Extreme Temperatures Can Wreak Havoc On Your Home, Here's What You Need To Know

Extreme hot and cold temperatures can have a variety of effects on a home, both externally and internally. It's important to know what to watch for.

During extreme cold temperatures, a home may experience issues such as:

• Frozen pipes: When water in pipes freezes, it expands and can cause the pipes to burst, leading to costly water damage.
  
  
• Ice dams: When snow on the roof melts and then refreezes at the edge of the roof, it can create ice dams that prevent water from draining properly. This can cause water to back up and leak into the home.
  
  
• Heating problems: Cold temperatures can put extra strain on a home's heating system, which may result in problems such as a furnace breaking down or a pilot light going out.

During extreme hot temperatures, a home may experience issues such as:

• Warping: Extreme heat can cause wood and other materials to expand, leading to warping and other structural damage.
  
  
• Cracking: Dry, hot conditions can cause paint and plaster to crack, and may also lead to cracks in foundations and other structural components.
  
  
• Pest problems: Hot temperatures can attract pests such as ants, termites, and cockroaches, which can cause damage to a home. To protect a home from the effects of extreme temperatures, it's important to ensure that the home is properly insulated, maintain the heating and cooling systems, and make any necessary repairs as soon as possible.

Additionally, it's a good idea to take steps to reduce the amount of heat or cold that enters the home, such as using window coverings or sealing gaps around windows and doors.