How High Heat Waves Effect Your Floridian Homes

7/13/2023 (Permalink)

High temps can have severe effects on your home or business property. Here are parts of your property that can be affected, according to experts.

Each summer, millions of residents, and tourists alike, flock to the Floridian outdoors to get their fix of warm days and sunny beaches. Most are unaware of just how hot it can get in Florida. In fact, experts are now saying that the globe had the hottest June on record, and is on track for the hottest July, with the first few weeks recorded as being the warmest on record.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, the state of Florida is always influenced by tropical moisture, especially in the summer. This is why we Floridians must not only keep in mind the actual climate temperatures, but also the overall heat index created by extreme humidity.

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? Here are areas of your home or business likely to be impacted by high temperatures.

It can have severe effects on your home or business property. Here are parts of your property that can be affected, according to experts.

Pipes

It goes without saying that water usage increases during heat waves. With more usage, comes more of a likelihood of them leaking or bursting.

Floors

Extreme heat has the capacity to warp and expand floorboards. And, unfortunately, hardwood flooring is the most susceptible to high temperatures.

Attic and Roofs

As the highest part of the home or property, the attic generally lacks sufficient airflow. And, with the excessive moisture heat brings, it can even cause your roof and/or shingles to deteriorate. That’s because roofs can expand and warp in high heat, causing shingles to crack. And, with a crack in your roof comes the high possibility of leaks into your property.

Foundation

Even the “below deck” is not safe from extreme temperatures. That’s because when the ground heats up, it causes soil to shrink and evaporate moisture. This excess can cause soil to separate from the footing of your structure, which in the end leads to damage to your foundation.

Paint

Lastly, excessive heat can cause paint to flake and peel. Believe it or not, cracks or openings left by paint can serve as doorways to moisture aka mold.

Protecting your Property Against Heat

Luckily, there are a few ways that you can protect your property against these elements, starting with sealing off the places for heat to enter—your doors and windows. By weather stripping or caulking, you can seal off the unwanted heat from entering your property.

As mentioned earlier your attic can be a prime target for heat-related intrusions. Make sure to insulate your attic and consider adding an attic door cover. Heat from the attic throughout the rest of your property can be reduced by installing a door cover in the hatch or stairway that provides access to the attic.

From an electrical standpoint, consider installing a multi-stage air conditioner. These devices actually adjust their cooling output and can even do so at lower speeds. All while reducing overall air conditioning costs. You could also install a programmable thermostat. These can be lower used when cooling isn’t needed (like at night or early mornings) when you aren’t actually present in your home or on your property.

Where Can You Go For Up-To-Date Info?

In the meantime, make sure to stay up to date with the current Florida temperatures—especially the overall heat index. See below for the top three sites to visit to stay in the know this “hotter than Hades” summer season.

• Current Temperature Map of Florida
• Current Heat Index Map of Florida
• Current Watches & Warnings for Florida

SERVPRO is Ready 24/7

Excessive heat isn’t just a health hazard; it can also wreak havoc on your home or business. If you experience damage to your home or business because of heat-related issues, we are here to help!

At SERVPRO of New Smyrna Beach-Titusville, we are highly trained professionals that will help you recover from devastating fire & water damage if you do suffer a structure fire, but we believe that prevention is better than a cure. However, we know that accidents happen. That is why our team is ready to respond to your emergency 24/7/365!