Hurricane Season Home Prep and Essential Summer Maintenance for Asheville Homeowners
Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains brings incredible weather for outdoor living, but it also presents unique challenges for your home. Between high humidity, intense afternoon storms, and hurricane season stretching from June through November, your Asheville home needs extra attention during these warmer months.
At HomeSource Design Center, we see how proper summer maintenance can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and extend the life of your home's materials. With hurricane season already underway, now's the time to tackle both routine summer care and storm preparation.
Why Summer Maintenance Matters in Mountain Homes
Mountain homes face a perfect storm of summer challenges. High humidity can damage wood and promote mold growth. Intense afternoon thunderstorms test your home's water management systems. And while we're hundreds of miles from the coast, major hurricanes can still bring damaging winds and torrential rains to our area.
The materials in your home - from hardwood floors to natural stone countertops - respond to these conditions in different ways. Understanding how to protect them can save you from costly repairs and keep your home looking and functioning its best.
Managing Summer Humidity and Moisture
Indoor Humidity Control
Run exhaust fans regularly in bathrooms and kitchens. Summer humidity can quickly build up indoors, leading to condensation on windows, mold growth, and damage to wood surfaces. Don't just run them during showers - use them anytime you're cooking or if indoor humidity feels high.
Monitor your HVAC system closely during summer months. Change filters monthly instead of quarterly when you're running air conditioning heavily. Clogged filters reduce efficiency and air circulation, allowing moisture to build up in your home.
Use a hygrometer to track indoor humidity levels. Ideal levels are 30-50% relative humidity. Above 60%, you risk mold growth and wood damage. Below 30%, wood can crack and shrink.
Install dehumidifiers in problem areas like basements, laundry rooms, or bathrooms with poor ventilation. Persistent moisture in these spaces can damage flooring and walls and create unhealthy air quality.
Check for condensation on windows, pipes, or in closets. This is often the first sign that humidity levels are too high and materials could be at risk.
Exterior Moisture Management
Clean and inspect gutters monthly during summer storm season. Clogged gutters can overflow during heavy rains, causing water to run down your home's exterior and potentially into your foundation.
Check downspouts and drainage around your home. Make sure water flows away from your foundation, not toward it. Summer storms can dump several inches of rain in short periods.
Inspect your roof regularly for damaged or missing shingles. Summer heat can make asphalt shingles more prone to damage, and you want everything sealed tight before major storms hit.
Look for signs of water intrusion like stains on ceilings or walls, musty odors, or soft spots in flooring near exterior walls.
Protecting Different Materials from Summer Heat and Humidity
Hardwood Floors
Summer humidity is hardwood's biggest enemy. Wood expands when it absorbs moisture from humid air, causing boards to cup, buckle, or separate at the joints.
Maintain consistent indoor humidity with your HVAC system. Sudden changes are more damaging than gradual ones.
Place quality mats at all exterior doors to catch wet feet from summer rain and morning dew. Water sitting on wood floors can cause permanent damage.
Clean spills immediately, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where summer humidity is already high.
Check for signs of cupping or gapping between boards. Minor issues can often be fixed by adjusting humidity levels, but severe problems may require professional attention.
Consider when to refinish vs. replace. If your floors show wear but the wood is structurally sound, summer's low-humidity periods are ideal for refinishing work.
Tile and Grout
Summer's humidity makes tile and grout maintenance crucial for preventing water damage and mold growth.
Deep clean and seal grout lines early in summer. This prevents moisture from getting behind tiles, where it can cause them to loosen or create mold problems.
Check for loose or cracked tiles, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Summer humidity can worsen these problems quickly.
Improve ventilation in tiled areas. Use exhaust fans, open windows when possible, and consider adding ventilation if problem areas stay humid.
Address grout problems quickly. Small issues become big problems when summer moisture gets involved.
Wood Cabinetry and Trim
Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes, making summer care important for cabinets, trim, and built-ins.
Wipe down cabinet surfaces regularly to prevent moisture buildup, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where humidity is naturally higher.
Check cabinet doors and drawers for proper alignment. Humidity can cause wood to swell, making doors stick or not close properly.
Ensure good ventilation around cabinets, especially under sinks, where plumbing leaks can combine with humidity to cause serious damage.
Look for signs of water damage like soft spots, discoloration, or musty odors in cabinet interiors.
Hurricane Season Preparation for Mountain Homes
Hurricane Helene reminded us that even though we're inland, major storms can bring devastating winds, heavy rains, and flooding to our mountain community. The damage we experienced last year showed how important it is to take storm preparation seriously. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with peak activity typically in August and September, and preparation can make all the difference in protecting your home and family.
Immediate Storm Preparations
Trim trees and remove dead branches near your home. Mountain storms can turn branches into projectiles that damage siding, windows, or roofing. Focus on trees within falling distance of your house.
Secure or store outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment that could become projectiles. Even deck furniture can cause serious damage in high winds.
Check and clean gutters and downspouts thoroughly. Heavy rains can overwhelm clogged drainage systems quickly, leading to water damage.
Test your sump pump if you have one. Heavy rains can overwhelm basement drainage systems, and you want to know your pump works before you need it.
Stock emergency repair supplies including tarps, plywood, duct tape, and basic tools. If storms cause damage, having materials on hand for temporary repairs can prevent further damage.
Structural Storm Preparations
Inspect your roof for vulnerable areas like loose shingles, damaged flashing, or areas where different roof sections meet. Address these before storm season peaks.
Check windows and doors for proper sealing. Wind-driven rain can find even small gaps and cause interior damage.
Review your insurance coverage and document your home's condition with photos. This is especially important for expensive materials and finishes.
Know how to shut off utilities, including electricity, gas, and water, if necessary, during or after storms.
Material-Specific Storm Prep
Stone veneer and masonry: Check that all mortar joints are properly sealed. Wind-driven rain can penetrate small gaps and cause damage behind stone surfaces.
Tile roofs: Individual tiles can be lifted by high winds. Have loose or damaged tiles repaired before major storms.
Wood siding and trim: Make sure all caulking is intact around windows, doors, and other openings. Replace any cracked or missing caulk.
Concrete surfaces: Seal any cracks in driveways, walkways, or patios. Water can penetrate these cracks and cause further damage.
Protecting Your Investment Year-Round
Proper summer maintenance isn't just about avoiding problems; it's about protecting the value of your mountain home while ensuring your family's comfort and safety during severe weather.
At HomeSource Design Center, we help homeowners choose materials that perform well in our mountain climate. Whether you're planning summer projects, dealing with storm damage, or just maintaining what you have, selecting the right materials makes maintenance easier and more effective.
Contact HomeSource Design Center at 828-252-1022 or schedule your free consultation today.
Let’s Talk!
Visit us and shop our extensive range of tiles, counters, cabinets, and more.