. Although the changing in seasons is nothing new, what does it mean for your home if the weather is much colder, hotter or wetter than usual? We’ve taken a look at the effects of extreme weather conditions on houses so that you can be prepared.
Damp
Spells of cold and wet weather can leave our homes susceptible to problems with damp. There are a few different types of damp and how they affect your home:
- Rising damp – Ground water coming up through a wall or floor causes rising damp. You may notice peeling wallpaper or paint or damage to the walls. Adding damp-proof material will usually stop it from causing damage.
- Penetrating damp – Penetrating damp is caused when water leaks through the exterior walls and then spreads inside and across interior walling. Usually, the cause of this is broken guttering, roofing or leaking pipes.
- Condensation – Steam condenses on walls, windows, and other surfaces, particularly when they’re cold. Make sure windows are opened regularly to ventilate the house and use extractor fans.
Flooding
Flooding is more likely to be an issue during a warm, wet winter rather than a cold and icy one. Bad storms with heavy rain bring a large flood risk. Homeowner insurance does NOT cover flood so everyone should consider a flood policy, regardless of whether you are in a designated flood hazard area. Everyone should take time and make sure your gutters and drains are clear all during the year.
Frozen Pipes
When temperatures drop, the more exposed pipes in your home and yard are at risk of freezing. If the pipes freeze, the water in the pipe expands as it turns to ice. In turn, this causes the pipe to burst and cause flooding when the temperatures rise again. It’s a good idea to insulate exposed pipes and disconnect and drain exterior hoses before the cold weather sets in.
When the worst happens, your homeowners insurance policy is there to help. Contact the team at Reata Insurance Group. We can help you secure reliable home coverage in Texas that suits your needs and budget.
