The UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland, aimed to deal with the effects of climate change by reducing the use of fossil fuels. It also highlighted the importance of using renewable energy resources to help protect the environment.
The participants agreed to reduce and end the use of nonrenewable energy sources to deal with climate change. Despite this, ordinary citizens can prepare for the effects of the long-term shift in weather patterns and temperatures.
And one of the best ways for people to do this is to build resilient homes to prepare for shifting weather patterns and increasing water levels.
Look Beyond the Building Code
When property owners build their homes, they make sure that they follow building codes to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities. While these building codes set a minimum requirement, property owners should go beyond the code and build more durable homes.
They should use building materials that increase the stability and durability of the structure. Property owners should remember that building codes use experiences to set the guidelines that builders should follow. And these codes cannot predict future extreme weather events that can make these guidelines ineffective. So, property owners should consider building beyond the code to increase the resiliency of their homes.
Protect Against Extreme Rainfall Events
Extreme rainfall events have increased in frequency in the United States over the past century. Climate change played a significant factor in this situation since it affects the frequency and intensity of the precipitation. Due to this, property owners should use building designs and materials to protect their homes from these events.
Property owners should use a roof design that guides water to the gutter and downspout. The gutter and downspout should also direct water away from the home to prevent water from building up and damaging its foundation.
To protect against hailstorms, they should use impact-resistant roofing materials. They should also install suitable protection for the windows. To prevent moisture from entering through the walls, property owners should use durable material and repel water. Finding a reliable render supplier is important to ensure you have enough of the material to make the walls durable and water repellant. The material also protects the home from dampness and condensation, resulting in the formation of molds.
They should also consider using a drainage system design that allows them to collect water for future use. They can use stored rainwater to nourish plants when hot weather comes. Property owners should also maintain the roof, gutter, and downspouts to prevent issues in the future.
Keep the Home Cool When Temperatures Rise
Aside from extreme rainfall, property owners should also prepare their homes for extreme increases in temperatures. Property owners should remember that the Earth’s temperature has steadily increased over the past century. And 2020 was the second-warmest year on record. So, property owners should make sure the house design takes the increasing temperature into account.
A well-designed home reduces the need for air conditioning, which results in lower electricity costs. Surrounding the home with vegetation and trees can help keep it cool during a heatwave. They should also consider using heat-resistant building materials.
Orienting the living room to use natural shading helps reduce the effect of summer heat. Property owners should also put the bedrooms in the coolest areas of the home is also a good idea. This allows them to have a comfortable sleep at night without using air conditioning. They should also incorporate natural ventilation into the home design.
Light-colored roofing is also a good idea to keep the home cool during the day. They should also use roofing materials featuring high solar reflectance. If they need to use cooling equipment, property owners should use renewable energy to help protect the environment.
Consider Possible Flash Floods
Another natural phenomenon that property owners should consider when they design their homes is the possibility of flash floods in their area. Even if the property is not located in a flood-prone area, property owners should still prepare for it since floods have become unpredictable in recent years.
The main factors associated with flooding are the intensity and duration of rainfall. And with rainfall happening in different parts of the country, it’s not easy to predict where floods will occur in the future. So, it’s advisable to prepare for it.
Property owners should raise floor level heights and construct multistory homes. They should also avoid putting the living areas on the lower levels. They should also consult an engineer to help them reduce the risk of flooding in their properties.
Property owners focus on using designs that increase the resiliency of their homes from extreme weather conditions.
