Keeping
Cleveland Heights
in good repair!

REPAIR TIP OF THE MONTH

Home Repair Resource Center offers advice to do-it-yourselfers, through both our Nuts & Bolts newsletter and handouts in our Resource Library. Here is a sample of the information we provide:

AVOIDING HEAT DAMAGE
July 2010

Most of the time, we focus on the damage that cold and wet weather can do to the systems of a house--but it’s important to remember that the “Dog Days” of summer can also be destructive. By understanding the problems that can result from excess heat and humidity, you can take preventive measures to protect your home.

During the last decade or so, we have become more aware of the damage done to asphalt roofing shingles by excess heat that moves through the roof from the attic below. This heat can drastically shorten the life of a shingled roof. The remedy is adequate venting. Most roofers now recommend installing roof vents when you re-roof; there are numerous systems available, so you can choose the one that best suits your house. However, you can extend the life of your existing roof by adding a power vent to your attic, or even by installing a thermostatically-controlled window fan to move the hot air out.

Over time, asphalt roll roofing on flat roofs over garages and porches is damaged by the sun. You can use roof coating once to renew the oils in the roofing material and seal hairline cracks. You might also consider using aluminized roof coating to reflect the heat of the sun, especially on roofs over living areas where heat builds up (such as enclosed porches or sun rooms.)

Wood, both untreated and treated, is also susceptible to sun damage. All finishes on decks, fences, and varnished porch floors should be U-V resistant.

Although the sun will inevitably take a toll on exterior paint, a good-quality paint will give you the longest life. However, paint can fail earlier on certain areas of the house--usually outside kitchens, bathrooms, or other rooms where excess humidity develops--when water vapor passes through the exterior wall. Miniature vents can be inserted at the top and bottom of each stud cavity outside problem areas, so air can circulate.

Basement walls and cold water pipes are susceptible to condensation during the summer, as humid air comes in contact with these cool surfaces. You might consider using a dehumidifier to control excess humidity in your basement. Cold water pipes can be covered with insulation jackets; and, if your toilet sweats excessively, you can insert a Styrofoam liner into the tank.

Damage from heat and humidity can be prevented, or at least reduced, by these relatively inexpensive measures. So, take the “bite” out of those Dog Days--and extend the life of your house systems.

 

In addition to this month's tip, you can check out previous articles from Project Repair. And, we'll be back next month with another repair tip...