Five ways summer heat can damage your home, and what to do

Ahh, sunny weather. Seems like bliss after floods and fires! But the intense Australian summer heat can still damage your home, not all of which is covered by home and contents insurance. And this Aussie summer is set to be a scorcher thanks to El Niño. 

Here are five checks to do around your home when temperatures rise.

The sun can damage your roof over time, whether it’s cracking the tiles, warping the corrugated metal, or frying the cheap sheeting. 

While you’re up there cleaning out your gutters for bushfire season, be sure to give your roof a solid once-over to inspect the state of the materials. If you notice something amiss, it could be worth doing a repair or restoration. 

After all, a good roof is energy-efficient, while a bad one poorly insulates you. (In fact, a damaged roof could be one of the reasons your energy bill has shot up this summer).

Plus, long-term damage could leave you vulnerable to developing leaks when it rains, which definitely won’t be covered by your home insurance policy.

Speaking of leaks, high water usage during summer makes this a great season to check your pipes. As the daily temperature fluctuates, water pipes can expand and contract, which will wear them down over time. 

Get a plumber around periodically to check your pipes, including any flexible hoses under your sink or behind your washing machine, as these tend to rupture after three or four years of regular use.

If you find a leak, fix it sooner rather than later: home insurance only covers leaks caused by an insured event, like a natural disaster.

Summer barbecues or afternoon tea on the verandah are cherished Australian traditions. While most of us would expect expensive deck chairs and tables to earn sun damage eventually, our indoor furniture can cop the worst of it, too.

Heat and moisture expand materials like wood, degrading quality over time and even shifting furniture pieces against floors and walls (which can create more scratches). Bad news if you’re renting your place, or want to get repairs done with a home insurance claim!

Move precious items into the shade and do a wellness check of your hardwood items, especially hardwood floors. 

Summer often means storms, high winds, and cranking up the power on our home appliances, which can all leave your home vulnerable to electrical outages, shocks, or fires. 

Turn off non-essential equipment, especially during peak periods or hot days, as this prevents your usage from overwhelming your home’s wiring or the grid at large. 

After summer storms or windy days, do a walk around of all key electrical connections leading into your place. If you find a downed power line or wire, do not go near or touch it. Move to safety, call an electrician, and tell your energy provider to cut the power to your property temporarily.

Summer humidity brings the familiar menace of black mould, but rising damp often reflects poor air circulation – not bad housing construction. 

If you’re drying your clothes inside (especially on rainy days), shutting up your bathroom during showers, or closing up your windows to block out the heat, make a conscious effort to circulate air around your place. This includes opening up at night when it’s cooler, creating a breeze with a fan, or plugging in the dehumidifier for a few hours. 

If you notice mould build-up, spray it with a household cleaner and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Doing this prevents long-term impacts on your respiratory health and the mould from getting into your belongings.

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