Is Your Home Protected Against these Six Common Summer Issues?

(BPT) - Summertime in the Midwest brings warm weather, sunshine and fun — but it also brings particular weather challenges that can have a significant impact on your home.

For homeowners, these issues can be quite stressful. Waking up to a flooded basement after a night of heavy rain or discovering cracks in your foundation from a prolonged drought may not only threaten the structure of your home but can also result in significant and costly repairs.

Understanding the risks from seasonal weather is crucial for protecting your property. According to Innovative Basement Authority , here are six common summertime weather situations that have the most potential to cause problems in your home:

1. High Temperatures

High temperatures can cause soil to dry and contract, potentially leading to shifts in the foundation and structural issues for homes. Many states in the region face extreme heat waves during summer, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 100 degrees, exacerbating the risks associated with soil contraction.

2. Drought

Drought conditions lead to dry soil, which can shrink and crack, causing foundation problems and stress to your landscaping. With many areas experiencing more frequent, prolonged dry spells during the summer, soil contraction is a growing and significant concern.

3. Flooding

On the other end of the spectrum, heavy downpours — especially after periods of drought when the extremely dry soil is unable to absorb and retain moisture efficiently — can cause water to overflow and seep into homes and basements. This can lead to several problems, including water damage, mold growth, and structural issues. Homes in low-lying areas and near bodies of water are at an increased risk of flooding.

4. Severe Storms and Tornadoes

Strong summer storms, which often bring significant wind and hail, can damage roofs, windows and siding, leading to costly repairs for homeowners. Another danger from severe weather are tornadoes, which pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of homes and the potential to cause extensive damage or destruction.

Strong storms, downbursts and tornadoes can occur anywhere when the right conditions are present. States located in/near Tornado Alley — including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota — have a higher likelihood of experiencing tornadoes during the summer months.

5. Humidity

The region’s humid summer climate can lead to higher moisture levels indoors, increasing the risk of mold, dampness and water damage in basements and crawl spaces. Humidity indoors can often by fixed with a dehumidifier, but a certified waterproofing expert can help determine the best solution for your home.

6. Rapid Temperature Fluctuations

Sudden temperature changes can cause stress on building materials, leading to potential cracks and damage to the home's structure. Many areas in the Midwest experience rapid temperature shifts during summer, sometimes within the span of a single day, putting additional stress on homes.

How to Protect Your Home

To protect your home from summer weather, consider these tips from the experts at Innovative Basement Authority, who have been helping homeowners for decades with basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and crawl space repair:

Ensure proper drainage to prevent flooding. This includes making sure your yard is graded/sloped properly to move water downward and away from the home’s foundation.Inspect and maintain your roof, gutters and downspouts regularly to avoid clogs. Also check that your downspouts are routing the water a sufficient distance away from the home — typically around five feet.Install a sump pump to manage excess water in basements.Reinforce your home's structure before the threat of severe storms and tornadoes.Use dehumidifiers to control indoor humidity levels.Water the soil surrounding your home’s foundation during periods of extreme heat and drought to help minimize soil shrinkage. But, it’s important to avoid over watering so that water does not pool and gather at the foundation.

Working with seasoned professionals can help you identify existing issues, understand how to better maintain your property and be more proactive in safeguarding your home against weather challenges — helping your home to maintain its integrity for years.