Planning and Designing Green Homes

Building Homes that are Prepared for Climate Change

The plain truth is that average global temperatures have increased and will continue to climb. In the past few years, its increase has been significantly worse. Furthermore, even a minor increase in global temperature causes less predictable rainfall patterns and more severe storms.

However, the good news is that historical climate records and sophisticated computer modeling of climate trends assist us in assigning risk to future weather events. Moreover, recent advancements enable us to adjust these risk estimations to increasingly smaller territories with a practice called downscaling.

Tips on How Homeowners can Safeguard Properties Against Severe Weather

The good thing is that you can safeguard your home against more severe weather occurrences with some basic understanding. The following are some fundamental elements that the ordinary homeowner or buyer should look for if they wish to lessen the danger of extreme weather occurrences to their property.

It’s worth noting that the standard procedures listed below are all predicated on a surge in weather damage to residences. Regrettably, they are frequently overlooked by developers and homeowners.

Check With Insurance Providers

If you own a property or are thinking about buying one in a flood-prone area, check with your insurance provider to ensure you’re protected from overflow flooding. You may be insured for flood damage caused by rising groundwater, but not for the water that enters via your door’s bottom.

Know What to Look Out For

If you are concerned about the increasing likelihood of downpours, you can look for a few things. First and foremost, the house must have a slope so that water flows out from it rather than into it.

Pay Attention to the Footing Drains

Check that your foundation footing drains are in good working order. Avoid channeling gutters into footer drains when you set them up.

Check for Basement Water Penetration

Basement water penetration may occur if the drain cannot handle the amount during a strong downpour. Downspouts should be guided away from the building and slopes.

Use Other Cooling Alternatives

Moving ahead, it is also preferable to develop alternatives for making a home cool that does not rely on conventional air conditioning. The use of passive heating and cooling should be prioritized.

Also, ensure that your attic is adequately aired, as heat can move from a heated attic onto your home’s top level. Also, remember to safeguard your home from overhangs. In addition to providing rain protection, an extended roof overhang improves airflow and keeps the hot summer sun off the sides of your house.

Pick High-quality Windows

Similarly, select high-quality windows and probably install awnings on frames that receive a lot of direct sunlight. If possible, consider trees for shade while locating a new home, and plant more trees for the coming years. Trees and shrubs can provide shade in the summer while providing free insulation in the cooler months.

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