4 Signs Your Home Is Weather-Beaten and What You Can Do About It

With a roof over our heads, we can weather any storm. Our house brings comfort and security, supporting us through thick and thin. But what if your home is feeling under the weather?

Climate change is wreaking havoc everywhere; there’s no sense in denying its power. Summers are hotter. Unexpected storms and winds catch us unaware. Under these circumstances, your house may have developed problems that will only aggravate with time.

The Conversation finds that in the past few years, homeowners insurance premiums have risen and how. Meanwhile, coverage has shrunk. America now sees intense natural forces like hail, wildfires, and tornadoes – thank you, climate change! This means not inspecting your home for weather damage can prove costlier in the long run.

These five signs can indicate the need for urgent home repair. You don’t want your home, your source of solace, to face neglect.

1. Frequent Roof Leaks and Mold in the Attic

Have you been putting more buckets under a leaking roof to prevent the living room from getting wet? A leak that shows up every other day can be a loud indicator of water damage in your roof. It can promote mold growth in the attic, showing up as an annoyingly musty smell. It can even spoil any furniture you’ve placed in the attic.

In fact, Consumer Affairs reported that water and roof damage are among the top three maintenance issues plaguing homeowners. The survey noted that 38% of respondents worry about home repair expenses. This expenditure escalates if you leave the problem unresolved.

Professional roof replacement can seem like a cumbersome project. But it may be inevitable if your roof has aged over 25 years. Moreover, some regions are at greater risk of roof-related problems brought on by mercurial weather. Only recently, a harsh winter storm ravaged many areas in South California. Los Angeles saw severe rainfall, leading to flooding and mudslides.

Tile roofing can be a durable way to brave such conditions. LA Roof Masters observes that this roofing material is fire-resistant and may last over 50 years. However, you can also explore asphalt shingles or metal roofing based on your home’s individual requirements and available budget.

Book a professional inspection to identify the concerns in your present roofing. You can chart the most cost-effective repair roadmap.

2. Burst Pipes in Winter

Does your household plumbing suffer in winter? When the temperature plummets and everything gets snowed up, your house may look like a Christmas greeting card. However, your pipes may not be a fan of this aesthetic.

Do you live in an old home that doesn’t have plumbing winterization? Bursting pipes are a common occurrence in winter. You may encounter this in areas without heat, like a garage. A short-term fix is using insulation to keep the heat in. You can also stop the pressure from building by turning off the supply when you leave the city for weeks.

However, we recommend having a professional inspect your plumbing. It prevents this from becoming a deeper-set problem. A plumber can fix any malfunctioning fixtures and use an antifreeze solution. They will also tackle any cracks or gaps in the piping. 

These steps are essential if you plan to spend the winter elsewhere, such as a Christmas skiing holiday with your extended family.

3. Bubbling Paint Due to Moisture

If the term sounds appealing, let us warn you: bubbling paint is unpleasant and unsightly. Have you noticed patches on your walls where the paint seems to have developed blisters? This happens when a pocket of fluid forms in dried paint, usually due to excessive moisture. 

No wonder this problem is most common in places that have heavy rains. You will likely see it in the kitchen or bathrooms – regions most prone to condensation. While paint blisters can develop within a few hours of applying a fresh coat, they can also appear years later.

Sometimes, you can tackle this problem with a simple scraping-repainting routine. But if your house has significant water damage, you should tackle the root cause. Timing any home repair projects according to the weather is also crucial. For example, painting on a hot, humid day may not be the best way to get a neat result.

In general, using weather-proof paint is a good investment to make upfront. For example, some homeowners use epoxy paint for its waterproof properties and longevity. Exterior surfaces, bathrooms, etc., can benefit from such paints due to their frequent exposure to moisture.

4. Wind-damaged Windows and Doors

If you live in an area that faces strong winds, hurricanes, and storms, the shutters in your house endure a lot of pressure. For example, recent news reports state that winds in Southern California have hit hurricane speeds in a few areas: as high as 85 mph. An aging home will find it tiring to deal with such a mighty onslaught.

Your windows and doors keep the debris out during such events. But after many years, severe winds can affect their seals and ability to stay shut. Have you noticed cracks or broken glass in your windows? Some damage after storms is visible. But you must also scrutinize for hidden damage, like a bolt that doesn’t bolt right. 

A Frontiers in Built Environment study recommends using debris-rated shutters in vulnerable regions. They can minimize structural damage and help your house face higher internal pressure. You should get an expert’s opinion on the shutters in your home and judge whether it’s time to do an overhaul.

Inclement weather brings our spirits down. Seasonal depression, a condition some of us feel in the thick of winter, with nothing to see but grey, dull skies, is a real affliction. Homes can also get weather-beaten like us. It is up to the residents to give them the TLC they need.

One advantage of regularly monitoring your house is identifying problems early. Tackling issues before they blow up into massive challenges can save you money and prepare your home for adverse weather events in the future.