December weather warning for South African homeowners
South Africa is set to experience hot summer months, which means that homeowners should prepare their homes for the sunny season if they want to avoid paying costly damages.
This was explained by Property 24, which gave advice on how homeowners can ensure they avoid sun damage.
The organisation explained that sunlight can be harsh on homes, causing damage to exteriors, interiors, and furnishings over time.
UV rays fade interior furnishings like fabrics, wallpapers, and painted surfaces, diminishing vibrancy and leading to costly replacements.
Building materials such as wood, plastic, and vinyl are also vulnerable to UV exposure, which causes warping, cracking, and degradation and increases maintenance expenses.
Flooring materials, including wood and carpets, suffer as well. Sunlight causes bleaching, uneven discolouration, and fibre breakdown, often requiring costly repairs or replacements.
Additionally, excessive sunlight raises indoor temperatures, driving up energy costs as cooling systems work harder, shortening their lifespan.
Protecting your home from the sun doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
This year, South Africa has seen an increase in severe weather events, from flooding and snowstorms to droughts.
For this reason, it is especially important for property owners to ensure that they perform all of their home maintenance to avoid any weather-related damage.
Karen Rimmer, Head of Distribution at PSG Insure, explained that updating your insurance policies to cover the replacement value of the property, including any special features like high-end tiling, is also an important part of this.
She recommended updating your policy when adding new items or home extensions to ensure comprehensive insurance coverage.
“As with buildings insurance, the key is to make sure you cover your home contents for their current replacement value – don’t guess. And remember, insurers can only protect what they know about.”
“It helps to keep the original receipts for items like big screen TVs so that you can prove their value if you need to claim. To help you assess your home contents correctly, here’s a handy home contents inventory.”
Below are Property 24’s practical and effective ways to shield your home from the harmful effects of sunlight.
Plant tall trees and shrubs
Planting tall trees and shrubs is a natural and eco-friendly way to protect your home from intense sunlight.
These plants provide year-round shade and also help improve air quality by emitting oxygen.
Whether you’re an avid gardener or a novice, you can find plenty of resources online to guide you through planting and maintenance. Alternatively, you can hire professionals to do the job for you.
Once established, trees and shrubs require minimal upkeep, needing only occasional pruning. Over time, they not only shield your home but also enhance your garden’s aesthetic appeal.
Use sun-resistant soft furnishings
Curtains and other soft furnishings are another line of defence against harsh sunlight. They block sunlight from entering your home, preventing interior damage.
However, selecting the right materials is crucial. For instance, cotton is more resistant to sun damage than delicate fabrics like silk.
The colour of your curtains also matters. Light-coloured fabrics reflect sunlight, helping to keep your home cool, whereas darker shades absorb sunlight and are more prone to fading.
By choosing durable materials and lighter hues, you can protect your home and regulate indoor temperatures.
Rethink furniture placement
Furniture placement plays a vital role in reducing sun damage inside your home. Placing furniture, especially darker pieces, directly in front of windows exposes them to prolonged sunlight, leading to fading over time.
If space is limited, consider rotating your furniture regularly to distribute sun exposure. This simple habit can help minimise the risk of uneven fading and extend the life of your furniture.
Install a patio awning
A patio awning is a versatile addition to your home, providing shade for both your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Installed over the front or back of your property, it creates a cool area to enjoy your garden while shielding your windows and walls from direct sunlight. This can also reduce heat build-up indoors, making your home more comfortable.
Insulate your home
Many people associate insulation with keeping homes warm in winter, but it’s equally important in summer.
Proper insulation prevents overheating by reducing heat transfer through your walls and roof. It also protects your home’s contents from extreme temperatures, which can damage electronics, candles, and even wall hangings.
By maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, insulation not only safeguards your belongings but also enhances your comfort year-round.
Treat hardwood floors
Hardwood flooring can suffer significant damage from prolonged sun exposure. To preserve its quality, consider applying a sun-repellent treatment available at most DIY stores.
This helps slow the fading process and maintain the wood’s natural beauty.
Rugs are another protective option, but they should be rotated periodically to prevent uneven discolouration. Pairing rugs with curtains or blinds can further reduce sunlight’s impact.
Consider replacing old windows
Old windows can exacerbate sun damage as they lose energy efficiency over time. They allow more UV rays to penetrate, which can harm your furniture and interiors.
While replacing windows is a long-term investment, you can opt for cost-effective temporary fixes like window tinting. A vinyl film applied to the glass can reflect sunlight, helping to keep your home cooler and reduce UV exposure.
Paint your house a lighter colour
If major investments like patio awnings or new windows aren’t immediately feasible, consider painting your house in lighter shades.
Colours like white reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, offering a budget-friendly way to protect your home from sun damage.
You can save money by painting the exterior yourself or hiring a professional decorator for a polished finish.
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