4 Ways Winter Affects Your Home’s Structure

Winter can be exciting, as you can stay indoors with your family and spend quality time with them. However, it’s also vital to prepare for the period, as you’ll need to stay warm and plan for the chilly wind, heavy snow, and low temperatures that come with the season. According to statistics, the UK has even recorded temperatures as low as -27.2 °C on three different occasions, indicating how cold the season can be. In areas that experience harsher weather conditions during the winter, it’s essential to consider ways to safeguard your home and prevent any damage to your building. Here are some effects winter can have on your home and how you can deal with them. 

Your floors may contract and crack

The cold winter breeze can adversely affect your flooring due to a sudden drop in humidity levels. As a result, your floors can contract or shrink, leaving thin gaps and sometimes cracks between the lines. When snow finds its way into your home, it can also be a harsh abrasive on your floors, especially when fresh. Additionally, snow presence at room temperature can also encourage floor warping.  

Many building experts will recommend installing hardwood, or other durable wood flooring options during winter. This is because it works well with heat systems, reducing the contraction caused by cold weather. However, if a drop in humidity is beginning to affect your flooring, you can consider adding a humidifier to your heating system.

Possibility of mould growth

Mould growth can be challenging for homeowners and can occur during the winter season. When the temperature drops during the cold months, warm air in your home may come into contact with your cool window panes, depositing water vapour and creating a build-up of moisture around your window panes. This moisture can lead to mould growth around your windows during winter. 

One of the most effective ways to prevent this from happening during winter is to use a dehumidifier while finding other practical ways to increase air circulation in your home, such as micro-ventilation, where you open your windows slightly for a short while. 

Your roof gutters can fall

Believe it or not, your gutters can fall during winter when they come under pressure from the heavy burden of snow and debris. The weight of ice building up can pull a gutter system off your roof, even when it’s new. In some cases, installations on your roof, like solar panels, can also slide off when snow accumulates on it for some time. 

The best way to prevent this is to ensure that too much snow doesn’t gather on your roof. You can do this using a roof rake or calling professionals to assist you. 

Your roof may lose its strength

Aside from heavy snowfall affecting your gutters, it can also damage your roof, especially due to freezing temperatures and condensation. You may also have to deal with ice dams that could cause roof leakages. Additionally, when there are strong winds or ice storms, your shingles can loosen up easily, while the formation of icicles puts further strain on your roof. 

Removing icicles immediately after they start piling up is best to keep your roof from losing its strength. Also, inspect your roof after ice storms to check for damaged shingles and fix them when the weather allows it. 

Remember to be safety-conscious throughout the winter, and prepare adequately to avoid damage to your home.