One of the most prudent things any homeowner can do is prepare their house for the impacts of weather. While many assume this includes steps like winterizing the pipes and checking the seals around the doors and windows, another insidious threat from in the sky could be causing unseen damage. The very star that sustains us may also be destroying everything we’ve worked so hard to build. Here are some tips for how to protect your home from sun damage.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are one of the features around your home most susceptible to the weather’s influence. When the conditions are hot and humid, it can cause the flooring to swell and eventually buckle if it has nowhere else to go. Running your air conditioner can help stop the swelling and keep your hardwood from warping.
Furniture and Decor
One of the most important things you can do to preserve your furniture is to keep it out of direct sunlight whenever possible. This is just one of the many easy ways to protect your furniture from the sun. The nice thing about furniture compared to other items is that rearranging the pieces can resolve many problems. Many home décor items react the same way to sun exposure, including fading and warping. Books, photos, and even some electronics can fall victim to the sun’s harmful influence if left unchecked, but simply moving them to another part of your home can keep them in optimal condition.
Roofs
Your roof is another part of your home that remains vulnerable to high heat and humidity, especially if your attic lacks ventilation. Prolonged exposure to high heat can cause a roof to deteriorate over time. Much like with hardwood flooring, the wood in your ceiling expands and retracts based on the temperature and humidity. This can cause nails to become brittle and break or shingles to dislodge. Once this happens, it’s anybody’s guess how long you have until moisture or other intrusions make their way into your home. Adding a protective coat and sealing the roof is one of the most efficient methods to protect your home from sun damage.
