Historic Homes, Historic Renovations, Home Improvement, Lowcountry Tips
Summerville is a lovely and captivating town famous for its stunning landscapes, beautiful flowers, and grand, historic houses. Residents in this area take pride in owning their homes, but they also have the responsibility of maintaining the exterior of these beautiful properties.
Summerville has a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. However, the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes harsh, which can cause various home exterior issues. Homeowners need to be aware of these issues and maintain the structure accordingly — especially on the older historic homes.
This article aims to provide Summerville homeowners with helpful tips on how to address and prevent common exterior problems that may occur in their homes.
Humidity and Moisture Damage
Summerville’s warm and humid climate creates the perfect environment for moisture-related issues, which can severely affect a home’s exterior if untreated. High humidity levels can lead to condensation on windows and doors, causing rot, mold, and mildew to thrive. Additionally, wood, siding, and stucco are particularly susceptible to damage from excess moisture. Homeowners must take proactive measures to protect their properties from humidity-related issues.
Regularly inspecting and maintaining the caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors is crucial in preventing moisture damage. Further, you can install exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity indoors, ensure proper drainage around the house to prevent water from pooling near the foundation, and apply water-resistant sealants or coatings to exterior surfaces. A helpful tip to prevent rot on wooden decks, fences, and exterior features is to apply sealants regularly.
It is crucial to promptly tackle any existing moisture damage issues in your home so they do not spread and threaten the structure. The expert technicians at New Beginnings Construction can come to your property, examine the area, and guide you in the right direction to fix the problem and prevent new ones.
Hurricane and Storm Damage
Summerville is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms because of the city’s close distance to the coast. These powerful weather events can cause significant damage to home exteriors, including roof shingles, siding, windows, and fences. The impact of flying debris during storms can also lead to severe structural damage.
Investing in impact-resistant windows and doors is beneficial in preventing excessive storm damage caused by flying debris. You should also ensure your roof is in good condition with sturdy materials that can withstand high winds. At New Beginnings, we offer services for both windows and roofing to safeguard your home from the impending hurricane season.
You should trim the trees and shrubs near your home to minimize the risk of branches causing damage during storms. Also, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain your home’s exterior to identify and repair vulnerable areas before a storm hits.
Termite Infestations
Summerville’s warm and humid climate creates a perfect environment for termites to thrive, causing potential damage to a home’s structural integrity. Termites feed on wood, and their presence often goes unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred.
To reduce the likelihood of a termite infestation, schedule regular termite inspections by professionals and use termite-resistant building materials when possible. Keep firewood, lumber, and other wood debris away from your home’s foundation, and address any water leaks or drainage issues that could attract termites. You may also want to consider installing a termite barrier or baiting system around your home as a preventive measure.
Fading and Peeling Paint
The hot and sunny summers in Summerville can take a toll on the exterior paint of homes. Fading and peeling paint not only diminish the curb appeal of a property but also expose the underlying surfaces to potential damage.
Choose high-quality, UV-resistant exterior paint when repainting your home, or work with the professionals at New Beginnings Construction to find the perfect type of paint for you. You should also regularly inspect the exterior for signs of peeling or fading paint and touch up as needed. Cleaning the exterior surfaces through power washing is an effective way to eliminate dirt and debris, which can extend the longevity of your paint. Consider installing awnings or planting shade-providing trees to reduce direct sun exposure on the exterior and prolong the life of your paint job even further.
Cracked and Uneven Driveways or Walkways
In Summerville’s hot and humid climates and its occasional freezing temperatures in the winter, concrete and asphalt driveways and walkways may become uneven and develop cracks.
Be sure to seal cracks in concrete or asphalt promptly to prevent further damage. Proper drainage can also prevent water from seeping under the driveway or walkway, which causes additional issues during freezing temperatures. To reduce the chances of cracks, it’s recommended to choose pavers or other flexible materials that are less prone to cracking. If your driveway or walkway is damaged, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a professional to evaluate and fix it, rather than attempting to repair it yourself.
Owning a home in Summerville is a privilege, but it also comes with the responsibility of maintaining its exterior against the unique challenges of the inland Charleston climate. Addressing the common issues presented in this article can help homeowners protect their investments and ensure their properties remain beautiful and functional for many years.
Working with New Beginnings Construction, “Charleston’s Best Roofer & Remodeler” of 2022 and 2023, can help keep your home safe from Charleston weather threats. Even if you own a historic home, our experts are skilled in renovating and protecting your home while preserving its original charm. We can perform regular inspections, execute timely repairs, and tackle preventive measures to safeguard your home from any exterior issues, thus allowing you to fully enjoy the charm and beauty of Summerville.
With hurricane season upon us, reach out to New Beginnings today to schedule a consultation to ensure your home is protected from any severe upcoming weather.
