Hot weather: 6 ways the heat can damage your home - and how to protect your property

• Extreme heat can cause serious damage to your property
• It’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to take steps to protect your house or flat
• Your roof, driveway and pipes are among the parts of your home which are most prone to damage during hot weather

The hot weather can cause damage to your home, but there are steps you can take to protect your property | Photo by Ksenia Chernaya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/handyman-installing-window-frame-with-drill-in-house-5691544/

Homes in the UK are often not best designed to withstand the extreme heat.

High temperatures can lead to all sorts of problems within your house or flat, and outside in the garden or driveway too.

These are some of the most common problems caused to properties by heatwaves, and what you can do to protect your home, courtesy of Surewise insurance and Aviva.

Roof

Extreme heat can lead to cracks and leaks as it causes your roof to expand and contract.

It’s important to inspect your roof and attic regularly and ensure any necessary repairs are carried out as soon as possible.

It’s also a good idea to add insulation to your attic to keep your home cooler.

Mould

High humidity and a lack of air moving around creates the perfect conditions for mould to grow in your home.

It’s important to open your windows in the evenings when the heat has eased off to let the air circulate.

Pipes

Intense heat can cause the ground to shift, putting pressure on undergound pipes and potentially leading to leaks or bursts.

Increased water usage during a heatwave can also put extra stain on your property’s plumbing, making damage more likely.

If you have any problems it’s important to get them seen to as soon as possible before any harm is exacerbated.

Gutters

The hot weather can be accompanied by heavy summer storms.

It’s crucial to keep your gutters clear as any blockages increase the risk of water damage caused by sudden downpours.

Garden/driveway

Extreme heat can cause driveways or garden paths made of materials like concrete or asphalt to crack or buckle.

Surfaces which are already cracked will be worst affected so it’s important to get any issues sorted as soon as possible.

Outdoor equipment like lawnmowers can also be damaged during a heatwave, so it’s crucial to protect them with covers or to keep them in the shed.

Look after your plants by watering the garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation.

Adding mulch to your flowerbeds can help retain moisture and protect plants too, and installing shade cloth or sails is another way to keep your plants happy in extreme heat.

Electrics

Extreme heat can cause electrics to malfunction and start a fire.

It’s vital your electrical systems are properly maintained and you don’t overload your circuits during a heatwave.

It’s also important to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly in case of a fire or gas leak.

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