How hot weather can affect your home

While many of us enjoy warm weather, high temperatures can affect our homes too. Most of these changes are temporary and nothing to worry about, but it’s helpful to know what to expect and when you should contact us.

Doors and windows may become harder to open or close

Hot weather can cause materials such as timber and uPVC to expand. This means your doors or windows may feel a little tighter than usual or become more difficult to open and close.

In most cases, your doors and windows will return to normal once temperatures cool down.

Top tip: Avoid forcing doors or windows, as this could cause damage.

Small cracks may appear

During prolonged hot weather, building materials naturally expand and contract as temperatures change. You may notice small hairline cracks appearing around walls or ceilings, particularly in newer homes as they continue to settle.

These are usually cosmetic and are not normally a cause for concern.

If you notice large cracks that are widening quickly or you have concerns about the structure of your home, please report them to us.

Tarmac and outdoor surfaces can soften

If your home has a tarmac driveway or path, you may notice it becomes softer during very hot weather.

To help protect the surface, try to avoid turning your steering wheel while your vehicle is stationary, as this can leave marks or scuffs.

Looking after your garden

Lawns often turn brown during periods of hot, dry weather. This is perfectly normal and, in most cases, the grass will recover once cooler, wetter weather returns.

If you’ve recently planted flowers, shrubs or young trees, they may need extra watering during particularly warm spells.

Keeping your home cool

A few simple steps can help keep your home more comfortable during hot weather:

• Keep curtains or blinds closed in rooms that get direct sunlight.
• Open windows when it’s cooler outside, such as early in the morning or later in the evening, if it is safe to do so.
• Keep internal doors open where appropriate to help air circulate around your home.
• Stay hydrated and check on friends, family or neighbours who may be more vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.

Be mindful of loft spaces

Lofts can become extremely hot during summer and temperatures can be much higher than elsewhere in your home.

If you need to access your loft, take care and, where possible, avoid doing so during the hottest part of the day.

Rubbish and recycling

Warm weather can attract flies and other pests, particularly if food waste is left outside.

To help reduce this:

• Keep bin lids closed.
• Rinse food containers before placing them in your recycling.
• Empty food waste regularly if you have a food waste caddy.

When should I contact Broadacres?

While many changes during hot weather are perfectly normal, please get in touch if:

• A door or window can no longer be locked or secured.
• You notice large cracks that appear to be getting worse.
• You believe your home has suffered damage following extreme weather.
• There is anything that could affect your safety or the security of your home.

If you’re ever unsure whether something needs reporting, our team will be happy to help. Contact us here.

Enjoy the sunshine safely

Most homes will experience some minor changes during periods of hot weather, and these are usually temporary. By knowing what to expect and taking a few simple precautions, you can help keep your home comfortable throughout the summer.

If you’re concerned about your home or think something needs repairing, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.