As summer weather sets in, the heat can take its toll on your home’s exterior, especially if your property is older. From bad stucco to poor ventilation, homeowners need to be mindful of how energy efficient remodels can make a significant difference when it comes to comfort, safety, and cost savings. Learn more about how to beat the heat below with our expert tips and best practices.
Excessive Moisture Can Undermine Stucco
Stucco is a cement-based siding material with the ability to last for decades depending on initial application, the type of base material it’s applied to, the climate it is applied in, and upkeep. However, it’s important for homeowners who live in rainy places like Southeast Pennsylvania to keep an eye out for signs of damage to prevent moisture from harming the foundation and seeping into interior walls. Otherwise, homeowners can deal with problems such as foundational damage from mold, mildew, and rot. This can subsequently lead to health problems such as allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
In addition, termites and other pests tend to be attracted to moist wood, which can result in an infestation that further damages the foundation of your home.
Top Signs You Need Stucco Remediation
Many of the issues listed below are often a result of poor installation. Expert contractors will generally recommend stucco remediation to ensure stucco is applied properly and that draining systems are in place to deflect moisture from the home.
Any of these signs point to moisture leaking through the stucco instead of draining properly:
- Blistering (cracking)
- Soft texture
- Bubbling (paint is rising)
- Mold
- Heavy staining
- Missing pieces
- Efflorescence (chalky, white residue due to plaster absorbing moisture)
- Dampness
- Cracking
Consider James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
As an alternative siding material, homeowners may prefer James Hardie fiber cement siding, the market’s leading siding material. James Hardie fiber cement siding is weather-resistant, long-lasting, and comes in a variety of colors and designs to mimic different textures to suit any home. As an Elite Preferred contractor, Preferred Home Improvement is recognized by the James Hardie Contractor Alliance Program for our high level of service and exceptional customer satisfaction.
Heat & Storms Can Damage a Home’s Roof
Direct sunlight, heat, and humidity can impact roofing materials over time. Repeated exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can lead to shingles cracking, peeling, and/or gradually becoming more brittle. Moreover, if your home isn’t insulated and ventilated properly, the roof and attic will absorb high heat and humidity, resulting in roof damage over time. For instance, high heat can cause roofing materials to warp and crack, while humidity can generate surplus condensation that can lead to water damage and mold in your home.
In addition to high heat and humidity during the summer, homeowners may experience rain, hail, lightning, and high winds from storms. If your roof is older or a storm is severe to the point of damaging shingles, there is potential for rainfall to leak through roofing materials. Meanwhile, hail and wind can crack or lift shingles, leading rain to seep into the home. In turn, excessive moisture can result in mold, mildew, or rot.
Upgrade Your Roof for Year-Round Protection
If your roof is worn down or heavily damaged, it’s time to seek professional roof contractor services. Preferred Home Improvement specializes in asphalt shingle roofing, which is one of the most cost-friendly, durable, and adaptable roofing materials on the market.
High Temperatures Expose Worn Windows
Is your home still too warm even though the AC is running? If your windows are older, they may be the culprit. Windows can transfer solar heat indoors, especially if they aren’t weather stripped properly or the glass lacks energy efficient coatings. At Preferred Home Improvement, we take pride in using energy efficient windows for our customers to prevent poor insulation, air leaks, and intense solar heat transfer.
Energy efficient windows feature Low-emissivity or Low-E coatings on glass that help reflect against the sun’s rays to retain the set indoor temperature. As a result, these coatings can lower energy loss by up to 50%, saving homeowners on higher energy bills because the AC doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the home. Additionally, there are plenty of glazing options such as reflective coatings to better insulate your home.
Work With Leading Home Exterior Contractors in Delaware, Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties
Regular maintenance and inspections are the key to preventing severe home exterior damage from high temperatures and summer storms. If your home has been impacted by summer weather or you notice exterior red flags, turn to the experts at Preferred Home Improvement. For over 35 years, our family-owned exterior remodeling company has offered high-quality renovation services in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery County.
Specializing in roofing, siding, windows, doors, and full exterior remodeling, we offer superior, affordable services to each client. Call (215) 366-5813 or fill out a contact form to schedule a free consultation!
