The Impact of Climate Change on Property Damage: How changing weather patterns can lead to increased restoration needs
Climate-related disasters create hundreds of billions of dollars each year in property damage in the United States alone.
With a combination of extreme weather and higher rates of forest fire, a wide range of factors can contribute to climate-related emergencies.
Here’s the bottom line: Climate change is creating both more frequent and extreme weather events. That’s not a reason to panic. It is a good reason to take a proactive response to disaster readiness.
In this article, we take a closer look at which conditions create the highest levels of risk, what steps can increase personal safety and protect property, and what to do if a home experiences a climate-related disaster.
How Climate Change Influences Weather
There are a few basic things concerning climate change that most people know:
- Global temperatures are rising.
- Greenhouse gas emissions are increasing at a rapid rate.
- These shifts affect not only temperature, but also the frequency of extreme thunderstorms, heavy rain events, flooding, high winds, forest fires, and other severe weather patterns.
It is not only that these events are happening more often than they have in the past, but also that they occur at intervals that are difficult to fully predict or plan for.
Instances of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and prolonged flooding have made it challenging for communities to know exactly how to respond.
Consequently, risk has increased not only for coastal properties where rising sea levels are a factor, but also for inland areas that previously gave little thought to flooded basements or winds strong enough to tear off roofs.
Types of Property Damage Linked to Climate Change
There are several common forms of property damage that correlate with changing or unpredictable weather patterns:
- Flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
- Water intrusion from roofs exposed to severe storms.
- Prolonged moisture that leads to microbial growth and structural damage.
Communities that historically experienced lower levels of rainfall may not be adequately prepared for a world in which more rain falls in unpredictable and concentrated quantities.
Fire-Related Damage
Paradoxically, when conditions are not excessively wet due to climate change, they are often too dry.
High temperatures combined with drought have led to longer and more uncontrollable wildfire seasons.
The geographic areas associated with wildfires have expanded rapidly in recent years. Not only are the risks more extensive, but they are also more varied.
Wildfires in Canada in 2023 produced smoke that caused health concerns and property-related issues as far south as the southern United States.
In terms of home damage, wildfires can be destructive in several ways. There is the obvious risk of burns causing structural and infrastructural damage.
However, even properties that have not been directly touched by flames may require restoration services due to smoke and soot damage.
Smoke can infiltrate HVAC systems, leading to widespread contamination of furniture and other personal belongings.
In the aftermath of a wildfire, there is often additional residual damage, including power failures and even water damage resulting from fire suppression efforts.
Preparing for a Climate-Related Disaster
If a property is located in an area known for environmental risk factors, there are proactive steps that can minimize the chances of climate-related damage.
Regular roof inspections and gutter cleaning, drainage improvements, and waterproofing are all effective ways to reduce the risk of moisture infiltration.
These measures may not be sufficient to protect against hurricane-related flooding, but they can serve as a strong defensive barrier against increased rainfall and other forms of water intrusion.
In terms of fire preparedness, home emergency kits and evacuation plans are an excellent first step. In life-threatening emergencies, securing personal safety is always the top priority. That said, fire-resistant landscaping can help mitigate the risk of damage in a wildfire scenario.
No matter the risk factors, there is always a post-disaster response to rely on. Insurance policies may cover certain types of damage, and restoration companies are available to help repair affected homes. The experience can be difficult, but the disruption does not have to be permanent when safety is prioritized first.
When the Dust Settles
When the dust settles and weather conditions have stabilized, it is time to begin putting the pieces back together.
This stage of the process can create significant stress and anxiety, but it does not have to be entirely overwhelming.
At AMA Restoration, we specialize in emergency response situations. Our services cover both fire and water damage, and we work directly with insurance companies to remove as much stress from the recovery process as possible.
Contact us today to learn more about the next steps.
