The UK is not exactly renowned for long hot summers. In fact, our summers can often be short and disappointing! But, when the sun does shine, do you ever stop to think about the damage the warm and humid weather could cause to our homes or properties we are responsible for?
We’ve listed some of the less obvious issues property owners could face when the weather does reach beyond the mid 20Cs!
Timber floors and doors
Ever wonder why the front door is suddenly jarred? Or why your wooden floorboards seem to have larger gaps between each panel than before? That is because wood is a natural product which expands when exposed to heat and moisture and shrinks when humidity levels are low. This means that during the summer months, you could find it hard to close your property’s doors as they scrape the bottom of the floor or no longer align with the strike plate.
If your property has wooden floors, you may find you have gaps between each board which are likely to go once winter comes around. However, bulging and lifting in floorboards can occur which may be the cause of a missing expansion gap or exposure to damp and humidity over a long period of time.
To help reduce the effects of dryness or humidity in your unoccupied property, simple measures during any visits to the property such as opening windows to help with circulation of air and dehumidifiers can work wonders. Ensuring that the property doors and floors have the appropriate finishes can reduce the amount of moisture they absorb. Exterior doors are much more exposed to the elements, so ensure they have been properly sealed. can also play an important role in keeping your doors and floors in good shape.
Only clean your floors and doors with products recommended by the supplier or specialists – never use a soaking mop or cloth to clean as all that excess water will just seep into the cracks and be absorbed.
Roof
Although British summers are relatively short and mild compared to hotter countries, damage to your unoccupied property’s roof can still occur during the summer months. The damage may be gradual but over time, tiles, shingles, and wooden roof battens can become cracked and rotten. Tiles and shingles like most materials will degrade over time due to the various weather conditions they are exposed to. Once moisture finds its way into the tile or shingle, the hotter weather can encourage cracks to form.
Wooden battens can warp just like wooden floors and doors due to the penetration of moisture. Lofts can be particularly damp and moist as ventilation is often non-existent. Modern insulation and roof felt is more breathable and robust than older materials, allowing your loft space to release moisture more easily.
Summer can also be the best time to venture into the loft or take a look at your roof (safely) to examine its condition. Replacing any broken or cracked tiles or shingles and checking for moisture before the winter rain sets-in could help prevent any unwanted leaks and rotting!
Summer storms
Although aggressive storms are rare in the UK, when they do materialise, they can bring with them…
If you want to keep reading and discover the rest of our top tips, we’ve got you covered!
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This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice or a recommendation. It does not take into account your individual circumstances. if in doubt, you should seek appropriate professional advice before acting on any of the information provided.
