How Oklahoma’s Heat and Humidity Causes Severe Damage to Your Home
This summer in Oklahoma we've experienced extreme heat and several bouts of severe weather with heavy rain. We've had several storms with high winds and big hail that have caused all kinds of damage to our homes. But did you know that the heat and humidity themselves can cause significant damage to your home?
According to an article from The Weather Channel, heat and humidity can cause severe damage to your home, and often, this damage is done slowly over time and you don't notice till it's too late. I've been a homeowner for a long time now, but I still feel like I learn something new every day! I had no idea the affects Oklahoma's recent extreme heat and humidity could have on the structure of my home.
1. Crawl Space
Most homes in Oklahoma have a crawl space under their home. Heat and humidity can get trapped under there and the stagnant air coupled with moisture can cause issues with mold and mildew. So if your home has a faint smell of mold and mildew, you might want to check your crawl space.
2. Attic
We all know heat rises, so with this extreme heat, you know your attic is going to be HOT. According to the article, most attics don't have the best airflow, so humidity will start to build up and it could start breaking down your insulation. If you feel like your home isn't cooling properly, you may want to check your attic if there's nothing wrong with your air conditioner.
3. Bathrooms
We all do it. When we take a hot bath or shower, the windows and mirrors fog up from the warm moisture. We do this all the time, so our bathrooms build humidity inside our home year-round. Again, heat rises, so all that moisture is going up to your attic.
4. Windows and Doors
Poorly sealed doors and windows can cause cool air to escape and warm air comes in. They can also cause unseen damage between the interior and exterior of your home. Without proper sealing and drainage, your poorly sealed doors and windows can trap water between the walls of your home. We all know what trapped water does: it molds.
5. Plumbing
I'll admit, I came across this article because I noticed my bathroom was smelling funky. It had been clean but there was still a... smell. I was able to pinpoint the smell to my toilet. Apparently, heat and humidity can have a huge affect on your plumbing. If your home's plumbing isn't sealed properly, heat and humidity can cause significant damage to your plumbing system.